24 Herbs For Gall Bladder Health
Herbs Gallbladder
Gall Bladder Functions
The gallbladder is a small pear shaped organ that is attached to the underside of the liver, located in the upper right abdomen just under the ribs. Its function is to store and concentrate bile which is produced by the liver and is necessary for the proper digestion of fats. The food we eat, triggers the gallbladder to release this bile, which then digests saturated fat, and flushes cholesterol and other toxins out of the body.
Gallstones
The bile salts are made up of mostly solids suspended in a sodium solution. If the body needs organic sodium to help alkalize the body, it will draw from the gallbladder’s reserve. If the liver is overloaded with toxins and saturated fats, the bile (which carries toxins and fats) will eventually inflame the gallbladder. When enough cholesterol deposits (from saturated fats) have formed, they crystallize with the bile to form gallstones. In other words, gallstones occur when one of the compounds in bile, particularly cholesterol, becomes so saturated that it forms a solid. If the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen, or what we call a “gallbladder attack”. If a gallstone lodges in the bile duct, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, infection, and sometimes even jaundice due to the blocking of bile. These symptoms often arise after the individual has eaten fried or fatty foods. In more serious conditions, nausea, vomiting and fever can occur. This condition must be treated immediately as it can be life threatening.
What you consume is an important consideration. Too much meat, fats, or greasy food puts more of a demand on the gallbladder. A Vitamin D deficiency or a magnesium deficiency or inorganic calcium such as milk or cheap synthetic calcium supplements (such as Tums) can promote calcium stones to form. Some stones are formed because of too much uric acid in the system.
Symptoms: Possible symptoms of a less than healthy gallbladder are: yellow discoloration of the skin, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constant nausea, sensitivity to greasy foods, cabbage, cauliflower, or sharp pains between the shoulder blades. Symptoms may also include right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort or sharp pain, gas or fullness after a heavy meal. The pain can also spread to the chest, neck or back. In addition to these symptoms, stones expelled from the gallbladder during contraction may become lodged within the bile duct leading to infection of the bile duct or gallbladder.
Approximately 80% of all gallstones show no symptoms and may remain “silent” for years. Once symptoms arise, they persist and increase in frequency. The most common triggers for gallbladder attacks are caffeine, chocolate, eggs, dairy products (especially ice cream) and greasy or deep fried foods.
How to prevent Gallstones
Maintaining gallbladder health is essential for the digestive process, and it’s not only possible to heal the gallbladder naturally – it’s also preferable. As with many health conditions, preventing gallstones is preferable to treating them after they have formed. Increasing the amount of bile produced decreases its concentration. And the greater volume is also more likely to flush out a stone. Research indicates that a high-fiber, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet rich in vitamins C and E helps prevent stones from forming. That’s good news because items commonly found in simple gardens can help ward off gallstones. Vegetables and fruits, which tend to be high in fiber and vitamins, low in fat, and cholesterol free, are popular and healthy choices.
Herbal Remedies for Gallstones
Caution: Whether you have gallbladder disease, gallstones or other stressors on your gallbladder, certain herbs may help. Some also improve liver function. However, certain herbs that help your gallbladder to expel gallstones may be particularly risky, because the gallstones may become lodged in your bile ducts and rupture. As with any herbal remedy, you must consult your physician before beginning an herbal regimen.
The herbal approach to gallbladder inflammation (Cholecystitis) is to use specific anti-inflammatories that help soothe and heal the gall bladder linings. Antispasmpodic herbs are useful in acute attacks, while cholegogues (herbs that stimulate bile production) are important in long term treatment. They make the bile more liquid and flush out a stagnant and toxic gallbladder. This also helps to prevent gallstones and deal with existing ones. Many holistic practitioners find that a combination of nutrients, herbs and detoxification therapy makes gallbladder surgery a rare necessity. A side benefit of these lipotropic herbs that stimulate the liver and bile is an improvement of blood cholesterol (which is manufactured in the liver) and reduction of obesity.
