Several other herbs have been used as part of an approach for women with mild cervical dysplasia, including Reference myrrh, Reference echinacea, Reference usnea, Reference goldenseal, Reference marshmallow, and Reference yarrow.³ These herbs are used for their antiviral actions as well as to stimulate tissue healing; they are generally administered in a suppository preparation. No clinical trials have proven their effectiveness in treating cervical dysplasia. A doctor should be consulted to discuss the use and availability of these herbs.

Herbal emmenagogues traditionally regarded as stimulating absent or diminished menses are Reference motherwort, rue, partridge berry, and Reference yarrow. None of these herbs has undergone modern clinical trials to determine their efficacy. All emmenagogues should be avoided in pregnancy, as they may possibly cause a spontaneous abortion.

Several gas-relieving herbs used in traditional medicine for colic are approved in Germany for intestinal spasms.⁴ These include Reference yarrow, garden angelica (Angelica archangelica), Reference peppermint, Reference cinnamon, and fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). These herbs are generally given by healthcare professionals as teas or decoctions to the infant. Peppermint tea should be used with caution in infants and young children, as they may choke in reaction to the strong menthol.

Boneset is another immune stimulant and diaphoretic that helps fight off minor viral infections, such as the common cold. In addition, Reference linden and Reference hyssop may promote a healthy fever and the immune system’s ability to fight Reference infections. Reference Yarrow is another diaphoretic that has been used for relief of sore throats, though it has not yet been researched for this purpose.

A variety of anti-inflammatory herbs historically have been recommended by doctors for people with Crohn’s disease. These include Reference yarrow, Reference chamomile, Reference licorice, and Reference aloe juice. Cathartic preparations of aloe should be avoided. No research has been conducted to validate the use of these herbs for Crohn’s disease.

Bitter herbs are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting both stomach acid and Reference digestive enzyme production.⁵ As a result, they are particularly used when there is low stomach acid but not in heartburn (where too much stomach acid could initially exacerbate the situation). These herbs literally taste bitter. Some examples of bitter herbs include Reference greater celandine, Reference wormwood, Reference gentian,Reference dandelion, Reference blessed thistle, Reference yarrow, Reference devil’s claw, bitter orange, Reference bitter melon, Reference juniper, Reference andrographis, Reference prickly ash, and Reference centaury.⁶. Bitters are generally taken either by mixing 1–3 ml tincture into water and sipping slowly 10–30 minutes before eating, or by making tea, which is also sipped slowly before eating.

Some bitters widely used in traditional medicine in North America include Reference yarrow, Reference yellow dock, Reference goldenseal, Reference Oregon grape, and Reference vervain. Oregon grape’s European cousin Reference barberry has also traditionally been used as a bitter. Animal studies indicate that yarrow, barberry, and Oregon grape, in addition to stimulating digestion like other bitters, may relieve spasms in the intestinal tract.⁷

Based on anecdotal evidence, Reference yarrow tea has been used by European doctors when the main symptom of PMS is spastic pain.⁸ Combine 2–3 teaspoons of yarrow flowers with one cup of hot water, then cover and steep for 15 minutes. Drink three to five cups per day beginning two days before PMS symptoms usually commence. In addition, 1–3 cups of the tea added to hot or cold water can be used as a sitz bath.

Reference Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory activity and been used by some doctors for people with UC. In a double-blind study of people with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, supplementation with aloe resulted in a complete remission or an improvement in symptoms in 47% of cases, compared with 14% of those given a placebo (a statistically significant difference).⁹ No significant side effects were seen. The amount of aloe used was 100 ml (approximately 3.5 ounces) twice a day for four weeks. Other traditional anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs, including Reference calendula, Reference flaxseed, Reference licorice, Reference marshmallow, Reference myrrh, and Reference yarrow. Many of these herbs are most effective, according to clinical experience, if taken internally as well as in enema form.¹⁰ Enemas should be avoided during acute flare-ups but are useful for mild and chronic inflammation. It is best to consult with a doctor experienced with botanical medicine to learn more about herbal enemas before using them. More research needs to be done to determine the effectiveness of these herbs.