Uses of Ox Bile
Under normal conditions, bile secreted from the pancreas is released via ducts and absorbed into the small intestine. This bile contains bile salts which help in the further digestion and absorption of ingested fat. When there is an abnormality that causes the absorption of bile salts to reduce, this process of absorption is impeded greatly. This may be due to decreased secretion of bile, decreased concentration of bile salts, or a dysfunction of the pancreas. When this occurs, external sources of bile can be relied on to re-establish the balance, for example, animal bile, or their supplements. This is where Ox bile may prove highly effective. The widely known uses of the ox bile revolve around restoring normal bile salt concentrations in cases of deficiency. These include:
- Protecting the gut from injuries and infections.
- Enhancing the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins and preventing indigestion.
- Eliminating cholesterol gall stones.
- Restoring normal bile production.
- Decreases the production of cholesterol in the liver.
- Protecting the liver from damage.
Ox bile is used, especially in traditional Chinese medicine for treating jaundice and hemorrhoids. [2]
