Milk Thistle - for disolving gallstones?

[Guest guest]

Hi:

In searching through one of my herbal books, I have found that Milk Thistle

is used for all sorts of liver ailments, including the prevention and

treatment of gallstones. Has anyone used this? Has anyone experienced good

results with it?

My book " The Healing Power of Herbs " by M. T. Murray, N. D, devotes quite a

bit of space to MT in relation to the liver and gallstones. The active

ingredient in MT is silymarin. This herb is readily available and rather

cheap. A Reader's Digest (British) article about MT and gallstones can be

found at:

http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/health/gallstones.htm

and says: " ...The herb milk thistle, for example, alters bile composition,

thus helping to dissolve gallstones and eliminate stones that may have

formed..... "

Also at: http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/health/gallstones.htm

are some statements: " ...Herbs ~ Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

The medicinal use of milk thistle can be traced back thousands of years to

the times of the Greeks and the Romans.Today, researchers have completed more

than 300 scientific studies that attest to the benefits of this herb,

particularly for treating liver ailments. "

and

" ...Aids in the treatment and prevention of gallstones. "

My herb book, and other sources, indicates that this herb actually restores

liver cells.

Any experiences?

Jay