Some people lean toward gallbladder removal to relieve hepatic colic problems; however, this cannot be done for a pregnant woman, who will have to wait until after delivery.
That said, the flare-up can still be relieved with natural remedies, starting with anti-inflammatories such as turmeric and ginger, in the form of herbal tea, spices, or capsules. They can also be combined with honey.
In addition, it is recommended that pregnant women take antispasmodics such as linden, along with pain-relieving plants. A blend of honey, royal jelly, and propolis makes an ideal remedy.
At the same time, it is important to drink as much liquid as possible, such as lemon juice, and there is no need to hesitate to use olive oil, in salads for example.
On the dietary side, the apple is the ideal ally. It can be eaten as juice, raw, or cooked. The apple is a pharmacy in itself for pregnant women, particularly for biliary problems.
Furthermore, if the pregnant woman is prone to digestive problems, she can drink verbena herbal tea.
What the science says: pregnancy, the liver, and in children
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, as an illustration — these studies deal with material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Pregnancy
Ginger is the go-to natural remedy for pregnancy-related nausea (J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, 2022) (J Am Board Fam Med, 2014); dates eaten in late pregnancy ease labor (Explore, 2021); iron and folic acid levels are monitored (Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2023). Precaution: many plants are not recommended during pregnancy (essential oils, hormonal plants, purgatives, fenugreek) — do not take any supplement without the advice of a midwife or doctor.
The liver
The silymarin in milk thistle improves liver markers in fatty liver disease and other liver conditions according to meta-analyses (Ann Hepatol, 2024) (World J Gastroenterol, 2017); the Mediterranean diet (olive oil, vegetables, fish) reduces liver fat (Clin Nutr, 2022). Artichoke, black radish, rosemary, and dandelion are the traditional liver cleansers; fasting gives the liver a rest. Precaution: viral hepatitis or cirrhosis must be monitored by a specialist; some plants are hepatotoxic (comfrey, celandine, kava) — do not improvise.
In children
In infants, the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri reduces crying from colic according to a meta-analysis (Pediatrics, 2018) (Acta Paediatr, 2024); in children, honey soothes nighttime coughing (after age one) (Cochrane, 2018), fiber and hydration treat constipation (J Pediatr, 2022), and omega-3s are being studied for hyperactivity (Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018). Precaution: never give honey before age one, no essential oils before age 3 (age 6 for peppermint), doses adjusted to weight; any fever in an infant under 3 months old is an emergency.
