Herbal Remedies for Gallstones

by Gayle A. Alleman

Gallstones occur when one of the compounds in bile, particularly cholesterol, becomes so saturated that it forms a solid. If a gallstone lodges in the bile duct, it can cause severe pain, inflammation, infection, and sometimes even jaundice due to the backup of bile.

However, there are some herbal remedies to prevent and treat gallstones. Avoiding gallstone trouble is advised, and often can be achieved by healthy eating.

About Gallstones

As with many health conditions, preventing gallstones is preferable to treating them after they have formed. Research indicates that a high-fiber, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet rich in vitamins C and E helps prevent stones from forming.

That's good news because items commonly found in simple gardens can help ward off gallstones. Vegetables and fruits, which tend to be high in fiber and vitamins, low in fat, and cholesterol free, are popular and healthy choices.

Herbal Treatments for Gallstones

In addition to preventative healthy eating, some herbs stimulate the gallbladder, promoting the flow of bile.

Dandelion and milk thistle are particularly useful. They contain bitter substances -- taraxacin in dandelion and silymarin in milk thistle -- that stimulate bile production.

Increasing the amount of bile produced decreases its concentration. And the greater volume is also more likely to flush out a stone.

These herbs can be taken as tea or tincture or eaten steamed. Trim the sharp edges off young milk thistle leaves. Mix them with dandelion greens and steam as you would spinach; you can even eat them raw.

Oregon grape enhances blood flow to the liver and increases bile production. It can be combined with dandelion and milk thistle in a tea. This blend is even more effective when mixed with herbs such as chamomile, marshmallow, and slippery elm, which have relaxing and soothing properties. This mixture will also help decrease gallbladder inflammation.

Rosemary stimulates bile production, too, while also eliminating any spasms that might occur in the bile duct. It is well-known for aiding fat digestion and is often used as an herb in high-fat dishes. Its flavor helps to cut the richness of fat.

Several studies have shown concentrated mint oil capsules can, if taken for several months, help break down small gallstones. Wild yam is another herb that increases bile flow and is also said to lessen the pain of gallstones. Like rosemary, it is an antispasmodic herb.

An ultrasound is needed to definitively diagnose gallstones. A qualified health care practitioner should monitor herbal treatment of them.

Once stones have formed, they can cause urgent medical problems if they block the bile duct. In that case, surgery may be necessary.

But if surgery is not needed and the gallstones are not serious, herbal remedies can be a healthy and effective treatment for preventing and helping with gallstones. However, eating healthily to avoid getting gallstones in the first place is always advised.