As its name suggests, phytotherapy is the use of plants for preventive or curative purposes. While it has enjoyed a revival in recent years, phytotherapy is actually one of oldest forms of traditional medicine. Indeed Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Medicine’, was extolling its virtues several thousand years ago.
A number of scientific studies have since confirmed the efficacy of phytotherapy and identified powerful phytonutrients such as petasin and isopetasin. These active compounds are found in the plant butterbur (Petasites hybridus) which has antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. Perhaps better known are polyphenols such as resveratrol. Found in many fruits including grapes and apples, such polyphenols are also powerful phytonutrients with antioxidant properties and protective effects.
A gentle form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is considered a sub-category of phytotherapy. It is uniquely based on the use of essential oils extracted from medicinal plants. Obtained by distillation, these essential oils are concentrated liquids containing active principles that are naturally beneficial to health. As they are so highly concentrated, however, they need to be used with caution.
Certain medicinal plants are available in the form of both essential oils and powders, the latter being used primarily in dietary supplements. However, these extracts tend not to share the same characteristics and properties. One such example is cinnamon. Its leaves are distilled to obtain an essential oil with an anti-infection effect, while its bark is ground to a powder for use in various dietary supplements such as Carbo Defense.
You’ve no doubt come across Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic medicine. Recognized as a traditional medicine by the World Health Organisation, it has been used in India for over 5000 years. A gentle form of medicine, it takes a holistic, ‘mind and body’ approach to health and well-being. It is based on the three life forces, or ‘doshas’, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. According to the founding principles of Ayurveda, an imbalance between these three energies is what leads to the development of disease.
This form of alternative medicine advocates various methods of prevention for maintaining the balance between these doshas, including yoga, Ayurvedic massage and Ayurvedic treatments. The latter are based on medicinal herbs such as gymnema sylvestre and powerful natural remedies such as the legendary detoxifier triphala.
Traditional Chinese medicine is based on a state of harmony between the body’s energy flows. With a tradition of use dating back thousands of years, this ancient form of alternative medicine focuses on maintaining a healthy flow of Qi, which according to Chinese tradition, is the fundamental force that makes up everything in the universe. Any blockage or impairment to Qi means an imbalance in energy flows which is harmful to our health.
In order to maintain or restore the harmony of energy flows, traditional Chinese medicine uses various methods such as acupuncture, massage, energy exercises and medicinal herbs. The Chinese pharmacopoeia is thus one of the richest in the world, featuring many adaptogen plants including ginseng and astragalus, which help improve the body’s ability to withstand certain stress factors and imbalances.
Infusions, powders, capsules … If you’ve always wanted to master the subtle art of phytotherapy, then take our quick tour of the main ways of using medicinal plants to support your health naturally.
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