Bottle of 'Chologestin', United States, 1890-1930

Bottle of "Chologestin" in original carton, by F.H. Strong Co., USA

This product was promoted as improving the “free-flow of non-irritating bile” and in doing so “relieve conditions that may result when the bile does not flow freely”. The brand name ‘Chologestin’ was based on its properties as a cholagogue – a bile removing agent. It was one of numerous ‘over the counter’ remedies that were available without prescription in pharmacies in the first half of the twentieth century.

One tablespoonful of the brown liquid was diluted with water and taken three times a day after meals. Bile is stored in the liver and released after eating to break down fats in food and help digest them. A blockage in the bile ducts causes weight loss, fatigue and fever. The product was made by F H Strong and Co.