12 Gynecological Diseases – Action: Silverweed contains phytosterols and flavonoids as well as high concentrations of tannins. The herbal remedy is astringent, analgesic, and spasmolytic. Shepherd’s purse has flavonoids, saponins, and minerals. As a mild styptic agent, it is recommended for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. – Contraindications: None known. – Dosage and administration: We recommend commercial preparations, which should be used as recommended by the manufacturer. – Side effects: Silverweed can upset a sensitive stomach. – Clinical value: Silverweed and shepherd’s purse are gentle phytomedicines with few or no side effects. A case report on silverweed can be found in the literature. – Psychovegetative and physical premenstrual complaints such as water retention, constipation, swelling and tenderness of the breasts, abdominal and/or back pain, mood swings, irritability, and restlessness can occur 7 to 10 days before the start of menstruation due to a relative preponderance of estrogens over progestins. – Hyperactivity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that releases the hormone prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, is another cause of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). – Chaste tree fruit is a useful alternative to hormone preparations in individuals with mild to moderate premenstrual complaints, irregular menses, and premenopausal complaints. Chaste tree fruit extract has been investigated in clinical studies. Several studies show efficacy for relieving symptoms of breast tenderness. – Bugleweed can alleviate pain and tension of the mammary glands in the second half of the menstrual cycle. It is also recommended for vegetative and nervous disorders associated with mild hyperthyroidism.
12.1 Disturbances of the Menstrual Cycle
Clinical Considerations
General comments: The woman’s menstrual cycle is in a delicate balance. Stress and various other factors can easily cause disturbances such as hormone or function-related menstrual disorders, cycle irregularities, and dysmenorrheic complaints such as abdominal and back pain, headaches, circulatory problems, irritability, and lack of appetite.
Herbal treatment measures: Hip baths and herbal wraps prepared using grass flowers (see p. 286), rosemary, or yarrow (see Herbal Hydrotherapy, p. 266) trigger cutivisceral reflexes that stimulate the blood flow and lead to a better function of internal organs. In folk medicine, silverweed and shepherd’s purse are also used in these indications.
Clinical value of herbal medicine: Compared to nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs and hormone preparations, the recommended herbal remedies are very low in side effects.
Recommended Herbal Remedies and Range of Applications
Silverweed herb (Anserinae herba, see p. 117); shepherd’s purse (Bursae pastoris herba).
12.2 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Clinical Considerations
General comments
Clinical value of herbal medicine
Recommended Herbal Remedies and Range of Applications
Chaste tree fruit (Agni casti fructus, see p. 48); bugleweed herb (Lycopi herba).
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