Ox bile

Other names: Ox bile, buffalo bile

Ox bile, also known as Ox bile or buffalo bile, is a substance obtained from the gall bladder of cattle, specifically dried and processed bile. Despite its origin, ox bile has a wide range of applications in various fields, mainly due to its unique properties. It is mainly composed of bile acids and cholesterol, which can emulsify fats and thus facilitate their digestion.

The first field where ox bile finds application is medicine. It is used in natural remedies stemming from traditional Chinese medicine, where an equivalent called "niu huang" is used. It is an effective ingredient in many dietary supplements that facilitate digestion and the treatment of gallstones. In addition to medicine, ox bile is also used in the food industry. It is a component of some types of soaps, as it has the ability to dissolve fats and facilitate their rinsing. It is also used to make special cleaning products for natural materials such as leather, silk and parchment. Finally, ox bile is also valued in artistic circles. Painters use it for its emulsifying properties when creating paints. In fact, it can help to combine oils and water, allowing interesting textures and effects to be created.