Gallstones
An
obstruction of the bile duct, either the hepatic, gallbladder, or
common duct. This can lead to cholestasis (complete blockage of
the duct) or more simply just reduced bile flow. Jaundice may be
present. The gallstones can also be extremely painful as they move
from the liver and to the small intestines through the bile duct.
They are formed primarily of crystallized bile salts that have precipitated
out of the bile.
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Flush the gallstones, stimulate bile production long-term
to prevent recurrence.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer Chelidonium majus (Celandine) to strongly stimulate
the bile.
· Administer a good bitter cholagogue, such as Taraxacum
officinalis (Dandelion) and/or Gentiana lutea (Gentian).
· Use a liver flush in the morning, 3 TBS of olive oil and
the juice of a lemon. Do not continue this treatment longer than
a week.
· Use teas of Mentha piperita (Peppermint) or enteric-coated
Peppermint oil capsules to both stimulate bile release and reduce
spasmodic pain.
Supportive Treatment:
· Use a diet low in oils, especially heated oils (fried food)
and rich in bitter greens.
· Use external applications of warm Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
compresses on the liver area .
· Use antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory herbs such as Viburnum
opulus (Crampbark) and Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) to help
with pain.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If symptoms do not improve within a week, or pain becomes
more severe, or visible jaundice develops after a few days, refer
to medical treatment to determine if the bile duct is completely
obstructed (cholestasis). Surgery may be required, although necessary
only in the most dire of cases (and too often overused).
· If there is much pain and inflammation, add Cucurma longa
(Turmeric) to the protocol.
