Taking care of your gallbladder may not be at the top of your priority list, but perhaps it should be. This vital organ is essential for healthy digestion and the removal of fats from your body, so when it is not working properly, you can experience some painful and even dangerous problems. We share with you everything you need to know about the function of your gallbladder as well as how to use essential oils to help keep it healthy and working well.

Why is Your Gallbladder Important?

All of the organs in your digestive system are interconnected. When one is not functioning at its full potential, it affects all the others. Your gallbladder affects your liver, kidney, and pancreas, which means it plays an important role in your digestion and overall health.

Your gallbladder stores the bile that your liver produces. That bile is used to break down the fats you ingest in food. Bile is an acidic substance that is needed to help break those fats down until usable energy for your body. When you are eating, your gallbladder empties itself of the stored bile, which is used in the digestive process. It later refills with bile after digestion is finished.

The majority of gallbladder problems are the result of gallstones, which are small formations comprised of bile salts and cholesterol. Gallstones can block the opening of the gallbladder, causing pain. They are also likely to impede the proper digestion of fats, which can raise your cholesterol levels over time.

Those with gallstones may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may have periodic problems. Most people find out they have gallbladder problems when it leads to other issues, such as high cholesterol, bloating, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or digestive issues like chronic constipation.

Because the gallbladder removes fats from your food, the leading cause of gallbladder problems, including gallstones, is eating a diet that contains too much fat.

Using Essential Oils for Gallbladder Health

You can use essential oils to help gallstones dissolve more effectively on their own and to prevent them from forming. Taking essential oils regularly can help improve your digestion and increase bile production, which can lead to lower cholesterol levels as well as fewer problems with gallstones.

For example, lemon essential oil and other citrus oils contain a compound known as d-limonene. This naturally occurring chemical has been shown in clinical tests to assist in dissolving gallstones. Lemon oil has also been shown to assist with the breakdown of fats, which can help prevent gallbladder problems as well as improve your heart health. Lemon oil increases circulation and can boost the production of bile in the liver.

Another option for promoting gallbladder health is Melissa essential oil, also known as lemon balm. This herb is a member of the mint family, and its potent compounds can help your gallbladder. Melissa oil has litholytic effects, which make it excellent for dissolving gallstones. It also enhances bile production and lowers inflammation. This is particularly helpful for your gallbladder, as inflammation can sometimes cause the organ to not fully empty itself of bile, which leads to gallstones and other problems.

Rosemary ct. Verbenone essential oil, which is different than traditional rosemary oil, may be effective at helping to cleanse your liver and gallbladder of toxins as well as help lower your cholesterol. Taking this oil regularly can help reduce the buildup of fats that cause problems in your gallbladder as well as promote effective digestion overall.

Other essential oils such as rosemary and peppermint can also help cleanse the liver and gallbladder, stimulate the production of bile, and help promote a healthy gallbladder.