Gallstones are firm masses that develop inside your gallbladder, which is a hollow organ in your abdomen. Gallstones, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, vary considerably in size, and they can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Herbal treatments are a natural method for treating or preventing gallstones and are sometimes prescribed by health care providers. Consult your doctor before beginning a course of herbs.
Gallstone Information
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that about 90 percent of gallstones are asymptomatic, meaning they don't do cause abdominal discomfort or other symptoms. There are two principal types of gallstones: those created from cholesterol, and those created from too much of the chemical bilirubin in the bile. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that gallstones occur most commonly in certain ethnic groups, women and people over 40. Gallstones also tend to run in families. Sharp pain in your right upper or middle abdomen is one of the most common symptoms of this condition.
Herbal Treatments
In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," herbalist Ed Smith states that three herbal treatments may be particularly helpful in treating gallstones, including peppermint spirits, khella and celandine. Other helpful herbs, notes Phyllis Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," may include turmeric, cramp bark, fringe tree, ginger root, barberry, parsley and wild yam. Herbs that possess anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action and encourage bile flow are particularly helpful for this condition.
Helpful Remedy
Wild yam, also called Dioscorea villosa, is a helpful remedy in treating gallstones. Balch notes that wild yam decreases both muscle spasms and inflammation and effectively treats numerous ailments, including gallbladder disorders, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones and nerve pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, wild yam -- a tuberous vine -- has also been used to help treat osteoporosis, elevated cholesterol levels and menopausal symptoms. Wild yam should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
Warning
Because herbal treatments often work like prescription medications, it is always wise to exercise great caution when using herbs. Health care providers who have received advanced training in herbal medicine -- including their various uses and side effects -- can counsel you on which herbs you should take and which herbs you should avoid. Ensure your long-term health and well-being by discussing herb-related topics with your health care provider before using herbs to treat your ailments.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Gallstones
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Wild Yam
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
