Preventing and Treating Gallstones

Gallstones are the most common gall-bladder problem, capable of causing colics and jaundice stones in the gall-bladder that usually go undetected for a long time until they block its outlet.

     Bloating and pressure under the right ribcage are indications of liver and gall-bladder trouble and possible stone development. Mild symptoms of indigestion, gas and bloating from eating rich, oil or creamy foods high in fat content are often a sign of inadequate bile. This digestive trouble affects the absorption of all foods and hinders the assimilation of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K in particular. Pinching or aching just under the right ribcage, aching between the shoulder-blades and a lasting bitter taste in the mouth are other signs of gallbladder or liver trouble.

     Gallstone colics most typically occur after eating rich, fried foods or legumes and after drinking coffee. Most gallbladder trouble is associated with a poor diet and a sluggish liver. When too little bile is produced, stones are more likely to form. Also the longer bile remains in the gallbladder, the thicker it becomes, increasing the likelihood of stones. Eating foods that stimulate the gallbladder, such as the essential fatty acids, prevents the development of stones. Essential fatty acids support the transport of cholesterol and stimulate bile when production and release are poor. For this reason, the consumption of fats should be limited to natural, cold-pressed oils high in essential fatty acids, such as flax-seed oil.

     A high-fibre diet is key to the prevention of gallstones. Especially beneficial is water-soluble fibre, such as pectin, found in apples or carrots or the gums found in oat bran and dried beans.

     Avoid the intake of animal fat or artificially hardened fats such as margarine. Gall-stones are composed mostly of animal fat and cholesterol. Also, limit milk and milk products as casein in dairy foods promotes gallstone formation.

     Olive oil, nut and seed oils like flax-seed or walnut oil are all beneficial to the gall-bladder. Use them daily on salads or in dishes like mashed potatoes.

     A number of herbal remedies are used for the purpose of dissolving the stone and to improve functioning of the liver and gallbladder in order to prevent any recurrence. Amongst these is Dandelion, which gently stimulates the liver and reduces cholesterol. The fresh young leaves should be mixed with salad greens in the daily salad. Taking the juice of the Dandelion before food will help the sluggish liver and stimulate the digestive process.

     Another herbal remedy of great use in the prevention and treatment of gallstones in Berberis tincture. Take 15-20 drops of tincture three times daily before meals.

     Artichoke and rhubarb stimulate bile flow and help heal gall-bladder inflammation. Bitters from lettuce, endive and chicory also stimulate bile flow.

     Be sure to get an accurate diagnosis from your GP before attempting any self-help therapies.  

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist

Dealing with Anxiety

We all have periods of anxiety in our lives, but the duration and intensity can differ greatly between individuals. The feelings of anxiety can range in intensity from feelings of uneasiness - producing trembling and sweaty hands - to bouts of diarrhoea, heart palpitations and full-blown panic attacks. Anxiety can cause complete, albeit temporary, memory blocks or even cause entirely inappropriate behaviour.

     Whatever the cause of anxiety, the result is not always debilitating. In fact, anxiety can be a useful coping mechanism. The apprehension of a deadline can improve one’s performance. If anxiousness causes us to work through unresolved problems, the results are highly rewarding. Redefining who we are and what we want reinforces a sense of ourselves and also provides confidence. On the other hand, if the source of the problem cannot be resolved, symptoms may intensify and be longer-lasting. Depending on the individual, various types of problem may occur. Some typical ones are headaches, digestive upsets, impotence, insomnia and an inability to relax.

     Physically, anxiety occurs when an overload of stress on the nervous system throws it off balance. As a result, the autonomic nervous system becomes over-stimulated, causing symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is most often a temporary problem caused by periods of extreme emotional stress. It is often directly linked to our ability to cope with stress in our environment, but definite factors trigger and aggravate anxiety. All substances that induce wakefulness, including the caffeine in coffee and in colas, act upon the nervous system to put the nerves on edge. Smoking to relax is a psychological fallacy, as nicotine increases rather than decreases stress. An overload of toxins or toxic metals in the body can attack the nervous system and cause anxiety. Hangovers and withdrawal from alcohol produce nervousness and tremors. Furthermore, anxiety is linked to an increased production of lactate in the body, which both alcohol and caffeine cause.

