Nowadays, medicinal plants and herbs attract more and more people looking for natural treatments . In fact, we are increasingly looking for authenticity and the abandonment of industrial chemicals with undesirable effects Rapé.
Phytotherapy indicates the use that can be made of plants on the body in various forms: macerations, infusions, decoctions, etc.… for preventive, curative, but also aesthetic purposes. In short, for medicinal or wellness purposes .
Phytotherapy offers different effects depending on the parts of the plant used (flowers, stems, leaves, roots, etc.).
Then we can ask ourselves the legitimate question: Can we really cure everything with plants?
What is herbal medicine?
Phytotherapy is a medicine based on the use of plants , mainly on their natural active ingredients and their virtues on our body. It is the first form of medicine known and created by man.
Literally “phytotherapy” means “treating yourself with plants” in Greek. It is a therapeutic method that uses plants to treat and prevent diseases. It is clearly the ancestor of our current medicine, which in turn is inspired by phytotherapy.
Natural medicine is the best approach to prevent and treat most everyday ailments.
The use of plants in the medical field is more widespread throughout the world. For centuries, man has acquired knowledge about plants and their healing properties. But since the early 20th century, herbal medicine has faced competition from so-called “modern” medicines.
Please note that there are many ancient traditional medicines from around the world. Among others, Ayurvedic medicine (Indian medicine), Mushum medicine (Native American medicine) or Kampo medicine (Japanese and Chinese medicine).
However, it is reappearing at the same time as other “soft” medicines such as homeopathy, for example.
Today, the effectiveness of medicinal herbs has been demonstrated and recognized by science .
Treat yourself to plants
Phytotherapy does not simply treat the symptoms, but actually treats the cause of the problem; it can be used for purifying or therapeutic purposes.
This can cure at least 80% of everyday diseases . It can be applied against rheumatism, digestive disorders or to activate the body’s defenses, but also as a prevention against skin aging and many other ailments.
The latter is very effective in all areas, and treats joint pain, depression, traffic problems, blood circulation disorders, etc.
The very nature of phytotherapy is knowing how to combine plants with each other to maximize and combine their benefits and virtues.
Certain plants used in phytotherapy do not require a prior medical prescription; they can be purchased freely in pharmacies or stores specialized in this field. It is important to know the plants and their environment well.
How to use medicinal plants.
Medicinal plants can be used in various ways:
For external use: you can apply it as a lotion, bath or fumigation. To do this you have to boil or burn the plants and breathe the vapors.
For internal use: phytotherapy recommends the use of fresh plants, that is, in the form of an infusion, infusion, decoction, capsule or even as dried plants transformed into powder to incorporate into food.
Today, the barrier between medicine and phytotherapy is gradually disappearing so that we can enjoy natural well-being!
The secundary effects
Of course, medicinal plants should not be taken lightly or used haphazardly.
Some may have undesirable effects on the body, generally benign and not serious (when unexpected effects appear, simply reduce the doses or stop for a while).
It is important to respect the prescribed and recommended doses. The combination of several plants, or during a medical treatment already in progress, must be validated by a doctor.
They are generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
The search for naturalness
Our daily lives are increasingly subject to the use of industrialized products to satisfy the strong demand, as cheaply as possible. Many side effects appear and act on our body.
That is why the new trend is to consume better and more naturally . A true return to basics and authenticity to no longer expose your body to various problems. Whether BIO, organically farmed, vegan (not tested on animals) or sustainable, all these forms of respect for humans and nature are important, even essential for our body and the planet.
You are well informed on the subject, from now on you can decide to experience natural well-being. It’s a very nice new way of life!
List of plants in herbal medicine.
Roman chamomile
Raspberry leaf
Marshmallow arboreus
Toronjil
Yerba
Mate
Yiaogulan
Nettle
Dandelion
Cherry stems
Rose petals
Roman chamomile
Roman chamomile is a perennial herbaceous plant 10 to 30 cm high. More commonly called “chamomile” for short, the flower can be used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
It was present for a long time during the reign of the Roman Empire and is still prized for its sedative, relaxing and calming properties . At the body level it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Roman chamomile is also used to relieve stomach pain.
raspberry leaf
Originally from Western Europe, the raspberry contains authentic nutritional riches in its fruits (vitamin C, magnesium, citric acid, sugar, calcium and iron).
Lesser known, but just as interesting, raspberry leaves are very useful for women. Nicknamed “ a woman’s ally ,” they help relieve menstrual pain . Consumed at the end of pregnancy, they would help facilitate childbirth.
Raspberry leaves contain vitamin A, B, C and E. In addition to calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and other nutrients. These also promote lactation.
Malvaviscus arboreus
Very common in Europe, Malvaviscus arboreus (also called altea, bismalva or cane grass) is a perennial plant of the Malvaceae family. It can reach 1.50 m in height, and is characterized by its 5-petal pinkish-white flowers grouped in bouquets. It is a plant with multiple virtues, particularly its root .
In fact, marshmallow root is widely used in phytotherapy thanks to its numerous medicinal virtues. It is known for its softening, emollient and laxative properties .
Melissa
Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family. Its height is 30 to 80 cm, and it has small oval-shaped leaves that give off a sweet and lemony aroma .
The name lemon balm comes from the Greek melissophullon, meaning bee leaves. It is very often used in cooking, but it also contains therapeutic properties that allow it to be used in phytotherapy.
Melissa is in fact a plant with digestive and calming properties .
La yerba mate
Mate, also called Yerba Maté, is a plant native to South America. Extremely popular in Latin America, it is consumed even more than coffee.
Coming from Native American culture, Mate promotes concentration and memory . This plant has many energizing properties for the body and cognitive abilities . Many footballers also appreciate her for this.
Mate also has antioxidant properties and benefits for the cardiovascular system.
The Yiaogulan
Yiaogulan, its scientific name “Gynostemma pentaphyllum” and its popular name “ herb of immortality ” is a Chinese plant highly recognized and appreciated for its beneficial health properties.
This plant has been used for centuries in China to treat and prevent diseases. It is especially known for strengthening the immune system and thus allowing the body to better defend itself against diseases.
This also provides energy and helps with digestion. It is nicknamed the plant that makes you immortal for its properties on the cardiovascular system and blood pressure.
Probably the most indicated plant in Chinese medicine.
Back
Nettle is a herbaceous plant with hairy leaves native to Eurasia.
Consumed for millennia by our ancestors, nettle has long been consumed in times of famine and for its medicinal properties.
The nettle leaf is a more than remarkable ally for health. Rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C and K, it actively participates in the proper functioning of the body.
Dandelion
Dandelion leaves are used in herbal medicine for their effects on the body.
Dandelion leaf is recognized and proven to help treat loss of appetite and certain minor digestive disorders. It has a stimulating action on biliary and urinary functions (diuretic effect).
An effective antioxidant , dandelion leaf contains vitamin C, D and K, potassium, calcium, iron, fatty acids, etc.
cherry stems
Cherry stems are the stems of cherries, used in herbal medicine and during slimming treatments .
These are mainly diuretics . That is, they promote urine to be able to eliminate toxins from the body more quickly and effectively. The cherry stems will stimulate the kidneys and liver, having the function of eliminating waste from the body. Guaranteed detox effect!
Also perfect for people with fluid retention. Lacking calories, they will accompany you during your diet.
Rose petals
Rose flower petals, the rose is a shrub of the Rosaceae family and the genus Rosa. It is recognized by the multiplication of its intertwined petals, which gives it its characteristic shape.