Hi,
I'm new to your forum, so I hope you do not mind my asking a question of you knowledgable folk.

I have gallstones (confirmed by an ultra sound scan) and would like to try to treat myself herbally - my GP seems dead set on surgery but I don't want to go down that route. I am unemployed, so cannot afford to see a herbalist (so wish they were available on the NHS!).
The only thing on my side is time to study my health problem.

I am taking Milk Thistle, plus Berberis drops, which is helping, but I read that Dandelion is 'a splendid liver tonic, ideal for resolving and protecting against gallstones.' It's the resolving bit I want! But, I also read a contraindication statement 'if you have gallstones check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this herb'. Well, you can imagine what response I would get from my GP, and the pharmacist just looked at me with a blank expression. So here I am.

Thank you in advance

Regards
Val

Hi Val,

some Herbalists do reduced rate low-income clinics and depending on where you are there may be a student training clinic nearby, these are usually free. You can find your nearest NIMH registered herbalists at www.nimh.org.uk. There are other registers I'm sure others can advise on.

This may seem a very odd way of treating gallstones but I read , many years ago, that gypsies have success in their treatment by (wait for it !).......eating fried onions on toast.

I have never been in need of trying this treatment, but it is simple enough and may be worth trying.

Good luck !

June Lewis

Hi Valerie

Henriette has some very clear advice on gallstones from Christopher Hedley on her site http://www.henriettesherbal.com/archives/best/1995/gallstones-1.html.

I would echo Claire's suggestion that you ask if any of your local herbalists offer reduced rates for people on low income. If you live in Scotland, the student clinic and medicines are free. You could also find out if you have any herbal medicine students living near you who might want to offer you support as part of their studies (as long as they are being supervised).

Good luck!

Sarah