A qualified health care practitioner should monitor herbal treatment of them. Once stones have formed, they can cause urgent medical problems if they block the bile duct. In that case, surgery may be necessary. But if surgery is not needed and they are not serious, herbal remedies can be a healthy and effective treatment for preventing and helping with gallstones. However, eating healthily to avoid getting gallstones in the first place is always advised.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) helps to treat gallbladder pain related to gallstones. Dandelion root contains bitter compounds (eg. Taraxacin) that stimulate bile production in the gallbladder, explains the University of Michigan Health System. Dandelion may also help the body in processing fats, which helps to support the gallbladder and liver.
Milk Thistle (silybum marianum): If you have gallbladder problems such as gallstones, taking milk thistle extract may help. Milk thistle in capsule or tablet form may help to prevent gallstones, says the University of Michigan Health System. Silymarin in milk thistle can stimulate bile production and help flush out gallstones. One study found that taking 420 mg of the silymarin contained in milk thistle daily helps to decrease the cholesterol levels in bile, which helps to prevent gallstones from forming. To support your liver and gallbladder, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 80 mg to 160 mg of standardized milk thistle seed extract two to three times daily. Milk Thistle can be taken as tea or tincture or eaten steamed. Trim the sharp edges off young milk thistle leaves. Mix them with dandelion greens and steam as you would spinach; you can even eat them raw.
Peppermint(Mentha piperta): Peppermint Leaf is a natural anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant. It can reduce the size of gallstones or eliminate them completely. Some users claim they’ve even avoided surgery with the use of peppermint. Peppermint oil may help to dissolve gallstones, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Preliminary medical studies have found that taking peppermint or other essential plant oils helps to dissolve gallstones over the course of several months and can provide increased gallbladder benefits when taken with the prescription medication chenodeoxycholic acid, notes the University of Michigan Health System. It is also known as a muscle relaxant and reduces inflammation.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus): An extract taken from the leaves of the globe artichoke may help to support the gallbladder and liver, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. In Germany, artichoke leaf is prescribed as an herbal remedy for gallbladder pain associated with gallstones. Artichoke leaf may help the gallbladder to contract and push out the gallstones, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. To support gallbladder function, take 250 mg to 500 mg two to three times per day of standardized globe artichoke extract.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Taking 300 mg three times daily of standardized turmeric extract may help to support your liver and gallbladder, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Like artichoke extract, turmeric works to expel gallstones from the gallbladder. Turmeric is also used in Germany for gallbladder pain, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Turmeric doubles the bile output and increases its solubility. Hepatoprotective: protects the liver from free radicals and toxicity. Effective against most bacteria associated with gallbladder inflammation.
Cramp bark (Viburnum prunifolia) eases intestinal muscle tension as well as muscular tension in limbs and the back, in the uterus in women, and in our airways. It is also used to relieve the pain of menstruation cramping, to lower blood pressure, and to assist the circulatory system. Cramp Bark, often Known as a nerve sedative is anti-spasmodic and therefore helps with cramps. This is very helpful for people with Gallstones. It is also used to relieve muscle tension in the intestines, airways, uterus, and striated muscles in the limbs or back.
Barberry Bark (Berberis vulgaris) is perhaps one of the most beneficial herbs known to alleviate digestive problems. It normalizes liver function by relieving congestion in the liver, (which causes jaundice) and in turn promoting bile flow and the creation of macrophages (the white blood cells responsible for fighting off harmful substances in the body). It treats inflammation of the gallbladder and helps fight gallstones. Berberine in Barberry Bark is the agent responsible for treating viral and bacterial infections and fungal infections. It is being tested for use in treating diabetes, cardiac arrhythmia, and in prostate cancer and leukemia. Scientists are even exploring its effectiveness in treating the deadly MRSA. (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. It is also called multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.)
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) is an amazing little substance. It actually shrank tumors in scientific testing. It inhibits the absorption of cholesterol. It stimulates conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, which we know are essential in removing poisons and other toxins in our bodies. Ginger also inhibits platelet aggregation.
Catnip Herb (Nepeta cateria) isn’t just for cats anymore! Catnip Herb treats inflammation and pain because it has a calming effect on the nervous system. It removes toxins and promotes a healthy environment in the stomach and the liver. Catnip Herb is even used to dissolve gallstones. Catnip also nourishes the stomach and nerves. Catnip herb also helps to eliminate toxins and flush Gallstones.
