The fat you consume does not dissolve in water. Because of this, your digestive system is specially designed to absorb fats through the intestinal wall. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies the fat for digestion. Eating fat stimulates the gallbladder contraction so bile flows out from bile ducts and into the intestines. Consuming certain herbs may help keep this organ cleansed for optimal function.
Chamomile
Gallstones are a common complication of the gallbladder, although the reason why and how these cholesterol-formed balls emerge is not fully understood. Drinking two to three cups of chamomile tea per day helps cleanse the gallbladder and break down gallstones, according to Andreas Moritz in the book "The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush." Chamomile contains the active ingredients bisabolol, chrysin and courmarin. Bisabolol is anti-inflammatory; chrysin calms the nerves; and coumarin may help thin the blood. Chamomile helps relax bile ducts and cleanse the gallbladder.
Gravel Root
Gravel root is beneficial for both the liver and gallbladder by actively preventing and dissolving obstructions in the bile ducts, according to Amy Rost in her book "Natural Healing Wisdom and Know How." Rost recommends mixing gravel root, dandelion root, turmeric, licorice and ginger root for a comprehensive cleanse of these two conjoined organs. Nonetheless, if you have pain or discomfort in tandem with inflammation or a fever, you should immediately contact your physician.
Milk Thistle
Since the liver and gallbladder and interconnected, using an herb beneficial to one is often beneficial for the other as well. Like gravel root, milk thistle helps eliminate toxins from the liver by stimulating bile production to keep ducts clear of obstructions. The compound silymarin, present in milk thistle, enhances both liver and gallbladder function while also delivering excellent antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage to the organs, according to Cherie and John Calbom in their book "The Coconut Diet."
References
- University of Pennsylvania Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery: Gall Bladder Disease
- "The Amazing Liver and Gallbladder Flush"; Andreas Moritz; 2005
- "Natural Healing Wisdom and Know How"; Amy Rost; 2009
- "The Coconut Diet"; Cherie Calbom and John Calbom; 2005
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