Phytotherapy, also known as herbalism, is a medicinal approach based on the use of the properties of plants to prevent, relieve or treat various ailments. It relies on the richness of bioactive compounds in plants, which can have beneficial effects on human health.
Medicinal plants contain a diversity of compounds, such as polyphenols, terpenes, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which can act in different ways on the body. These compounds may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other beneficial actions.
Herbal medicine is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, sleep problems, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, respiratory disorders, and even emotional aspects such as stress and anxiety .
Certain plants are renowned for their potential to support weight loss, but it is essential to emphasize that herbal medicine alone is generally not a miracle solution for weight loss. It can be used in addition to a healthy diet and exercise.
The effectiveness of herbal medicine depends on the disorder being treated, the plant used, and the individual response. Some plants have well-studied and research-backed properties, while others still require further investigation.
Herbal medicine may be recommended by qualified health professionals, such as herbalists, naturopaths, integrative physicians, or certified herbalists. These practitioners are trained to assess individual needs and recommend personalized approaches.
Herbal medicine products include a diverse range of plant extracts in different forms, such as herbal teas, tinctures, dietary supplements, ointments and essential oils. These products are often available in specialty stores or under the supervision of health professionals.
Although considered safe, herbal medicine may pose risks for certain people, such as pregnant women, children, and those with specific health conditions. Prior medical consultation is recommended.
Reliable information can be obtained from qualified health care practitioners, herbal medicine professionals, medical publications, and reputable online sources. It is essential to verify the credibility of information sources.
Guarana is native to the lower Amazon, Brazil to be precise, where it grows in abundance. Cultivated in a few places on the South American continent, this plant has only been known in Europe since 1817. Guarana is a Brazilian name derived from the name of the Guarani tribe, indigenous to Amazonia. What is guarana? … Read more
When we hear about the griffonia for the first time, some country people will first think of hunting dogs, whether they are running or pointing, while urbanites will evoke canine breeds of amenities originating in Belgium. . Others, more focused on the marvelous and the fantastic , will immediately make reference to the griffin , this chimerical animal, a mixture … Read more
In the past, feverfew was known as Chrysanthemum parthenium . If we have since kept its adjective, this chrysanthemum has disappeared in favor of a tanacetum which borders on tansy, while this previous substantive brought it closer to the vast tribe of “chrysanthemums” , a word forged thanks to two Greek roots: chrysos , “Gold” and anthemos , “flower”. A little history Cazin , evoked a Matricaria parthenium , whose plate … Read more
Can herbal medicine help prevent cancer? Although there is a genetic predisposition to certain cancers , gene expression can be modulated through epigenetics; recent discipline, which explains how the environment and individual history modify gene expression. These phenomena are transmissible from one generation to another, but can be reversible, in particular under the influence of nutritional factors … Read more
Chaste tree, a medicinal plant revered since ancient times, is now attracting renewed interest for its remarkable therapeutic properties. Used by Hippocrates and Dioscorides for its curative virtues, chaste tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, offers a range of benefits from hormone regulation to anti-inflammatory applications. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of chasteberry, … Read more
Also known as California poppy , eschscholtzia was traditionally used by Native Americans for the medicinal use of the latex of the plant as a pain reliever in toothache. They also used it to treat headaches, colic or to help children fall asleep. A little history The name of the plant was chosen in 1820 by the German Romantic poet and explorer Von … Read more
Periodontal disease is responsible for 30 to 40% of tooth extractions . They generally begin with gingivitis, which is reversible, then progress to damage to the periodontium , the supporting tissue of the tooth, destroying it which causes a loss of attachment of the tooth. These attacks are mainly caused by dental plaque as well as tartar (calcified dental … Read more
Orthomyxovirus and influenza viral infection The flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection caused by viruses Myxovirus influenzae . It manifests itself in the form of seasonal epidemics and affects up to 7 million people in France each winter. The influenza A (the most virulent) is responsible for most epidemics. The large number of patients each year, as well as the sometimes … Read more
Desmodium , plant of hepatic cytolysis , derives its name from the Greek “ desmos ” which means “ link ” or “ bundle ”, and refers to the stamens that meet in a tube at their ends, while Adscendens refers to the properties of the parts. aerials to ascend the trunks of oil palms in damp and shady places. A good mnemonic to remember that when the … Read more
A medical material, a tinctorial plant but also a spice, turmeric has provided its benefits to men for 3,000 years . This perennial plant, some specimens of which nowadays adorn florists’ shops, is best known for its underground parts which, like ginger, are in fact made up of rhizomes. A little history Turmeric has been known to the … Read more
The term “blackcurrant” takes its etymology from the Phoenician. This vegetal blackcurrant is a word appearing in the 16th century, at the same time as the first writings granted to it ( Rembert Dodoens , 1583) as well as the first medicinal mentions of its leaves and fruits ( Petrus Forestus , 1614). A little history Dodoens is Flemish, Forestus is Dutch. They are therefore … Read more
Who hasn’t dreamt of sporting a radiant, perfect white, pearly smile like the stars of Hollywood ? Dazzling white teeth are often associated with good health. But immaculate white has never been the natural colour of teeth. Made up of a thin layer of translucent enamel under which most of its material (dentine) lies, its … Read more
In order to quickly explain the difference between these two types of extracts of medicinal fresh plants , we will first see the SIPF method, to then highlight the 2 final and original steps of the EPS process: leaching where the alcohol is added to the mixture of cryomilled plant, gradually increasing the alcoholic degree and the addition of glycerin , … Read more
Caralluma flowers give off such a putrid smell that the Arab nomads nicknamed it qahr al-luhum (carnal sore, abscess). Over time and trade, the plant arrived in the West where its name was Latinized in Caralluma . It is a so-called “succulent” plant: it is capable of storing water in its stems and leaves . In fact, it was traditionally used by the Indians … Read more
Alongside age-related macular degeneration, cataracts are a degenerative eye disease whose prevalence is increasing as the population ages. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, with 18 million cases, according to the WHO. In France, 600,000 cataracts are operated on every year. The incidence of cataracts increases with age, affecting around 20% of people … Read more
The word artichoke is explained by an etymology of Arabic origin “ ardi chouk” , which means: “thorny terrestrial”, taken up and transformed by the Lombard term “ articiocco” . But at this point, we are still far from Lombardy. However, the future artichoke, a cardoon in transformation , slowly takes its path and reaches the kingdom of Naples in the 15th century, … Read more
Prostate adenoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common disease in men over the age of 50. It is often the cause of urinary problems that affect the quality of daily life. Although it is difficult to prevent the onset of prostate adenoma, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce discomfort and complications associated with … Read more
The 19th-century mythologist Angelo de Gubernatis relates an interesting fact. According to him, mixing nettle seed with the bran given to hens increased egg production. What appeared to be a simple propitiatory ritual turned out to be true. It is now recognised that nettle seed stimulates hens to lay eggs. In Scandinavian countries, it makes … Read more
When we speak of an obsessive disorder in the sense of a disease, we describe a behavior , characterized by the irrepressible need to constantly repeat a ritual , often bizarre (compulsion). Professional, family and social life can be seriously threatened. Obsessive thoughts are absurd thoughts. The person who suffers from them feels them as such, but fails to get rid of … Read more
Much more used by popular medicine, milk thistle will have to wait until the beginning of the 16th century before therapists finally take it into consideration . However, from the eighteenth century, the virtues of milk thistle, as diverse as they are, were thrown away by practitioners. Whatever. The twentieth century will restore the image of this repudiated plant. A little history The name milk thistle … Read more