Oregon grape enhances blood flow to the liver and increases bile production. It can be combined with dandelion and milk thistle in a tea. This blend is even more effective when mixed with herbs such as chamomile, marshmallow, and slippery elm, which have relaxing and soothing properties. This mixture will also help decrease gallbladder inflammation.
Rosemary stimulates bile production, too, while also eliminating any spasms that might occur in the bile duct. It is well-known for aiding fat digestion and is often used as an herb in high-fat dishes. Its flavor helps to cut the richness of fat.
Mint Oil: Several studies have shown concentrated mint oil capsules can, if taken for several months, help break down small gallstones.
Wild yam is another herb that increases bile flow and is also said to lessen the pain of gallstones. Like rosemary, it is an antispasmodic herb. Wild Yam is very good for the liver and endocrine system, by toning and nourishing the gallbladder, it helps to balance hormone production.
Herbal Gallstone Tea : Try this herbal tea to help ease the passing of gallstones.
1 teaspoon Oregon grape root, 2 teaspoons marshmallow root, 2 teaspoons dandelion leaves, dried (or 1 teaspoon root), 1 teaspoon peppermint, 4 cups water. Simmer roots in water for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add dandelion leaves. Let steep 15 minutes. Strain. Drink immediately or refrigerate. Use as a tea throughout the day, preferably after meals.
Fennel Seed (Eletteria cardamomum) helps open obstructions of the liver, gall bladder and spleen to ease painful swellings. Fennel is also used to treat yellow jaundice, the gout and occasional cramps.
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: Traditional European folk remedy recommends the use of olive oil and lemon juice to flush the gallstones out.
Gold Coin Grass (Herba Lysimachiae): Traditional Chinese medicine recommends the use of “Gold Coin Grass (GCG)” (Chinese sound translation: Chin-chien Tsao) to crush and soften the stones so that they may come out slowly. This tends to take a relatively long time. However, centuries of experience has shown that Gold Coin Grass (GCG) can be taken safely without side effects. In most cases, alleviation of gallbladder pain is experienced within a few days of using Gold Coin Grass (GCG) in tincture form. Stones crushed by Gold Coin Grass (GCG) may come out in any shape including flat pieces or sand.
Balmony (Turtlehead/Chelone glabra): A bile stimulant, used for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. For jaundice due to stone obstruction, relieves nausea and vomiting, useful for intestinal worms, mildly laxative. A good herb for children.
Culver’s Root (Leptandra virginica): Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and strong bile stimulant, Relieves liver congestion. Useful in jaundice, chronic constipation. Treats gallbladder inflammation; not for use with gallstones.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginiana): A bile stimulant for preventing and dissolving cholesterol gallstones. Can be used for acute gallbladder attack or jaundice from gallbladder obstruction. Also therapeutic for hepatitis, cirrhosis, illness recovery. Effective tonic for the liver, pancreas and spleen, useful in pre-diabetes.
Oregon Grape/Mahonia (Berberis aquifolia): Similar to goldenseal, mahonia is a bitter bile stimulant that tonifies the gallbladder and improves liver functioning. Used for jaundice, skin disorders related to poor liver or gallbladder function (i.e., psoriasis, eczema). Improves digestion, regulates colon.
Garlic (Allium sativa): Suitable for eradicating many of the bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms that cause gallbladder inflammation, supports normal flora. Lowers cholesterol, anti-inflammatory. Protects the liver from damage.
Celandine (Chelidonium majus): An antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory liver tonic and detoxifier. Treats gallstones, gallbladder pain, jaundice, hepatitis, constipation. Relaxes gallbladder, improves bile flow. Excellent for gallbladder colic with pain in right upper abdomen, radiating to back or shoulder blades.
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa): Antispasmodic for relieving cramps and colic in the entire GI tract. Relieves the pain of gallbladder colic and spasm; acts rapidly. Stimulates bile flow and is anti-inflammatory; a good herb for children.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES, HERBAL TEAS, HERBS
