The use of ox bile typically occurs in instances where there is a deficiency in bile production. It is chemically similar to human bile, so it has seen widespread use in traditional medicine in various cultures. Ox bile, after processing for medical use, assists the body in the breaking down of fats and the assimilation of vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also helps treat constipation, and prevent gallstones and certain liver diseases, such as cirrhosis.
Bile is a substance excreted by the livers of mammals to assist in the chemical breakdown of fats and the absorption of certain vitamins in the digestive process. The liver stores bile in a small sac called the gallbladder, from which it is distributed to the body. A lack of bile or a production imbalance may lead to wide swings in cholesterol and fat levels in the bloodstream. This is a contributing factor in the formation of gallstones, or calcified obstructions of the gallbladder. Bile disruption also affects intestinal motility and absorption of nutrients in the colon.
Ox bile primarily consists of water, salts, pigments, cholesterol, lecithin and several ions, and is chemically similar to human bile, making it readily compatible for medical purposes. The use of ox bile extract has shown benefit in situations where the liver is not functioning properly and is unable to adequately produce enough bile itself. The extract can assist in the assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins. It also may help in situations of slow colon motility, obstructions of the gallbladder, and cholecystectomy.
After extraction, ox bile is prepared for long-term storage in powdered, pill or capsule form. To preserve its active constituents for human consumption, the material is typically dried. Ox bile is usually a supplement to a holistic health regimen involving additional medicines or herbs and therapeutics rather than in isolation. Only recently has westernized medicine considered it a subject of beneficial research.
An ox is a heavy draft animal, related to cattle and buffalo. Oxen are source materials for skins, meats, and medical supplements. Ox bile extract has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as being part of folk medicine in various regions of the world.
Some indicated side effects of ox bile extract are nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea, often a result of exceeding the recommended dosage. Possible allergic reactions may occur in those sensitive to ox bile extract. Consult with your physician or other healthcare practitioner before beginning any new health regimen.
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irontoenail
Post 2 |
@indigomoth - It is safe enough that it is added to a lot of sports and energy drinks. Taurine is a substance made from ox bile (and in some other places) and it is commonly added to these products. I think it goes in there because it has such a good reputation in Chinese medicine, although it hasn't been proved to increase energy. It might help with blood pressure, and the liver a little bit but that's it. Also the amounts they put in energy drinks are usually not enough to really do anything anyway. If they put too much into the drinks, they'd have to put more of a warning label on, or might even have to market them as medication and there's no profit in that. |
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indigomoth
Post 1 |
This is one of the strangest alternative medicines I've ever heard of. At first I thought it was a scientifically proved treatment, like how diabetics use pig insulin in order to control their blood sugar. Cow heart valves are also used to replace damaged or worn out human heart valves I believe so it is not so far fetched that someone who is unable to produce their own bile might need to replace it with animal bile. But, I am wary of any treatment that hasn't been approved by doctors, particularly since this one seems like an obvious solution to that problem. I guess since this has probably been used for a long time with few side effects, it is probably safe, but I would definitely consult a doctor before using it. |
