Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis (Stones in Gallbladder)- A Case Study at Adyant Ayurveda

Treatment Done by – Dr Sumana Patavardhan. K.S. – BAMS, MD(Ayu) & Dr Priyamvada Choudhary – BAMS

Branch – Adyant Ayurveda Indiranagar

Introduction of Cholelithiasis

The presence of stones in the gallbladder is referred to as cholelithiasis. The stones are formed when the concentrations of various constituents in the gall bladder are not in the desired proportions. The composition of gallstones is affected by age, diet, and ethnicity. On the basis of their composition, gallstones can be divided into the following types:

1. Cholesterol stones
2. Bilirubin stones
3. Mixed stones

Ayurveda has no direct textual reference to gallstones, but Bastigata Ashmari has been extensively explained, correlating to urinary calculi. However, the gallbladder is termed ‘Pittashaya‘ in Ayurveda, and the bile secreted from the gallbladder has been mentioned under the name ‘Accha Pitta‘; thus, its solidification can be inferred as ‘Pittashmari‘.

Ayurveda recommends a multifaceted treatment approach for cholelithiasis, focusing on strengthening digestion, removing accumulated toxins, and purging the body of excess Pitta. These interventions include dietary modifications, the use of Pitta-pacifying herbs, and therapies like Panchakarma (a detoxification process involving practices such as Virechana and Basti), all aimed at promoting balance and restoring normal physiological functions.

A Patient’s Case Report – Adyant Ayurveda Indiranagar Branch

 A female patient aged 37 years came with the complaints of Udarshul (pain in the right hypochondriac region and back), which was moderate in nature, and associated with hyperacidity for one year.

Asthavidha Pariksha

Investigations

USG (Abdomen and pelvis) -18/06/2025 Gall bladder – Well distended – shows multiple GB calculi 2 mm to 3 mm in size seen in the GB lumen.

Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis

Virechana for 12 days

On the 3^rd day of abhyanga, 40g of trivrut lehyam was given

Patient had 9 Vegas

Samsarjana Krama for 3 days-

With Peya and Vilepi, the patient was told to come back to a normal diet gradually

Follow-up: after 5 days

Aushadhi-  For 2 months

1. Pittarechaka kwatha- 15 ml-15ml-15ml -B/F mixed with 40ml of water
2. Pithorin tablet-1-0-1- A/F

Pathya-Apathya (Diet – What to Eat & Not to Eat)

1. The patient should drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day.
2. Barley water and tender coconut water are useful here.
3. Consuming Kulattha, green gram, old rice, wheat, Gogritha, Dadima, Yavakshara, juice of Kushmanda, vegetables prepared from leaves of Varuna, Shigru.
4. Avoid black Gram, Amla, Lavana, Katu, brinjal, tomato, spinach.

Results – Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis