Herbal Action: Cholagogue

Bile flow

Cholagogues stimulate the flow of bile to aid removal of waste from the body. They promote the discharge and flow of bile from the gallbladder — the word itself comes from "gogue," meaning "to flow."

Choleretics

Some cholagogues are specifically choleretic, meaning they stimulate the production of bile, rather than just promoting its flow and release. These are marked below.

What they do:

• Stimulate the flow of bile from the gallbladder

• Aid the body's removal of waste

• Support fat digestion, since bile is essential to breaking down dietary fat

• Choleretic herbs specifically stimulate the liver's production of bile

How they're used:

Cholagogue herbs are commonly taken as teas, tinctures, or bitters, often before meals to support digestion.

When to consider them:

Gallbladder problems, gallstones, jaundice, poor digestion, constipation, and liver conditions.

Caution:

Be cautious when gallstones are present. Stimulating bile flow when gallstones are present can cause a stone to move and obstruct a duct.

Cholagogue Herbs

• Beets

• Blue flag

• Culver's root

• Dandelion

• Elecampane

• Fennel

• Goldenseal

• Hops

• Horseradish

• Hyssop

• Lavender

• Mugwort

• Podophyllum

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Sweet Annie

• Vervain

• Wild yam

• Yarrow

• Yellow dock

• Yellow root

• Artichoke leaf

Choleretic Cholagogues

• Barberry

• Boneset

• Gentian

• Oregon grape

• Wormwood

• Turmeric

• Triphala

• Artichoke