The gallbladder produces bile, which aids in the digestion of fat. The Mayo Clinic explains that this bile can become saturated with cholesterol and harden into gallstones. If you suffer from a gallstone attack, with symptoms such as an incredibly intense pain in the abdomen, back pain right between your shoulder blades, yellowing of the skin and eyes and a high fever, you need to seek immediate medical treatment. However, according to "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," two-thirds of people with gallstones have no symptoms, and the Mayo Clinic suggests that in cases like this, alternative therapies can reduce risk of future gallstone complications, and there are several herbal options.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is thought to work by making cholesterol more soluble in bile, thus causing gallstones to stop growing or even to dissolve. Dr. James Balch and Dr. Mark Stengler of "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures" suggest taking 420 mg of milk thistle daily. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer adds that an extract standardized to 70 percent silymarin works best.
Dandelion Root
Dr. Kiefer also suggests dandelion root to prevent the formation of gallstones. He explains that dandelion root is a cholagogue, which means that it stimulates liver cells to produce more bile. The increased flow of bile helps keep bile ducts clear. It works best when taken 20 to 30 minutes before meals. In "Solve It With Supplements," Dr. Robert Schulman advises that you always take dandelion root under the supervision of a doctor.
Turmeric
Turmeric also increases bile flow, clearing the bile ducts. Dr. Balch and Dr. Stengler explain that turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory and relaxes bile ducts, so that it allows for easier passage of bile through the ducts. They suggest consuming turmeric containing 150 mg of curcumin before each meal.
Peppermint Leaf
Peppermint leaf can relieve non-severe discomfort being caused by gallstones. It prevents spasms in the upper gastrointestinal tract and the bile ducts. Dr. Schulman advises drinking a peppermint tea two to three times a day. To make peppermint tea, steep one tbsp. of peppermint leaf in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Wild Yam Root
Wild yam root has a similar antispasmodic effect on the bile ducts. Dr. Balch and Dr. Stengler suggest taking a 500 mg capsule of wild yam root every hour to relieve non-severe gallbladder discomfort.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Gallstones
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- "Solve It With Supplements"; Robert A. Schulman, M.D.; 2007
