What Chinese patent medicines should be taken for gallstones?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, patients with gallstones can use Chinese patent medicines as adjunctive treatment under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used medications include Dan Ning tablets, Jin Dan tablets, Xiaoyan Li Dan tablets, Li Dan Pai Shi tablets, Xiong Dan capsules, and other similar drugs. In addition, other appropriate Chinese patent medicines may also be used under medical supervision. During treatment, patients should maintain a light and bland diet.

Under normal circumstances, patients with gallstones can use traditional Chinese patent medicines as adjunctive therapy under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used medications include Dan Ning Pian (Gallbladder Soothing Tablets), Jin Dan Pian (Golden Gall Tablets), Xiao Yan Li Dan Pian (Anti-inflammatory and Gallbladder-Draining Tablets), Li Dan Pai Shi Pian (Gallstone-Expelling and Gallbladder-Draining Tablets), and Xiong Dan Jiao Nang (Bear Bile Capsules). Detailed information is as follows:

1. Dan Ning Pian (Gallbladder Soothing Tablets)

Dan Ning Pian consists of ingredients such as rhubarb, Polygonum cuspidatum, and green tangerine peel, and has the effects of soothing the liver and promoting bile flow, clearing heat, and inducing downward movement. It helps alleviate symptoms in patients with chronic cholecystitis or gallstones due to liver qi stagnation and lingering damp-heat, such as dull pain in the upper right abdomen, postprandial abdominal distension, and constipation.

2. Jin Dan Pian (Golden Gall Tablets)

Jin Dan Pian contains traditional Chinese herbs including gentian, herba lysimachiae, and Polygonum cuspidatum, which help promote bile secretion and reduce inflammation. It can relieve discomforts such as flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, and dark urine caused by liver-gallbladder damp-heat in acute or chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and biliary tract infections, providing supportive treatment for gallstone patients with concurrent inflammation.

3. Xiao Yan Li Dan Pian (Anti-inflammatory and Gallbladder-Draining Tablets)

Xiao Yan Li Dan Pian is made from Andrographis paniculata, Herba erigerontis, and Picrasma quassioides, and possesses functions of clearing heat, removing dampness, and promoting bile flow. It is suitable for flank pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by liver-gallbladder damp-heat, as well as acute cholecystitis and cholangitis presenting with the above symptoms.

4. Li Dan Pai Shi Pian (Gallstone-Expelling and Gallbladder-Draining Tablets)

Li Dan Pai Shi Pian contains ingredients such as herba lysimachiae, Artemisia capillaris, and Scutellaria baicalensis, and functions to clear heat and dampness, promote bile flow, and facilitate stone expulsion. It can be used to treat flank pain and gallbladder distension caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat toxin and impaired bowel qi, as well as cholecystitis and cholelithiasis exhibiting these symptoms.

5. Xiong Dan Jiao Nang (Bear Bile Capsules)

The main ingredient of Bear Bile Capsules is powdered bear bile, which has effects of clearing heat, calming the liver, and improving vision. It may also serve as an adjunct in managing flank pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by liver-gallbladder damp-heat, offering regulatory benefits for gallstone patients with damp-heat syndrome.

In addition, gallstone patients may also use other appropriate Chinese patent medicines under medical supervision. During treatment, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid greasy and spicy foods, keep regular作息 (daily routines), and undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor disease progression.

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What foods should patients with gallstones avoid eating?

In general, to avoid stimulating gallbladder contraction and worsening their condition, patients with gallstones should avoid foods high in cholesterol and fat, spicy and irritating foods, alcoholic beverages, and overly sweet foods. In daily life, in addition to controlling their diet, gallstone patients should also maintain regular meal times and avoid binge eating or prolonged fasting.

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What meats can patients with gallstones eat?

In general, to reduce the burden on the gallbladder, patients with gallstones should consume low-fat, easily digestible meats such as skinless poultry, fish, lean pork, lean beef, and rabbit meat. In daily life, in addition to choosing appropriate types of meat, patients should avoid frying or braising when cooking; instead, they should prefer light methods such as steaming, boiling, or stewing, and also control their portion sizes.

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Will skipping breakfast lead to gallstones?

In general, whether skipping breakfast leads to gallstones depends on individual dietary habits and physical condition. In daily life, it is advisable to develop a habit of eating breakfast regularly. Breakfast should include whole grains, high-quality protein, and vegetables to promote normal bile emptying; avoid prolonged fasting or overeating to reduce the risk of bile stasis; and undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations.

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Is a 6mm gallstone severe?

In general, whether a 6 mm gallstone is serious depends on the patient's specific symptoms and presence of complications. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, it is important to maintain a low-fat diet and avoid fried foods, animal offal, and similar items; eat meals regularly, avoiding overeating or prolonged fasting; and undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations.