Ayurveda refers to gallstones as Pittashmari. Gallstone formation is the most common disorder of the biliary tract. The process of formation of gallstones is called cholelithiasis in modern medicine. Though men and women both suffer from gallstones, their prevalence is much more in middle aged women. Formation of gallstones is caused mainly by congestion and obstruction in the flow of bile. Many factors like food habits, body weight and genetic predisposition undoubtedly play a role in formation of gallstones. Gallstones usually occur in conjunction with cholecystitis which means inflammation of the wall of the gall bladder.
According to Ayurveda, all three doshas viz. vata, pitta and kapha play a role in formation of gallstones. Excessive increase of pitta (caused by hot, spicy food, alcohol etc.) creates the basis for stone formation. Kapha increased by fatty, heavy foods mixes with pitta and produces a highly sticky mixture. Vata dries this mixture and moulds it into shape of a stone. Gallstones treatment in Ayurveda addresses the root-cause with customized medicines along with diet and lifestyle recommendations.
