Another risk is that a stone may escape the gallbladder and obstruct the common bile duct. When this happens, the liver cannot unload the bile it produces, putting it at risk of permanent injury and creating a true surgical emergency. However, during the period in which pain is only occasional or intermittent, the risks incurred by postponing surgery are slight. During the same interval when the medication Actigall might be tried, some of the agents described here could be considered as possibilities. Unfortunately, none are well established as effective.
Medical supervision is definitely essential.
The proper dosage is not clear, but a typical recommendation is 1 or 2 capsules containing 0.2 ml of peppermint oil 3 times daily. Excessive doses of peppermint oil can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms, so do not take more than this amount. Other Herbs and Supplements Other herbs that are widely prescribed in Germany for gallbladder pain include artichoke leaf, boldo, dandelion root, fumitory, greater celandine, and turmeric . The supplement betaine hydrochloride is also sometimes recommended for gallbladder problems, although there is no real evidence as yet that it works. Somerville KW, et al.