Natural medicine or conventional medicine? Many people prefer to use herbal rather than synthetically produced medicines for minor everyday ailments. The ancient Egyptians and the Greeks were well aware of the power of plants for healing and for relieving symptoms. Modern herbal medicine (phytotherapy) combines centuries-old knowledge with the latest research findings. Nature provides a huge range of medicinal plants for alleviating symptoms. Test your knowledge of medicinal plants by taking the quiz and learn some interesting facts about medicinal plants in the article. There's a herb for (almost) everything.
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Natural soothing and healing: phytotherapy
For many people, plant-based treatments are a valuable alternative or reasonable addition to conventional medication. Herbal medicine has a long tradition dating back to the beginning of human history.
According to the renowned British research centre Kew Gardens, there are known to be more than 28000 plant species worldwide that have medicinal benefits. Around 500 plant species are currently used in European herbal medicine for the production of medicinal products. Depending on the species, the flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, roots or bark are used – for example in the form of teas or other products.
The two types of phytotherapy
Traditional phytotherapy
Traditional phytotherapy is rooted in folklore and based on experience that has been handed down. This is still an important part of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as folk medicine.
Rational phytotherapy
Rational phytotherapy makes use of the knowledge passed down from traditional phytotherapy and also uses scientific methods to process the plants.
Phytopharmaceuticals are not the same as homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic remedies usually contain only traces of their active ingredients due to significant dilution. In rational herbal medicine, on the other hand, active ingredient concentrates are obtained from the plant parts.
How medicinal plants are administered
Medicinal plants are processed in different ways, and can therefore be taken or applied in different forms:
- Tea (infusion, cold extract)
- Tincture, liquid extract
- Tablet, pill, capsule
- Cream, ointment, gel
- Bath additive
Important notes regarding the use of phytopharmaceuticals
Phytopharmaceuticals can be used alongside conventional medicines – either as an alternative or as a preferred form of therapy. Despite their plant-based ingredients, phytopharmaceuticals are not free from potential side effects, and in some cases they can interact with other medications. You should consult a medical professional if you experience any symptoms or if you are uncertain about anything.
Medicinal plants for an upset stomach and indigestion
- Cumin, fennel and aniseed belong to the same family of plants, and are known for their antibacterial and antispasmodic effects. The best thing to do is take all three plants at the same time in a tea.
- Artichoke supports the functioning of the liver and stomach. It stimulates the production of bile, improves your lipid profile, and is an antioxidant. Most ready-made products are produced using the leaves of the artichoke, and contain bitter substances. They are used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, reflux and flatulence.
- Peppermint essential oil is widely used. Even just the refreshing scent can stimulate your appetite if you’re feeling unwell. Extracts from the leaves contain ingredients that relieve flatulence, promote digestion and soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
What helps with flatulence and bloating? In this video, Dr Silke Schmitt Ogier, Medical Director at the santé24 online practice, explains which plants help with flatulence and bloating.
Trouble falling asleep?
Insomnia is one of the most stressful everyday ailments. People who sleep poorly often feel low on energy and less efficient the next day. Plant-based remedies are often preferred over conventional medicines because they help us fall and stay asleep in a natural way. Before starting treatment, however, you should rule out any medical or psychological reasons for your insomnia.
The most well-known phytopharmaceuticals for insomnia are lavender, valerian, hops, passion flower, lemon balm and orange blossom. These are used either individually or in combination.
The phytopharmaceuticals mentioned generally only develop their full effect after a few days of regular use.
Herbal relief for cold symptoms
- Sage is often used to treat inflammation in the mouth and throat due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Sage can be taken as a lozenge, tea, spray or solution to alleviate these local symptoms. To be on the safe side, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take sage or sage extract.*
- One of the most important medicinal plants when it comes to preventing colds is echinacea (coneflower). This plant boosts the immune system, and can be used to both prevent and treat acute colds. The extracts are generally taken as tablets or drops.
Plants can also trigger allergic reactions. You should consult a doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time or get worse, or if new symptoms develop.
*Instructions for use:
- Avoid bringing essential oils into contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Essential oils should be diluted before being applied to the skin.
- You should consult a doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, or in cases of diseased skin, respiratory diseases, epilepsy or with patients who have allergies.
- Essential oils should only be used very sparingly with children, and not at all for children under two years of age.
- Do not use oils if you know that you are allergic to certain ingredients.
- Plants can also trigger allergic reactions. You should consult a doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time, or get worse, or if new symptoms develop.
