Herbs to Support the Gallbladder

While medicines and surgery often resolve gallstone complaints, many people supplement them with natural remedies for managing the symptoms. Changes in diet, herbal medicine, acupuncture and yoga can help.

Gallstones are a very common complaint, affecting 10 to 15 per cent of adults.

#The gallbladder and the liver – two closely connected organs 

Our two organs – the gallbladder and the liver – form a complex system that performs all sorts of tasks in our body.

Caring for these two organs can include taking herbs to support the gallbladder and liver, which is exactly what we will discuss in this article.

To begin with, we will take a quick look at these two closely connected organs to understand their function in the body better. Then we will discuss herbs for gallbladder and liver health and a few supplements we can add to our wellness routine to support these important organs.

• The gallbladder and the liver

More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver.

So we should not forget that our liver and gallbladder have an important job and work hard every day.

• How exactly are the two organs connected?

The liver, about the size of a football, is located on our right side under the rib cage. The gallbladder, meanwhile, is smaller (about the size of a pear) and sits beneath the liver.

One of the tasks of the liver is to produce bile (a digestive fluid), which then moves to the gallbladder, where it is stored before being released into our small intestine.

To sum up, we can say that the two organs help our body digest food, regulate chemical levels in our blood and get rid of toxins.

Although they work together, the body can function without the gallbladder, so it is sometimes removed.

With these things in mind, we will discuss herbs and natural treatmentsthat support the health of the gallbladder and liver, since they are so closely connected.

#What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hard deposits (particles) that form in our gallbladder. They vary in shape and size, and some grow as large as a golf ball.  

There are two types:

• Cholesterol gallstones: 

These are the most common form and consist of excess cholesterol (mostly undissolved).

• Pigment gallstones: 

These are made up of excess bilirubin (a pigment formed during the breakdown of red blood cells). These stones are brown or black.

Surgery is the usual treatment for gallstones, but we may be able to treat them with natural remedies. 

Read on to learn natural and home methods for dealing with gallstones, as well as tips for preventing them. 

#Causes of gallstones

There are several reasons why they can form:

• Our liver may secrete more bile than it can dissolve.
• Our body may have an excess of a pigment called bilirubin, which cannot be dissolved.
• The gallbladder may not empty completely or as often as necessary. 

#Symptoms of gallstones 

Not all gallstones cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they include:

• Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
• Pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• Nausea
• Grey stools
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

Serious symptoms requiring immediate medical attention are:

• Yellowing of the eyes
• Fever or chills
• Severe abdominal pain

#How can we get rid of gallstones naturally?

• How can we avoid surgery?

Gallstones can cause sharp, severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen. This pain may spread to the back and up to the shoulder blade. We may have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, light-coloured or grey stools and diarrhoea.

There are natural treatments that are popular natural alternatives to medical interventions. We can try cleansing our gallbladder with herbs,  weight management and even yoga or acupuncture before proceeding to surgery.

However, it is always advisable to consult a health professional before trying to treat gallstones on our own. They will help us get the right diagnosis and advise us on all treatment options.

If we have yellowing of the eyes, fever or chills and severe abdominal pain, we must seek medical help immediately.

#Gallbladder cleanse

One of the most common treatment methods is a gallbladder cleanse or flush. 

It can help to break up and break down gallstones and empty the gallbladder by flushing them out of the body. The body is able to cleanse and flush itself.

We can flush our gallbladder by consuming apple juice, herbs and olive oil. We mix them and take them for 2 to 5 days. Recipes vary and there is no standard proportion or recipe. During this time we should consume nothing except the oil mixture, although other recipes allow it.

This diet may not be safe for people with diabetes or blood sugar problems, because no solid food is eaten during the days of the cleanse.

We should always seek the advice of a health professional before starting any cleanse. It may not be safe for everyone.
 

#Apple cider vinegar softens gallstones

Apple cider vinegar is a popular health food supplement that is often included in cleansing supplements. Apple juice has a positive effect on blood sugar. Some people believe that it softens gallstones, allowing them to pass easily out of the body. 

People with diabetes, stomach ulcers and hypoglycaemia should be careful about drinking large amounts of fruit juice.

#HERBS for gallstones: 

Bitter herbs stimulate the gallbladder and are known as choleretic herbs or cholagogues. They include milk thistle, dandelion root, ginger, artichoke, greater celandine (also called "snake's milk" and "zhaltenitche" in Bulgarian), curled dock, turmeric, gentian, goldenseal root, creeping loosestrife (golden grass) and agrimony. 

Some common bitter foods include radicchio, chicory, rocket, lemon, grapefruit, lime and cranberries. 

When the bitter taste stimulates the receptors on our tongue, it sends messages via the vagus nerve to the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, which prepare the gallbladder and pancreas to release bile and insulin to deal with food properly.

#Dandelion for gallbladder problems

“Taraxacum officinale”, known as the flower dandelion or the herb familiar from childhood, is much more than an ordinary weed. Its roots and leaves are not only edible but also rich in nutrients, and they have served as a source of food in various cultures.

Dandelion is a source of:

• Iron
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Vitamins A, B complex and C
• And more

It also has a history of use as a traditional herb. Native Americans used it to support the skin, the stomach and healthy urination. In addition, it has traditionally been used as a herb to support the gallbladder, the liver and the bile ducts.

The College of Naturopathic Medicine notes: "Dandelion root helps to promote the secretion of bile (to allow the proper breakdown and metabolism of fats), stimulates digestion and supports liver detoxification."

People usually drink dandelion tea or coffee to remove gallstones. 

A wide variety of teas, supplements and herbal tinctures of dandelion can be bought in health food shops and online.

#Dandelion tincture – Dandelion for gallbladder problems

The herbal extract of dandelion is beneficial for the gallbladder, the liver and the pancreas.

The tincture Dandelion is an aid for liver problems and gallbladder problems and improves metabolism.

#Milk thistle supports the gallbladder

Milk thistle, scientifically known as "Silybum marianum", is native to the Mediterranean, but it grows in Europe, North and South America and southern Australia. 

A plant with prickly flowers, yet edible, milk thistle is one of the best-known herbswhen it comes to supporting the liver. It has been used as a remedy for detoxifying this organ for centuries. 

It has a history of traditional use and of assessments that it may help treat conditions of both the liver and the gallbladder. It is believed to stimulate both organs.

It is known that silymarins, a group of active constituents in milk thistle, support the natural detoxification process that takes place, as well as normal cell regeneration. Silymarins have been the subject of numerous scientific studies, many of which suggest that the herb supports healthy liver function.

We can take milk thistle as a tonic or in the form of capsules, tablets or herbal extracts as a supplement for the fastest effect. 

People with diabetes, ragweed allergies or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers should discuss the use of milk thistle with their health adviser. The herb may lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also possible to be allergic to milk thistle.

#Milk thistle tincture is beneficial for the gallbladder

The herb milk thistle also increases the formation of bile and speeds up its release, thus normalising the processes of digestion and metabolism.

We can buy milk thistle tincture online or in shops for health products and food supplements. 

#Milk thistle and dandelion tincture for gallbladder problems

A powerful aid is the combination of the medicinal herbs milk thistle and dandelion in the herbal tincture "Antitoksin" for gallbladder problems.

It is also an excellent food supplement for problems with:

• The liver
• The spleen
• The pancreas
• A build-up of toxins
• Chemical pollution
• Prolonged alcohol use
• Prolonged use of strong chemical substances

#Turmeric for supporting healthy digestion

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is native to Southeast and East Asia and is well known for its yellow colour.

It is a remarkable herb overall, and in addition to the use of turmeric to support healthy inflammatory function in healthy individuals, as well as the immune system, it is also used to support healthy digestion and liver function. It is also thought to have antioxidant properties.

Its use dates back to 600 BC, when it is mentioned in herbal accounts, but it is still widely used today.

Thanks to the antioxidant properties we mentioned earlier, this herb is thought to protect the liver from damage.

#Creeping loosestrife is a popular Chinese remedy for gallstones

Lysimachia nummularia L. (Gold coin grass) — Creeping loosestrife or golden grass is a popular remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for treating gallstones, especially cholesterol stones. Research suggests that the useful part is the flowering aerial part of the plant – Herba Lysimachiae.

Some people recommend taking the herb before starting a gallstone cleanse, to help soften the stones.

The supplement is available in powder or liquid form.

#Artichoke extract is beneficial for gallbladder function

Artichoke extract may support the function of the organ.

It has been shown to stimulate bile production, support gallbladder function and is also beneficial for the liver.

However, there is no research focusing specifically on the effects of artichoke on gallstones.

Globe artichoke or French artichoke (grown for its edible flower buds) can be cooked and prepared in various ways – steamed, marinated or grilled. But the research is based on artichoke extract supplements, which are more potent than the vegetables themselves.

It is important to talk to a qualified health professional before taking the vegetable as an extract, in pills or as a supplement, because, for example, increasing the flow of bile can be harmful when the bile ducts are already blocked.

#Plantain protects against the formation of cholesterol gallstones

Psyllium is a soluble fibre obtained from the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata – a species of plantain. Research shows that psyllium husk has benefits for the heart, the pancreas and other parts of the body.

Psyllium husk has been found to protect against the formation of cholesterol gallstones.

#Diet to prevent gallstones

A well-balanced dietthat includes a variety of fruit and vegetables can help keep the gallbladder healthy and reduce the risk of gallstones. It can also help with weight management. 

Studies claim that women who eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and fibre-rich foods have a lower risk of surgery to remove the gallbladder. These foods can be extremely beneficial for the organ. Examples include psyllium husk, which we mentioned earlier.

#Foods that can cause gallbladder problems

Foods that can lead to gallstones are:

• Eggs
• Sugar
• High-fat foods

#Weight management to reduce the risk of gallstones

Obesity increases the risk of developing gallstones. Losing weight can be an important part of preventing them, but the way we lose weight matters. Following a very low-calorie weight-loss diet (about 500 a day) may actually not be beneficial for this condition.

In a 2013 study, participants followed a one-year weight-loss programme. During it, one group of participants followed a very low-calorie diet (500 kcal/day) for 6–10 weeks. The other group followed a low-calorie diet (1,200–1,500 kcal/day) for three months. The first group was three times more likely than the other group to develop gallstones requiring hospitalisation or surgery.

We should always consult a health professional or dietitian about a healthy programme if we are trying to lose weight. They can help us draw up a healthy plan for this purpose.

#Traditional practices for gallstones

#Castor oil compress for gallstones

Castor oil compresses are a popular remedy among naturopaths and lovers of natural living for a wide variety of complaints.

To make such a compress, we soak a warm towel or piece of cloth in warm castor oil, place it on the abdomen and cover it with a towel. Some people also place a source of heat, such as a hot-water bottle or heating pad, on top. The compress should stay on the abdomen for up to an hour. It will relieve pain and help improve the flow of bile and prevent stones from forming.

#D-limonene to help dissolve gallstones

Other herbal supplements are also used to help dissolve gallstones, such as d-limonene, hydrangea and peppermint oil.

In particular, d-limonene, found in lemon essential oil, has been shown to reduce and even completely dissolve gallstones effectively. Overall, it can help improve cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation in the liver, which can help balance overall inflammation and heal the gut.

#Acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of gallstones

Acupuncture is also used to relieve back pain and nausea, while regulating gallbladder volume.

Acupuncture may help relieve some of the pain by reducing spasms, easing the flow of bile and restoring proper function.

In a study of people with cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) , acupuncture was found to relieve back pain, stomach pain and nausea.

It should be noted that this study looked only at symptom relief and not specifically at helping people pass the stones. Overall, more research is needed in this area.

Acupuncture is relatively safe. When choosing an acupuncturist, however, we should look for a licensed practitioner and make sure they use new, single-use needles. 

#Yoga can help pass gallstones

There are claims that yoga can help us pass gallstones naturally. One study found that it improves the lipid profile in people with diabetes. Another study examined people with cholesterol gallstones and found that they were more likely to have an abnormal lipid profile.  

Yoga may help relieve some of the symptoms, but scientific evidence has not been able to establish exactly what the link is between these abnormal levels and the presence of gallstones.

#Yoga practices for gallstones

Some studies claim that the following yoga poses are beneficial for people with gallstones. They are:

• Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
• Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend)
• Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)
• Shalabhasana (Locust pose)

#Medical treatments 

If natural treatments do not effectively treat gallstones, a person may consider medication or surgery.

#Medication for gallstones

Smaller gallstones can be treated with bile acids such as ursodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid.

Potential drawbacks of these medicines include:

• The time they take to have an effect (up to 2 years)
• The possibility that gallstones will return after the medication is stopped

#Surgery to remove the gallbladder

Gallstones are often treated by removing the gallbladder. This ensures that gallstones cannot form again.

Cholecystectomy (surgery to remove the gallbladder) is one of the most common operations performed on adults. There are minimal side effects from removing the organ.

#Preventing gallstones

Risk factors that affect the formation of gallstones can be:

• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• A high-fat diet
• A sedentary lifestyle

Some risk factors, however, cannot be changed. These include, for example:

• Female sex 
• Increasing age (over 40)
• Ethnicity
• Family history

A combination of genetics, diet and lifestyle factors is probably the cause of gallstone formation.

Preventive techniques should therefore focus on the factors that can be influenced. 

#When should we see a doctor?

If we are considering trying a natural treatment, we should always consult a health professional first.

Symptoms of a problem with the organ include:

• Abdominal pain lasting 5 hours or more
• Fever
• Chills
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Tea-coloured urine
• Pale stools
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If we suspect that we are having or have had an attack, we should contact a doctor immediately to reduce the risk of future complications.

#Gallstones – a consequence of bile imbalance 

The gallbladder is part of the biliary tract, which produces, stores and releases bile to help digest and absorb fats. Gallstones appear when the composition of the bile inside the gallbladder becomes unbalanced because of liver problems, cholesterol imbalance, inflammation, overgrowth of the gut microbiome or other problems.

Stones in the organ are common and can cause recurring colicky abdominal pain radiating to the shoulder, nausea, vomiting and yellowing of the skin. Risk factors include being female, being over 40, being overweight, a diet high in processed foods and inflammatory fats, and underlying problems such as liver disease, metabolic imbalance or leaky gut.

The functional and folk medicine approach to gallstones looks at these underlying factors and works to correct imbalances in inflammation, gut health and methylation in order to restore balance. An anti-inflammatory diet and supplements that can improve the flow of bile and break up gallstones, such as dandelion, milk thistle and lemon oil, can help reduce inflammation and prevent gallstones from forming.

#We always try herbs first

If our doctor has recommended surgery, we should talk openly with them about other options we could try first.

There is little research on the efficacy of natural treatments for gallstones, but those that have been shown to work can help us a great deal with this condition.

Not all herbs or supplementssold on the market are monitored for quality or purity. That is why  we should carefully research any products we are thinking of taking, seek the advice of our health professional and choose a reputable company.

The Bulgarian company Bilkovi Tinkturi BG offers herbal extracts with an entirely natural composition. Take a look at our herbal tinctures for the gallbladder and trust the power of nature.

Browse the information on the website to learn more about popular natural treatments, along with many health tips.