Now that we have covered the different glands of the body, I think the next system of the body we'll cover will be the digestive system. In my personal opinion the digestive system is probably the most abused system in the body. What with all the chemicals, preservatives, and junk food that we put into it. The digestive process, as we all know, begins at the mouth, but we are going to start with an organ that technically we as humans can live without, but why would we want to. As with every other organ, it has a purpose or else it wouldn't be there. What I'm talking about is the gallbladder. One herb that is beneficial to the gall bladder is safflowers and we will be talking about it as well.

As usual, if you know anyone that could benefit from this information, please pass it on  I must also inform those who read this that this information is not intended to take the place of proper medical treatment. Read our disclaimer. It is meant to help educate in the historical uses of herbs as well as provide a forum for discussion of the different body systems and things that could help them operate more efficiently. 

CONTENTS

The Gallbladder
Interesting Facts
Safflowers

 

The Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that is attached to the underside of the liver. It is part of the digestive system and is located in the upper right abdomen just under the ribs. It can reach up to approximately 2 ounces in weight, and its function is to store and concentrate bile from the liver as well as excreting it into the small intestine. Bile is a substance that helps to digest fats.

Some health conditions or symptoms that may indicate a gallbladder that is not functioning properly include a yellow discoloration of the skin (this symptom would not always be associated with the gallbladder and could also indicate the liver), severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constant nausea, sensitivity to greasy foods as well as cabbage and cauliflower, and sharp pains between the shoulder blades. Things that should be avoided in order to keep the gallbladder in proper health would be to avoid skipping breakfast because bile that is stored is not being encouraged to empty, put a limit on meats, fats, and greasy foods, and make sure that you are getting enough vitamin D and magnesium as a deficiency can contribute to stones and infection. Inorganic calcium from milk or artificial calcium supplements can also cause stones as well. Keeping the system clean of uric acid and the consumption and proper digestion of an organic source of calcium is essential to a healthy gallbladder.

In a hyperactive (overactive) state, the gallbladder fills with stones, which in turn causes the body to think the organ is full. In this situation as bile fills the gallbladder, less bile is actually there because the stones are taking up space. When this happens, the bile is released too quickly and can cause an upset or sour stomach in the morning or between meals. On the other hand, in the hypoactive (under-active) state, poor digestion, diarrhea, gassiness, colitis, and irritable bowel (the same symptoms of a removed gallbladder).

Some other things that you should be aware of:

There are differences in gallstones. They are made up of calcium, uric acid, cholesterol, or a combination of any of those materials.

Flushing the gallbladder should only be done when it is not in an extremely weakened state. It should be built up before attempting this procedure. Never flush during a gallbladder attack as the opening may be swollen shut and more pain and damage could be caused.

Ignoring extreme pain can lead to liver damage, a stone could be lodged in the ducts, or the gallbladder could be infected or gangrenous. IF YOU EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF PAIN CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Gallbladder stones can be missed or overlooked in upper GI x-rays.

If an operation has to be done, ask the doctor about saving the gallbladder. You can live without it, but digestion and the bowels won't ever be the same.

If after the operation you still experience pain, see your doctor again because stones can still form from the bile in the liver and become lodged in the bile ducts or the stump of the cystic duct.

Gallstones are often varied in color and size. Passing stones as large as nickels has been reported, with the help of a flush. Colors can range anywhere from off-white to dark green. The darkness of the stone could indicate the stones age.

A yellow color appearing in the whites of the eyes can indicate liver or gallbladder disease.

Location of the Gallbladder in different Alternative modalities:

Kinesiology:
On the right side at the lowest rib, place your fingertip and press. If an extended left arm goes down when testing the gallbladder, it could indicate gallstones.

Iridology:
The gallbladder shows up in the right eye only. Lesions must contact the Autonomic Nerve Wreath at 7:45. Yellow in the iris could indicate uric acid and white in the iris could indicate acid, both of which can contribute to the formation of stones.

Reflexology:
The gallbladder is located 2-3 inches below the pinky toe, right next to the liver area on the right foot.

Supplements, Herbs, Herbal combinations, and other things used to build a healthy Gallbladder.

Vitamins:
A, C, D, and E

Minerals:
Magnesium, Iodine, and Sulfur.

Herbs:

Safflowers - Stimulates the gallbladder and helps lower uric acid.

Devil's Claw - Draws uric from the system.

Hydrangea - Helps to prevent gravel from forming.

Cascara Sagrada - Helps to discharge gallstones and encourages the intestines to empty.

Marshmallow (in large doses) - Used for a mildly inflamed gallbladder.

Herbal Combinations (Nature's Sunshine Products):

Gallbladder Formula - This is a Dr. John Christopher formula for the Bowel, liver, and gallbladder.

LBS-II - Mild bowel and gallbladder stimulant and toner.

Blood Build  - A Chinese herbal formula designed for the stressed liver.

Other Foods and Supplements:

Lemon (fresh juice) - This will help to shrink stones.

L-Asparagine - A deficiency of this amino acid can cause disfunction of the gallbladder and milk allergies.

L-Taurine - This amino acid helps to prevent the formation of gallstones.

Sodium - A lack of sodium is the number 1 cause of stones formed out of cholesterol.

Lecithin - This substance helps to dissolve gallstones.

Food Enzymes (NSP) - Aids in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

PDA (NSP) - Also aids in the digestion of fats.

