Ayurveda and lifestyle interventions for the management of cholelithiasis: An experience

Cholelithiasis, commonly known as gallbladder stones, remains a widespread health concern globally, often resulting in considerable discomfort including pain, fever, and vomiting, and complications such as cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder, and pancreatitis. While conventional approaches such as surgery and pharmacotherapy are commonly employed, they are not without limitations, leading to increased interest toward alternative approaches. This report presents the Ayurveda management of gallbladder stones in a 36-year-old male who presented with recurrent episodes of epigastric pain, diagnosed with multiple gallbladder stones through ultrasonography, with the largest stone measuring approximately 13.9 mm in diameter. The patient was given Ayurveda treatment which included herbo-mineral formulations such as Arogyavardhini rasa and Brihat yakridari lauha , alongside classical herbal preparations such as Kumaryasava, Jeerakadyarishta, and Punarnavasava . The patient was also advised dietary and lifestyle modifications emphasizing a bland, easily digestible diet and avoidance of oily and spicy foods. Over a treatment period of 12 weeks, the patient reported complete resolution of pain and significant improvement in digestion and overall well-being. On follow-up, ultrasonography reports revealed a reduction in stone size, with the largest stone decreasing to 4–5 mm, along with improved gallbladder motility and no pericholecystic edema. This case underscores the potential of Ayurveda therapy and lifestyle modification in the effective management of gallbladder stones, offering a holistic approach that not only targets symptom relief but also aims at addressing the root cause through balancing bodily systems. However, further clinical studies are essential to substantiate the findings and standardize Ayurveda treatment protocols for the management of gallbladder stones.