biliousness

Biliousness refers to a historical medical concept describing a state of ill health attributed to an excess of bile. In ancient Greek medicine, particularly with the humoral theory, bile was one of the four cardinal humors of the body. An imbalance, specifically an excess of yellow bile, was believed to cause a range of symptoms. These symptoms often included nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, jaundice, and a general feeling of malaise. The term "bilious" was used to describe individuals who were thought to have this excess of bile, often manifesting as a sickly or irritable disposition.

The treatment for biliousness typically involved measures aimed at purging the body of the supposed excess bile. This could include the use of emetics (substances that induce vomiting) and purgatives (laxatives). Dietary changes were also recommended, often advocating for bland foods and avoiding anything believed to stimulate bile production, such as rich or fatty foods. While the concept of biliousness is no longer recognized in modern medicine, it was a prevalent explanation for various ailments for centuries.

Modern medical understanding has moved away from humoral theory and the concept of bile as a primary cause of such widespread symptoms. Many of the conditions historically attributed to biliousness are now understood to be related to digestive disorders, liver function, infections, or neurological issues, each with specific identifiable causes and treatments. The term "bilious" persists in common language, often used colloquially to describe a person who is ill-tempered or sickly, but it has no formal medical standing today.