Interesting Facts

It was recently reported that Vitamin C supplements taken in mega-doses contributed to the clogging of arteries. The Vitamin C Foundation has been in contact with Professor James Dwyer at the USC Medical School, who was one of the primary researchers. Contrary to media reports, there was no evidence of occlusion (or clogging). For the entire report you can visit the web-site of the Vitamin C Foundation.

Gingko biloba extract and DHEA were found to protect against hydrogen peroxide/iron induced lipid oxidation in the brains of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients. Studies have shown free radical damage to be elevated in such individuals. One study found that levels of lipid oxidation were significantly elevated in tissues from Alzheimer's cases. Activities of naturally occurring antioxidants, such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase, were also higher in AD cases. However, the activity of another endogenous antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), was unchanged. The results demonstrate free radical-induced injury and protection by antioxidants in the frontal cortex of the brain of AD cases.
Free Radical Biol. Med. 1999 vol. 27 Iss 5-6 pp 544-553.

The essential oils of commonly used herbs used in cooking, such as spices and herbal teas suppress Cholesterol synthesis and tumor growth. Various herbs possess blood lipid concentration reduction, anti-platelet, anti-tumor, or immune stimulating properties that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In different herbs, a wide variety of active phytochemicals, including the flavenoids, terpenoids, lignans, sulfides, polyphenolics, carotenoids, coumarins, saponins, plant sterols, curcumins, and phthalides have been identified. Several of these phytochemicals either inhibit nitrosation or the formation of DNA adducts or stimulate the activity of protective enzymes naturally produced in the body such as glutathione transferase. Research has centered on the biochemical activity of several herb families, as well as flaxseed, licorice root, and green tea. Many of these herbs contain potent antioxidant compounds that provide significant protection against chronic diseases. These compounds may protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, inhibit lipid peroxidation, or have anti-viral or anti-tumor activity.
Amer J. Clin. Nutr. 1999 vol. 70 Iss 3 pp 491s-499s

 

 

Safflower

Once thought to originate in Eurasia, the safflower plant is actually native to North America and widely cultivated in Europe, California, and India. Today safflower can be found in its wild form mostly in Mediterranean countries, frequenting dry plains and hill slopes.

The safflower plant is a stiff herb that grows to about one meter in height. The leaves are somewhat oval with spiny edges that are prickly to the touch. The actual flowers of the safflower have a thick base, are thistle like, and orange-yellow in color. The florets are cylindrical and slender and have five teeth. Both are edible, though somewhat bitter in taste. The flowers of the safflower are known to be delicate rose and rich scarlet in color and have been used in the cosmetic rouge. The flowers also yield a bright yellow dye used for many years to color linens and silk.

This "old fashioned" dye also has many medicinal powers. Safflower has been used in folk medicine to treat children's complaints including fever, measles, and chicken pox. Taken as a hot tea, the herb produces perspiration, there-by helping to break fevers. Both the seeds and the flowers have been recognized for years as a gentle laxative. They help to combat acid indigestion and prevent gas. The oil made from safflower has a soothing effect on the intestines and is also recognized as a digestive aid. The red flowers of the plant have also been shown to have the ability to relax smooth muscles.

Safflower is used in treating measles, scarlatins, and other inflammatory eruptions of the skin. A tincture from safflower is widely used on sprains and wounds to decrease inflammation. It has also become a popular remedy for jaundice, sluggish liver, and gallbladder problems. The tea can help jaundice and colic in infants.

This herb also has the ability to remove hard phlegm from the system. It clears the lungs and helps in treating pulmonary tuberculosis. Safflower helps to neutralize waste acids (like lactic acid) in the system. After over-exerting oneself physically, drinking two to four cups of safflower tea can help prevent muscle soreness.

As an aid in female nutrition, the flowers stimulate blood circulation, induce menstruation, treat painful menstruation, coughing of blood, internal bleeding, and difficulty in discharging afterbirth. The herb is also prescribed to women carrying a dead fetus. It works by invigorating the blood and unblocking menstruation while alleviating pain.

The seeds and kernel of the safflower are rich in fixed oil and are widely heralded as a preventative for heart disease. This annual herb is the source of the widely known safflower oil, much used for cooking. It is an inexpensive oil that can be found in almost any grocery store. When compared to other cooking oils, safflower oil demonstrates its uniqueness by remaining very unsaturated. It contains a high concentration of polyunsaturates and is supposed to help with the cholesterol levels in the blood.

As a digestive aid, take two capsules with each meal as needed. For other purposes, use one to two capsules, as needed, up to three or four times daily. Make a tea by pouring boiling water over the herb

(1/2 teaspoon per cup) and steeping. Drink one to two pints of the safflower tea or apply it externally to injuries and bruises.

Sources:

Chinese herbal Medicine, Materia Medica by Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble (Seattle, Washington: Eastland Press, 1993).
Chinese Medicinal Herbs by Wee Yeow Chin and Hsuan Keng (Singapore: Times Edition Pte Ltd. 1990)
Common Herbs for Natural Health by Juliette de Bairalci Levy (Ney York: Schocken Books Inc. 1971).
Herbal Healing by Michael J. Hallowell (New York: Avery Publishing Group Inc. 1990)
Herbs that Heal by Michael A. Weiner, Ph.D. and Janet Weiner (Mill Valley, California: Quantum Books, 1994).
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pederson (Warsaw, Indiana: Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1994).
Potter's New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations by R.C. Wren, F.L.S. (Essex, England: The C.W. Daniel Company Limited, 1985).
The Illustrated Herb Encyclopedia by Kathi Keville (New York, New York: Mallard Press, 1991).
Today's Herbal Health by Louise Tenney (Provo, Utah: Woodland Books, 1983).