Gallstones are hard formations of cholesterol and bile acids that form in your gallbladder, although about 25 percent of gallstones are made up of calcium salts. They affect more than 25 million adults in the United States, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Gallstones can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Herbs should not replace medical treatment for gallstones; however, certain herbs may help flush gallstones from your body. Check with your physician before taking any herb to treat gallstones.
Dandelion
Dandelion is primarily considered a bothersome yard weed in the United States; however, this herb may offer medicinal benefits. Ancient Chinese healers used dandelion to treat cold symptoms, bronchitis, ulcers and obesity. Dandelion may also help treat gallstones, according to Balch. Dandelion is a mild diuretic that may help flush gallstones from your gallbladder and eliminate them from your body. Consult your physician before using dandelion to treat gallstones -- this herb may occasionally cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is more well known in the United States as a culinary spice than as a medicinal herb; however, its use in herbal medicine dates back to 2700 BCE, when Chinese healers began using cinnamon as a fever remedy, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Eugenol, the primary chemical in cinnamon, may help break down gallstones and flush them from your body. Eugenol may also offer antibiotic benefits, reducing your risk of gallbladder infection. Talk to your doctor before treating gallstones with cinnamon. In rare cases, it may cause nausea.
Parsley
Like cinnamon, parsley is primarily regarded for its culinary uses; however, ancient Romans believed that parsley could cure epilepsy, according to Castleman. Medieval German physicians used it as a treatment for arthritis. The diuretic properties of parsley may also help flush gallstones from your body. Consult your physician if you plan to use parsley as a treatment for gallstones -- this herb may cause skin rashes. Also, parsley may deplete potassium reserves in your body.
Considerations
Gallstones and gallbladder disease can be serious conditions and require the attention of a physician or specialist. Gallstones smaller than 5 mm may lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Gallstones may also increase your risk of developing gallbladder cancer. Prescription medications or gallbladder removal may be necessary to prevent complications.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease; Harvey Simon, MD; June 2009
