Milkweed/Milk Thistle

I was wondering if you could send me some info. about milkweed. I have heard that it was supposed to do something for your liver. I would appreciate anything you have.

John Lust, in The Herb Book (available at Richters), says that the rootstock of Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, is diuretic, emetic and purgative, and used in kidney problems, water retention, asthma, stomach ailments and gallstones. It is poisonous in large doses.
Milk Thistle stimulates and protects the liver. It is an antioxidant and stimulates the growth of new liver cells to replace the old. It is used in detoxification and liver disorders.
For more information on Milk Thistle, see "Milk Thistle: The Liver Herb" by Christopher Hobbs (available at Richters).