Phytotherapy, or the therapeutic use of medicinal plants, is a natural treatment method that is becoming increasingly popular. Whether it is to regulate sleep disorders, aid digestion or even support a weight-loss programme, plant-based active ingredients offer an effective and complementary alternative to conventional allopathic medicine.
What is phytotherapy and how does it work?
Phytotherapy refers to all methods using medicinal plants — in the form of powders, liquid extracts or herbal teas — to prevent or treat conditions. Unlike synthetic drugs, which often isolate a single molecule, phytotherapy uses the whole plant or a specific part (the ‘totum’) to benefit from the synergy of natural active ingredients such as polyphenols, flavonoids or mucilages.
As Olivier Escuder, a researcher at the National Museum of Natural History, explains, this discipline is particularly well-suited to managing minor everyday ailments. However, it requires strict formulation standards to ensure the bioavailability of the active ingredients and the effectiveness of the treatment.
What are the different ways of using medicinal plants?
There are several extraction methods that release the therapeutic properties of plants. The choice of technique depends on the fragility of the plant part (flower, leaf, root) and the condition being treated.
Aqueous preparations (herbal teas and related forms)
Water is the most commonly used solvent in herbal medicine. There are three main techniques, each governed by precise preparation standards:
- Infusion: Recommended for delicate parts such as flowers and leaves.
- Decoction: Essential for woody and compact parts such as roots, rhizomes or bark.
- Maceration: Allows the extraction of heat-sensitive active ingredients without degrading vitamins and minerals through heat.
See the guide: Infusions, decoctions and aqueous macerations
Concentrated extracts (tinctures and oils)
To achieve a more sustained pharmacological effect or extended shelf life, other solvents are preferred:
- Mother tincture: Produced by alcoholic maceration, it allows for rapid absorption by the body and therefore a shelf life of up to three years.
- Oily infusion: Serves as a base for galenic preparations intended for massage or the formulation of balms.
Find out more: Making medicinal tinctures and oils
Why is topical use preferred in herbal medicine?
Topical administration is particularly suitable for treating local inflammation, joint injuries or skin conditions. Indeed, this route allows for targeted delivery of active ingredients whilst sometimes bypassing first-pass metabolism in the liver.
- Ointments and creams: Semi-solid preparations based on beeswax and fatty substances (shea butter, coconut oil) that form a protective barrier.
- Compresses and poultices: Application of impregnated fabrics or plant-based pastes directly to the affected area for an immediate thermal and therapeutic effect.
Discover the guide: Ointments, poultices and skin care
What are the benefits of algotherapy and argilotherapy?
These two approaches complement the arsenal of phytotherapy by providing a mineral dimension essential to the body’s balance.
- Algae therapy: Uses marine resources (kelp, fucus) rich in trace elements and iodine to stimulate the metabolism and detoxify the body.
- Clay therapy: Harnesses the adsorbent properties of different clays (green, white, red) to neutralise toxins and thus soothe tissue inflammation.
See the guide: Clay and seaweed therapies
What are the risks and contraindications of medicinal plants?
The natural nature of a substance does not guarantee its safety. A lack of botanical knowledge or inappropriate dosage can therefore lead to serious health risks.
- Intrinsic toxicity: Species such as Aconite, Belladonna or Foxglove have a narrow therapeutic index and can be lethal.
- Drug interactions: Certain plants may induce or inhibit the metabolism of concurrently prescribed medicines (anticoagulants, contraceptives, etc.).
- Special precautions: The use of herbal medicine in children, pregnant women or patients on multiple medications must always be approved by a pharmacist or doctor.
For more information, see the guide: Safety, toxicology and precautions for use
Phytotherapy therefore refers to the use of plants in various forms—such as herbal teas, capsules or tinctures—for preventive and curative purposes. Over 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was already extolling the healing properties of herbs. Today, herbal medicine forms an integral part of several traditional medical systems, such as Chinese medicine, which very often uses a wide variety of plants to concoct ‘potions’.
The properties, indications and methods of use listed in this article do not in any way constitute medical advice. This information is provided for informational purposes only; we accept no liability whatsoever for its use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice, taking your medical history into account.
Sources
- https://ansm.sante.fr/uploads/2020/10/22/tisanes.pdf
- https://ansm.sante.fr/uploads/2020/10/23/melange-pour-tisanes-pour-preparations-officinales.pdf
- https://www.doctissimo.fr/html/dossiers/phytotherapie/articles/16337-infusion-plante-medicinale.htm
- https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Dossiers/DossierComplexe.aspx?doc=teinture-mere
- https://www.vidal.fr/parapharmacie/utilisation/bon-usage-phytotherapie-plantes/plantes-preparation.html
FAQ: How can you treat yourself safely with medicinal plants?
What is herbal medicine?
Phytotherapy refers to the use of medicinal plants and their active ingredients to relieve everyday functional ailments (stress, digestion, sleep, joint pain). It comes in many different forms: herbal teas, fluid extracts, tinctures or essential oils.
In what forms can medicinal plants be used?
The route of administration depends on the plant and the desired effect:
- Oral use: Infusions (flowers, leaves), decoctions (roots, bark), liquid extracts, tinctures or capsules.
- External application: Poultices, medicinal baths, ointments or compresses.
How do you choose the right plant for your health condition?
The choice of a plant should be based on three criteria: the targeted condition, the patient’s constitution (allergies, medical history) and any current medication. For optimum safety, the advice of a pharmacist trained in herbal medicine is strongly recommended.
Are medicinal plants safe?
No. A medicinal plant contains powerful active compounds. It may therefore have contraindications, cause side effects or interact with other medicines. Adherence to dosages and supervision by a healthcare professional are essential.
Who should be particularly cautious with herbal medicine?
Caution is advised for vulnerable groups: pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, the elderly, and patients with chronic conditions (kidney, heart or liver failure, or cancer). Medical advice is essential in these cases.
How long should a course of herbal medicine last?
For an acute condition, the duration is generally a few days to three weeks. As part of a long-term treatment, longer courses may be considered, but they must always include therapeutic breaks (regular pauses).
Can herbal remedies replace conventional medical treatment?
Medicinal plants complement therapeutic management but should never replace essential conventional medical treatment. You must never stop a prescribed treatment to replace it with a plant-based remedy without the explicit consent of a doctor.
How can you ensure the quality and traceability of your herbs?
Choose plants that meet Pharmacopoeia standards or are organically grown. Careful storage (in a dry place away from light) is essential to minimise contaminants and preserve the active ingredients.
When should you consult a doctor rather than self-medicate?
An urgent medical consultation is required in the event of severe pain, persistent fever, worsening symptoms, shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss. Herbal medicine must never delay the establishment of a proper medical diagnosis.
