Published on : 23 April 20202 min reading time

The word “phytotherapy” comes from the Greek “phyton” which means plant and therapeia which means to heal. It is a form of treatment based mainly on plants. In fact, the WHO approves it as conventional medicine. It responds considerably to various pathologies as effective care and treatment. Indeed, it also prevents certain diseases.

ZOOM ON THIS CONCEPT

Phytotherapy has existed since the dawn of time. It is the scientific advances that have allowed its evolution in recent years. It is more and more popular because it produces little or no undesirable effects when used with various plants. Currently, this natural method offers a multitude of techniques related to well-being. In this way, its benefits are exploited in an optimal way to promote the healing of an individual. It is important to note that each plant has its own active agent which in some cases may be contraindicated. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to always seek medical advice before consuming any of them. Indeed, some plants are not compatible with a category of chemical drugs or food supplements.

BENEFITS OF THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT

It is interesting to note that plants have preventive and curative effects in many areas such as different pathologies and diseases. Each plant has been carefully studied in order to draw all its virtues in the service of medicine. However, research in the field of phytotherapy is progressing less compared to the pharmaceutical industry. All parts of a medicinal plant are all favourable to phytotherapy: stem, leaf, flower and root. Also, it is possible to make various preparations: in broth, infusion, maceration, powder and many others. They can be administered externally or internally depending on the condition to be treated.

THE PHYTOTHERAPIST

An herbalist is a profession that works only with medicinal plants. He has a practice specialized in phytotherapy in health centres or attached to a service within a clinic. A session often begins with a health check-up and a diagnosis of the symptoms of the disease. Recommendations in the plants to be used will be prescribed and sometimes the phytotherapist simply advises a change in lifestyle habits. For example, he can ask for physical exercises or on the contrary requires rest and relaxation.