by Sarah Howell

Created on: June 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2009

A gallstone occurs when one of the compounds that make bile, particularly cholesterol, becomes so saturated that it forms a solid stone like lump. When a gallstone lodges itself into the bile duct it can cause severe pain, and inflammation. It may also lead to infection and sometimes even jaundice due to the back up of the bile. The main non-herbal treatment for gallstones is the removal of the entire gallbladder, But now with the help of herbs there are more options.

Because of research done there are ways to prevent and to treat gallstones. Preventing gallstones is much more perfected then treating them, but now with herbs and a healthy diet, both are possible. Research has shown that a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and low in cholesterol including rich in vitamin C and E will help in the prevention of gallstones forming. The best part about that is that items that are found in most gardens can be very helpful in the warding off of gallstones. Fruit and vegetables are a popular and healthy choice because they are high in fiber and low in fat and cholesterol free. Even if you already have gallstones it is good to eat a diet that helps to prevent them, since once you get gallstones, you are more likely to get them again.

Some herbs that help in the treatment and prevention of gallstones, along with healthy eating, help to stimulate the gallbladder and help to promote the flow of bile. Dandelion leaves and roots and milk thistle are extremely useful because they contain taraxacin and silymarin. Taraxacin is the bitter taste that is found in dandelion leaves and the roots. Silymarin is the bitter substance that is found in milk thistle. Both of these herbs help to stimulate the body to produce bile. The more bile, the greater likelihood that the gallstones will be flushed from the body. There are many other herbs that will increase bile production and help to flush the gallstones out of the body. Oregon grapes, rosemary and wild yams all increase the amount of bile your body produces.

Rosemary and wild yams are also beneficial because of their antispasmodic properties. This will stop the gallbladder from going into spasms while trying to rid yourself of the gallstones. Mint is also a very helpful herb. It should be taken daily for several weeks to a month before trying to flush the stones, the oils in this herb help to break up the gallstones, making them smaller and easier to pass.

These remedies are not a replacement for emergency surgery. In some cases surgery is necessary. This is for those who are informed of their stones before they are large enough to block the flow of all bile. The best way to find out if you do have gallstones is talk to your doctor about them or start with a healthy diet and drink a glass of tea made up of dandelion, milk thistle, rosemary and mint once or twice a week to help prevent the gallstones in the first place and possibly make any that may be there a little smaller and easier to pass.

Good Luck and Good health to you all.

Peace to you all as well.

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