     Sleep helps maintain a balance with stress. So lack of sleep can cause and aggravate nervous tension.

     Refined, white flour and sugar products and processed food essentially starve the body of B vitamins as the body’s own vitamin reserves must digest these fuel foods which have been stripped of many important nutrients. This process weakens the body and promotes feelings of anxiety.

     The B vitamins lend the nervous system excellent support, as do calcium and magnesium. These minerals relax a tense and overwrought nervous system. Take them before bed to improve sleep.

     Many herbal remedies are useful for easing anxiety and strengthening the nervous system. To ease severe anxiety and insomnia, take Valerian Tincture, which will calm but not sedate. Passionflower is another herb with a gentle relaxing quality. Camomile has the ability to relax the mind and digestive system for individuals with digestive upsets coupled with anxiety. Lavender Essential Oil is wonderful smelling oil which has a very soothing effect on fragile nerves. Put 2-3 drops in a bath before bed to ease oneself into a relaxing sleep. To strengthen the body and give a boost to energy levels while lifting the spirits, take Ginseng and Flower (Bee) Pollen every day for a couple of months.

     Exercise outdoors if possible; walking and swimming are some of the best antidotes for anxiety and tension.

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist

Bladder Infections

Bladder infections in women are surprisingly common: 21% of all women have urinary tract discomfort at least once a year.

     Frequent urges to urinate, accompanied by burning, stinging pain during and at the end of urination, are the typical symptoms of a bladder infection. The onset of a bladder infection can be slow or sudden, and cramping pains intensify the suffering. Since kidney infections can result from untreated bladder infections, seek professional care if the pain is severe or if the infection does not respond to treatment. Other signs to be treated seriously are fever, lower-back pain or blood in the urine.

     Many factors are associated with increased risk of bladder infection - pregnancy (twice as frequent), sexual intercourse (nuns have one-tenth of the incidence) and perhaps most important, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract which block the free flow of urine. Reflux of the urine from the bladder up to the kidney is an important factor in recurrent kidney infections.

     In women, bladder infections are more common than in men due to the short distance between the anus and urethra, so bacteria can enter the bladder easily. E. Coli, which is beneficial to the lower bowels but hazardous if it finds its way to the urinary organs, is the most common bacterial cause of bladder infection. Genital hygiene is crucial in women who are predisposed to, or suffer from, recurrent bladder infections.

     Men also get bladder infections as a result of a chill or possible link to a prostrate problem. Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, stress and poor diet all weaken the immune system and create a tendency for recurrent infections.

     Cranberries and cranberry juice have been used to treat bladder infections and have been shown to be quite effective in several clinical studies. Recent studies have shown components in cranberry juice to reduce the ability of bacteria to cling on, or adhere, to the lining of the bladder and urethra. In order for bacteria to infect, they must first adhere to the mucosa (the lining of the bladder wall). By interfering with adherence, cranberry juice greatly reduces the likelihood of infection and helps the body fight off infection.

     It must be pointed out that most cranberry juices on the market contain one third of cranberry juice mixed with water and sugar. Since sugar has such a detrimental effect on the immune system, use of sweetened cranberry juice cannot be recommended.

     Another herb with most research is the bearberry or upland cranberry, Ulva Ursis, which has powerful antiseptic properties that are marvellous for easing a bladder infection. Garlic is another powerful antiseptic of great use in bladder infections.

    A herb to strengthen the urinary tract and cure bladder infections is called Horsetail. Horsetail increases the excretion of urine by 30% and strengthens the elastic tissue of bladder walls.

     During the acute stage of an infection, avoid salty, spicy foods as these irritate the bladder. Drink plenty of water, especially barley water. To make, boil 100g/4 oz. of barley in 1 litre of water for 30 minutes. Add lemon juice to taste. 

David Foley

MNIMH, MRCHM

Medical Herbalist