Can gallbladder stones be expelled using traditional Chinese medicine?

There is a certain possibility that gallbladder stones can be expelled using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), although effectiveness varies among individuals. The analysis is as follows:

In TCM, the formation of gallbladder stones is believed to be associated with disharmony of the liver and gallbladder, Qi stagnation and blood stasis, and internal accumulation of damp-heat. Herbs may help improve the gallbladder environment and promote bile secretion and excretion by regulating organ function, unblocking meridians, clearing dampness, and resolving stasis, which may aid in expelling small stones.

For example, chicken gizzard lining (Ji Nei Jin) has functions of strengthening digestion, eliminating food stagnation, promoting diuresis, and resolving stones, thus facilitating stone expulsion. Lysimachia christinae (Jin Qian Cao) clears heat, removes dampness, promotes urination, reduces edema, increases urine output, and assists in stone elimination. However, TCM has limited effectiveness on larger or more complex stones, which require combination with other treatment methods.

If attempting TCM treatment, it is essential to undergo syndrome differentiation and treatment under the guidance of a qualified TCM physician, avoiding self-medication. Regular follow-up examinations are necessary during treatment, monitoring stone changes via imaging studies, and timely adjustment of the treatment plan.

If stones are large or cause severe symptoms such as intense abdominal pain or jaundice, prompt medical attention should be sought, and surgical treatment should be considered. TCM treatment requires long-term adherence, and patients should remain patient, actively follow medical advice, and manage the condition comprehensively.