A gallbladder attack, also called acute cholecystitis, occurs when the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to infection, injury, tumor, blockage or gallstones, the latter being the most common cause, according to MedlinePlus. Conventional treatment may involve pain medication and antibiotics, or surgery to remove the gallbladder might be necessary. Alternative herbal medicines for acute cholecystitis are called cholagogues; they promote bile flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and treat bacterial infections in the bile ducts. It is important to consult a professional before beginning herbal therapy, and cholagogues are not substitutes to conventional medical care.
Boldo
Boldo, or Peumus boldus, is a small tree with leathery leaves and bell-shaped yellow flowers native to South America. Folk healers in Brazil, Chile and Peru use boldo to treat liver problems, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. The homeopathic medicine, boldo fragrans, is used for gallstones and cholecystitis. Boldo contains the alkaloid boldine, which is likely responsible for its effects on the liver and gallbladder. “Medicinal Plants of the World” states that boldine stimulates bile secretion from the gallbladder and inhibits muscarinergic acetylcholine receptors, thus relaxing muscles and reducing the spasms of a gallbladder attack. While boldo may be effective in treating gallstones and gallbladder attacks, the Tropical Plant Database cautions that it should be used in small doses to avoid a too-rapid expulsion of stones from the gallbladder, and should not be used during pregnancy. Research is needed to test the efficacy and safety of boldo on humans.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcumin longa, is a culinary and medicinal herb used throughout Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to increase bile secretion, remove gallstones and reduce inflammation and pain. Indian Ayurvedic medicine uses turmeric for digestive problems, to stimulate bile and as an antibacterial agent. “Medicinal Plants of the World” states that turmeric may be a supportive treatment for bacterial infection and inflammation of the gallbladder and bile ducts, which may be one cause of a gallbladder attack, but should not be used if the attack is due instead to stones or blockage. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” states that turmeric can reduce the risk of recurring gallbladder attacks. More research and clinical trials are necessary to determine scientifically whether turmeric is useful in treating gallbaldder attacks.
Dandelion
Dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, is a perennial herb used as a food and medicine. It is generally considered a weed, but dandelion is an important herb for the liver and gallbladder. The roots and leaves contain bitter compounds and plant steroids that stimulate bile secretion from the gallbladder, and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dandelion is also a lithotropic, according to botanist M. Daniel, which means it can dissolve and expel gallstones. Herbalist David Hoffmann states that dandelion may be helpful in relieving gallbladder inflammation and congestion. Further research is necessary to determine the scientific validity of traditional uses of dandelion; patients should consult with their doctors prior to using dandelion for gallbladder attacks.
References
- MedlinePlus: Acute cholecystitis
- “Medicinal Plants of the World”; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- Tropical Plant Database
- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”; Phyllis Balch, CNC, and James Balch. M.D.; 2000
- “Medicinal Plants: Chemistry and Properties”; M. Daniel; 2008
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