The use of Asteraceae (the composite or daisy family, which includes many genera like Artemisia, Matricaria, Achillea, and Taraxacum) in support of the small intestines is primarily rooted in traditional herbal medicine. Various members of this family have been used across different cultures for centuries to address digestive complaints. For example, Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) has a long history in European and Middle Eastern herbal traditions for soothing gastrointestinal upset, including indigestion and mild spasms, which are functions associated with the small intestine. Similarly, Artemisia species (such as wormwood) have been used to promote digestion and relieve intestinal discomfort.

The mechanisms proposed in traditional texts often include anti-inflammatory, carminative (gas-relieving), and spasmolytic actions, which may indirectly support the small intestine’s function. However, most of these uses relate broadly to digestive health and not specifically or exclusively to the small intestine. Modern scientific studies on these plants often focus on their effects on the entire gastrointestinal tract rather than the small intestine alone, and clinical evidence directly supporting their use for small intestine health is limited. Therefore, while there is a strong tradition of use, the evidence base is mixed and largely anecdotal.