Turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine to increase energy, expel parasites, improve digestion, regulate women's menstrual cycles and alleviate arthritis symptoms. Modern medicine has focused its interest on turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This versatile culinary and medicinal herb also offers benefits for gallbladder health. Consult your doctor about using herbs to treat any medical condition.
Post-Surgery
Turmeric is used in Indian medicine to reduce pain following trauma and as an anti-inflammatory agent and decreases pain and fatigue after gallbladder surgery, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal "Surgical Endoscopy." In the study, 50 patients took curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, for three weeks after gallbladder surgery. Results showed significantly lower average pain and less use of pain medication in the group that took curcurmin compared to a placebo group. Fatigue was significantly decreased throughout the study period in the curcumin group.
Comparison
Turmeric led the field in a comparative study of herbs for liver and gallbladder disease that was published in the April 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology." Artichoke and dandelion also produced good results at preventing oxidative stress and liver cancer and at preventing release of inflammatory molecules known as prostaglandins.
Dosage
Malaysian researchers calculated that a 40 milligram dose of curcumin can cause the gallbladder to contract by up to 50 percent within two hours, according to a study published in the 2002 issue of the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition." The study tested three dose levels of curcumin, but did not conclude a direct linear relationship between dose level and degree of gallbladder contraction.
Considerations
Turmeric's ability to cause gallbladder contraction may cause problems if you have gallstones, according to Holly Phaneuf, Ph.D., author of the book "Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work." Taking turmeric may help to prevent gallstones from accumulating by promoting the release of bile. However, if you have a gallstone and take turmeric or other herbs that cause the gallbladder to constrict, the gallstone might become lodged in and obstruct the opening of the gallbladder. Consult your doctor before using turmeric to treat gallbladder disease or any medical condition.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia, a digestive disorder characterized by bloating, nausea, belching and loss of appetite, may be caused by insufficient secretion of bile. Turmeric has been known to improve symptoms of dyspepsia by stimulating the gallbladder to release bile, according to Dr. Steven Bratman, author of "Collins Alternative Health Guide."
References
- "Surgical Endoscopy"; Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcumin) in Pain and Postoperative Fatigue After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study; K. Agarwal, et al.; June 2011
- "International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology"; Antiproliferative, Protective and Antioxidant Effects of Artichoke, Dandelion, Turmeric and Rosemary Extracts and Their Formulation; L. Menghini, et al.; Aprile 2010
- "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of Different Curcumin Dosages on Human Gall Bladder; A. Rasyid, et al.; 2002
- "Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies ..."; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman ; 2007
