Gallstones are stone-like materials that form inside the gallbladder, a sac located under the liver. Many people do not find out they have gallstones until they are faced with serious complications such as pain, infection and inflammation. The aqueous extracts of many herbs have been used for years to remove gallstone symptoms and dissolve gallstones. Before taking an herb or botanical, consult your doctor.
Brickellia
Brickellia, an erect perennial herb, has been studied for its effects on the role of the gallbladder in fat digestion. It evacuates bile from the gallbladder into the intestine. Intestinal bile improves fat absorption and digestion. Brickellia helps rid the body of gallstones due to an increased bile flow or an increase in the capacity of the bile to dissolve gallstones, according to the Medicinal Plants of the Southwest program at New Mexico State University.
Peppermint Oil
Long-term administration of peppermint oil--the oil extract of a pungent and aromatic mint--has been shown to dissolve gallstones and prevent their formation, according to a preliminary study at Cox College, Missouri. Dissolution has been noted in about 10 percent people. Moreover, months or years of treatment may be necessary before all your gallstones dissolve. Use peppermint or any other herbs only under a doctor's close supervision.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region, is sometimes recommended for gallstone and gallbladder disease; however, much is unknown still about its dissolving effect on gallstones. The seeds and leaves of milk thistle have been shown to desaturate bile, a fluid made by the liver, and induce gallstone dissolution, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center website. Milk thistle possesses little or no toxicity and does not produce side effects even when administered repeatedly in large doses.
Artichoke
Artichoke, a tall Mediterranean herb, has been used in traditional European medicine as an anti-gallstone agent. The leaves of artichoke stimulate the liver and increase the flow of bile, and contribute to the dissolution of gallstones, the New York University Langone Medical Center notes. Safety testing on artichoke leaf has shown minimal side effects. However, it should not be taken during pregnancy and when you are breastfeeding. Safety in young children below the age of 4 years has not been confirmed yet.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease - Introduction; June 6, 2009
- New Mexico State University: Medicinal Plants of the Southwest; Brickellia Grandiflora; Richard, et al.; 2002
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Milk Thristle;
- New York University Langone Medical Center; Gallstones
- Cox College; Peppermint; December 23, 2009
- New York University Langone Medical Center; Artichoke
