Cholagogue, choleretic and amphocholeretic: properties that stimulate and regulate bile flow.
The cholagogue plant stimulates bile evacuation by contracting the gallbladder, while the choleretic plant stimulates bile production by the liver. As for the amphocholeretic plant, it modulates bile flow, increasing or reducing it as needed.
A cholagogue or choleretic plant therefore increases the flow of bile into the small intestine; this article aims to present plants with these properties, and to explain in which situations they are useful, and how to use them.
What is bile used for?
Bile is secreted by the liver. Once produced, part of the bile is stored and concentrated by the gallbladder, while the rest flows directly into the small intestine. By contracting its smooth muscles, the gallbladder also supplies bile to the small intestine. Bile has several functions:
Choleretic, cholagogue or amphocholeretic properties are therefore useful for the following problems in particular: lack of appetite, dyspepsia (slow digestion), constipation, flatulence, bloating and even certain migraines.
The choleretic property could have been included in the article on the hepatic property, because of its impact on the liver, but I preferred to combine it with the cholagogue property since the result remains the emission of bile to help evacuate waste (and thus facilitate digestion), notably toxic substances, drugs, alcohol and fats.
Cholagogues and choleretics
| Plant – Latin name | Cholagogue | Choleretic |
Black radish – Raphanus sativus var niger (Mill.) J.Kern. #ref:9##ref:20# #ref:24# #ref:28##ref:66# #ref:67# #ref:68# | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rosemary – Rosemarinus officinalis L., Salvia rosmarinus #ref:9##ref:20##ref:24##ref:25##ref:28##ref:66##ref:67##ref:68# | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Artichoke – Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Benth. #ref:9##ref:20##ref:24##ref:28##ref:66##ref:25##ref:67##ref:68# | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chicory – Cichorium intybus L. #ref:9##ref:20##ref:24##ref:25##ref:28##ref:66##ref:67# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Dandelion – Taraxatum officinal F.H. Wigg. aggr. #ref:9##ref:20##ref:24##ref:25##ref:28##ref:68# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Yarrow – Achillea millefolium L. #ref:9##ref:20##ref:24##ref:28##ref:67# | ⭐⭐ | |
| White Horehound – Marrubium vulgare L. #ref:9##ref:20##ref:24##ref:67##ref:68# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Mints – Mentha spp. (incl. Peppermint – Mentha × piperita L. & Spearmint – Mentha spicata L. ) #ref:20##ref:24##ref:28##ref:66# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Sage – Salvia officinalis L. #ref:20##ref:24##ref:67##ref:68# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Common wormwood – Artemisia vulgaris L. #ref:20##ref:23##ref:24# | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Calendula – Calendula officinalis L. #ref:20##ref:24##ref:28# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Milk thistle – Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. #ref:20##ref:24##ref:68# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Turmeric – Curcuma longa L. #ref:20##ref:24# #ref:25# | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Yellow gentian – Gentiana lutea L. #ref:14##ref:20##ref:67# | ⭐⭐ | |
| Lemon balm – Melissa officinalis L. #ref:20##ref:25##ref:67# | ⭐⭐ | |
| Basswood – Tilia cordata Mill. #ref:20##ref:24##ref:67# | ⭐⭐ |
References to its amphocholeretic properties are rare. Artichoke is said to have this property, as well as being a hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic and diuretic. It’s nicknamed the nux vomica of phytotherapy. #ref:25#
For your own good …
Read the plant sheet
As much as possible, I try to offer a hyperlink for each plant proposed. This link opens a plant sheet that gives not only information about the crop but, if you look further down, also information for safe use of the plant (methods of use, safe doses, precautions, interactions, properties). Naturally, if you have a complicated medical condition, this sheet won’t be enough, and you’ll need to consult a professional herbalist or pharmacist. But even if you’re in good health, for your own safety, take the time to get to know the plants before using them. They’re natural, but they’re also powerful.
Cholagogue and choleretic plants should be avoided in cases of gallstones.
When gallstones block ducts, increasing bile production is painful and can make the problem worse.
Liver deficiencies are serious health problems that require the attention of a physician.
