Herbal Remedies For Gallbladder

Your gallbladder is a small, hollow organ that is located in your abdomen, just below your liver in your right upper abdominal quadrant. MedlinePlus states that your gall bladder assists digestion and is a storage vessel for bile -- a digestive juice manufactured by your liver. Your gallbladder is comprised of several distinct parts, including a body, neck and base, which is also called the fundus. Before taking herbs or other substances to improve your gallbladder health and function, talk with your physician about procedures, alternatives and risks.

Gallbladder Problems

Gallbladder problems can cause significant pain or discomfort. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that two of the most common gallbladder problems are cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Cholecystitis the medical term for inflammation of your gallbladder, and cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstones. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with gallbladder problems include abdominal pain that is worse after meals, nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite. Women have a greater risk of developing gallstones than men.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies have been used for many years to help treat gallbladder disease. Most herbal treatments for your gallbladder target your gallstones and biliary colic. Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that helpful herbal supplements for gallstones include dandelion, boldo, milk thistle, globe artichoke and turmeric. Fringe tree, peppermint and wild yam may also be helpful. Herbal remedies for your gallbladder should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, increased water consumption and other dietary supplements.

Featured Herbal Remedy

Fringe tree is an herbal remedy that has long been used to help treat gallbladder disease, especially gallstones. Fringe tree is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is indigenous to the eastern United States. The inner bark of the tree is used in herbal preparations. Fringe tree possesses both cholagogue and choleretic activity, which means that it stimulates both the synthesis of bile in your liver and the flow of bile from your gallbladder. Fringe tree helps thin your bile, thereby preventing the formation of gallstones.

Disclaimer

Herbal remedies, although generally safe, should be taken under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. A physician who is trained in herbal medicine can recommend the most effective herbs for your symptoms and conditions. Some herb should be avoided if you are pregnant or have medical conditions such as hypertension or bleeding disorders. Before taking herbs to help treat your health problem, it is important understand the possible benefits and risks associated with herbal supplementation.