Gallbladder Problems

Most North American physicians are not very concerned about bile deficiency, but European doctors do worry about this problem. If a patient of a European doctor is diagnosed as being bile-deficient, chances are, the physician will prescribe an herbal formula to correct the problem. Several European drugs contain one of the most potent bile stimulants in the plant world—dandelion. When the German over-the-counter drug Hepatichol—which is made mostly from dandelion—along with nettle and a few other herbs, was tested, the results were impressive. A study conducted in Germany in 1952 showed that all the people with gallbladder problems who took Hepatichol improved within only a few days.

Several compounds in turmeric increase bile and also help other bile stimulants do a better job. In the early 1970s, German researchers found that when turmeric was taken with milk thistle and celandine, it increased bile flow about six times more than when the herbs were used without it.

One of the most common—and most unpleasant—gallbladder problems is gallstones. These little "stones" are usually formed from concentrated bile and cholesterol combined with minerals and pigments. Gallstones do not create much trouble until they journey out of the gallbladder through the narrow duct that leads into the small intestine. If the stones are large, this can be very painful. Even worse, if the stones get lodged in the duct, they can block the flow of bile, upset the digestion of fats and cause inflammation, infection and even jaundice.

Because of these serious consequences, any gallstone treatment should be conducted only under the expert care of a health care professional. Any herbs that increase the production and flow of bile will encourage gallstones to move along. However, if the stones are moved out into the duct or are already blocking it, you could make things worse instead of better by taking herbs. This is particularly true of "the liver flush"—a popular home treatment for gallstones. If someone recommends drinking this unappetizing combination of olive oil and lemon juice, be wary. I have heard many people describe the impressively large "gallstones" that they magically passed with no pain. According to Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., the authors of The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, these are not gallstones at all, but rather balls formed when a chemical reaction causes oil and lemon to combine with minerals in the intestine.

British physicians suggest the over-the-counter drug Rowachol, which contains a mixture of compounds from numerous herbs, including peppermint. Several studies proving this drug's effectiveness in dissolving gallstones have been done in England. This product is not readily available in North America, but capsules of peppermint essential oil are. If you want to take these capsules, you should take one or two with each meal. Also, you should know that the enteric-coated ones are best—they will act most directly because their special coating will not dissolve until they reach the intestines.

The best use for herbs is for preventing gallbladder attacks in the first place. Dandelion root, Oregon grape root, fringe tree bark, yellow dock, wahoo and radish root were once considered so effective in treating stones that they were listed in the U.S. Dispensatory, a common doctor's prescription guide. Milk thistle, artichoke and turmeric all help prevent gallstones by making bile less saturated. Whatever route you choose to treat your stones, you can reduce the inflammation with marshmallow, chamomile and an old Russian folk remedy, nettle. And you can use cramp bark to help prevent painful spasms.

A diet that contains too much refined food and too little fiber may be at least partially responsible for gallstones. With such a diet, the gallbladder secretes less acid into the bile fluid. The body needs this acid to dissolve cholesterol. Without sufficient acid, cholesterol builds up into stones. One reason that vegetarians hardly ever get gallstones may be that they eat so much fiber.

Gallbladder Formula

1 teaspoon each dandelion root, Oregon grape root and marshmallow root

1 quart water

½ teaspoon each chamomile flowers and nettle leaves

Combine roots and water and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat, add remaining herbs and steep for about 20 minutes. Strain herbs. Drink at least 1 cup daily. This formula can also be used to make a tincture or pills.