Cholagogue and choleretic herbs are useful if you’ve been overeating, taking medication or suffering from temporary constipation but if you suspect a liver problem, it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Cholagogue and choleretic plant: Good uses
Issue: Lack of appetite
To stimulate the appetite, there’s nothing better than aperitif plants. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Bitter, digestive: stimulate the digestive system to create the sensation of hunger. However, aperitive, digestive and bitter properties are grouped together, so plants with one of these properties often have the other two.
– Choleretics and cholagogues: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine;
– Aromatic: stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa;
– Antiemetics: relieve heartache, the urge to vomit or, on the contrary, force vomiting (emetic or, more drastically, purgative plant).
Useful plants: Wormwood, sweet flag, angelica, elecampane, fenugreek, gentian, ginger, lemon balm, mint, dandelion, licorice, rosemary
Note: lack of appetite is often a symptom of a problem. If it continues without an obvious cause, you should see a doctor, especially if you notice any of the following signs: tiredness, rapid weight loss, disgust, bleeding, swollen glands. They could be hiding very serious health problems.
Issue: Slow digestion (dyspepsia)
For difficult digestion, digestive or bitter plants are the specialists. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Carminative: eliminates gas;
– Antispasmodic: calms the smooth musculature of the digestive tract;
– Aromatic: stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa;
– Choleretics and cholagogues: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine.
Issue: Constipation
In cases of constipation, the specialists are laxative plants. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Bitter or digestive, carminative: facilitate food processing;
– Emollient: heals the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and aids passage of the alimentary bolus;
– Bile drainers (cholagogues, choleretics): bile softens stools.
Issue: Flatulence and bloating
Carminative plants are the great experts in flatulence and bloating disorders. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Antiputrid: cleanse the digestive tract in the event of poor fermentation;
– Bitter or digestive, aromatic: support digestion;
– Antispasmodic: calms the smooth musculature of the digestive tract;
– Choleretic and cholagogic: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine.
Useful plants: wormwood, dill, angelica, green anise, tarragon, mint, parsley, rosemary, savory, sage, thyme.
Note: sometimes, eating more slowly, chewing well and not working while eating are enough to solve the problem. If you have a recurring problem, you may want to check for lactose intolerance,
Issue: Migraine
Anti-migraine plants are the specialists. Depending on the cause of the migraine, they are often used with analgesic and calming plants such as white willow(Salix alba), meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria) and Californian poppy(Eschscholzia ‘californica’).
Other plants can eliminate the problem at source:
– Luteotropes: synthesize progesterone (catamenial migraines, premenstrual syndrome, premenopause), e.g. alchemilla(Alchemilla vulgaris) and vitex(Vitex agnus-castus).
– Antispasmodics, hepatic and cholagogue: reduce migraines caused by gallbladder spasms (in the case of hepatobiliary migraines, e.g. milk thistle(Silybum marianum), green anise(Pimpinella anisum) and black radish(Raphanus sativus var. niger).
– Blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, vasodilators, hypotensives; can reduce pressure in the cranium.
– Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): a great specialist in preventing and reducing the occurrence and intensity of migraines. This plant works as a totum. It can be taken with fumitory(Fumaria officinalis), lemon balm(Melissa officinalis) or ginger(Zingiber officinal). Mint essential oil applied to the forehead and temples can also bring relief.
– Migraines can be a symptom of serious causes. See a doctor to identify the cause.
Herbal tea and liquid concentrate …
With a few exceptions (see plant fact sheet), most cholagogue and choleretic plants can be taken in several forms: plant powder in capsule, herbal tea or decoction, liquid concentrate. To take full advantage of their effects, they should be taken 30 to 15 minutes before a meal (for prevention) or 1 hour after a meal. Avoid drinking during meals: liquids dilute gastric juices and make digestion more difficult.
Recommended solvents
Cholagogue and choleretic herbs are generally effective in all their forms (see our herbal factsheets for more details). On the other hand, if the idea of taking an alcohol-based tincture puts you off after you’ve overdone it, then it’s possible to let the alcohol evaporate from a few drops of tincture by adding them to a very hot, aromatic herbal tea, such as artichoke, German chamomile or rosemary.
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.