Gallstones are small stone-like objects usually composed of cholesterol that manifest in your gallbladder. In most cases, gallstones are asymptomatic and do not cause serious health problems. However, some stones may cause your gallbladder to become irritated and inflamed. Botanical medicines, or herbs, may help treat your gallbladder inflammation, although it is always wise to discuss the health implications of herbs with your doctor before using these substances.
About Gallstones
The University of California San Francisco Medical Center reports that approximately 1 million new cases of gallstones are diagnosed among Americans each year, and that about 10 percent of people suffer gallstone-related symptoms. Common symptoms include a persistent and severe pain in your upper abdominal region that may or may not radiate to your right shoulder blade, sweating and vomiting. Gallstone-related pain can last for up to several hours. Gallstones are most common in middle-aged women.
Helpful Botanicals
Several helpful botanical medicines may reduce the frequency and severity of your gallstone-related pain. Naturopathic physician and herbalist William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that the following herbs may be helpful in treating either gallstones or gallbladder problems: belladonna, barberry, fringe tree, boldo, reishi, agrimony, wild yam and catnip. Other beneficial botanicals for gallstones include dandelion root, fennel seed, ginger root and cramp bark.
Boldo
Boldo is a frequently used herb in the treatment of gallstones. Nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that leaves from the boldo tree -- a tree indigenous to central Chile -- contain medicinal ingredients that stimulate digestion and perform diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory actions in your body. Boldo is used in treating gallstones, cramping and gastrointestinal irritation. This herb may also help treat liver ailments and encourage the excretion of uric acid from your body.
Disclaimer
Two rare yet serious health complications are associated with gallstones: gallbladder cancer and gallstone ileus. Gallstones are a major risk factor in the development of gallbladder cancer. Gallstone ileus is a condition in which your bowel becomes obstructed by a gallstone. If you suffer gallstone-related pain, it is wise to visit your health care provider to be properly diagnosed and treated. Avoid using botanical medicines until you have discussed this treatment method with your family physician.
References
- National Health Service: Gallstones
- University of California-San Francisco: Gallstones
- "Plant Medicine in Practice;" William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
