Phytotherapy: what it is, what it’s used for, and its uses

Phytotherapy is a branch of medicine that studies the benefits and properties of plants on health. There are professionals and courses that teach it, and the conditions it can treat are numerous. It is used to lose weight, treat anxiety, issues related to menopause, and even conditions like prostate problems or Parkinson’s disease. To achieve this, the active principles and substances contained in the plants are obtained, evaluating their therapeutic effects and the relief of symptoms from diseases and infections with medical values.

What is phytotherapy and what is it used for?

The name comes from Greek, where Phytos means plant or vegetable and therapeia means therapy. The union of these two words gives the name or definition of “phytotherapy,” considered as natural medicine.

Since it is a very broad branch of medicine, due to the diversity of natural active principles, this application of plant qualities can extend to many human and veterinary pathologies. So let’s see what it is used for.

Uses of phytotherapy

• Weight loss.
• Anxiety.
• Menopause.
• Prostate.
• Veterinary (problems related to livestock and pets).
• Depression.
• Diabetes.
• Acne.
• Others.

Its purpose is therapeutic, and it can be used in the treatment of disease symptoms as well as to relieve pain and side effects of medications.

For weight loss

There are many natural remedies and pharmaceutical products suitable for helping with weight loss. In this sense, phytotherapy for weight loss provides molecules and substances beneficial in blocking the assimilation of fats from food, and also in accelerating their destruction when stored as localized adipose tissue.

A very well-known one is Chinese phytotherapy, which differs from Western phytotherapy in using medicinal preparations derived from plants, animals, and minerals, following the principles of yin-yang. Traditional European and American phytotherapy only uses herbs and vegetables.

For anxiety

For this nervous and psychological disorder, plants like the following are used:

• Valerian.
• St. John’s Wort.
• Passionflower.
• Lemon balm.
• Ginseng.
• Linden.
• Hawthorn.

The function for stress or increased nerves makes it necessary to rely on the calming and relaxing effects of certain plants. Many of them are the basis for medications, although used in proper doses and the right way they can offer an effective therapeutic action. In this sense, the properties of valerian are valuable and can be used with passionflower and linden.

For menopause

As women age, they enter a stage of life where hot flashes and discomfort are frequent. The loss of fertility and ovulation causes a set of symptoms that make it difficult to lead a normal life. Phytotherapy for menopause aims to eliminate menopause-related discomforts and ease the transition from the fertile age to maturity.

Many known plants and herbs can be used to relieve menopause symptoms, including:

• Poppy.
• Valerian.
• Linden.
• St. John’s Wort.
• Guggul or guggul resin.

Prostate problems or benign hyperplasia

The most common ones act as inhibitors of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and alpha blockers. Their effects are well-known for eliminating erectile dysfunction and impotence, as well as the excessive growth of the prostate in men and some used to reduce male baldness.

In terms of benign hyperplasia, it blocks 5-alpha reductase, preventing the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. The phytotherapy plants for the prostate are:

• Serenoa repens.
• African plum tree or Pygeum africanum

As treatment for depression

Perhaps the most well-known function among the population because many phytotherapeutic remedies are found in most households. Both for the treatment of anxiety and depression, the same infusions or preparations made from leaves and branches help relieve symptoms. These phytotherapy plants for anxiety and depression are:

• St. John’s Wort.
• Angelica.
• Angelica.
• Poppy.

Great care must be taken when consuming them with a psychological disorder as they modify behavior and in some cases cause side effects, may worsen anxiety, or interact with psychiatric treatment.

If you wish to take pharmacy phytotherapy, consult with your specialist or talk to the pharmacist.

Pharmacy or herbalist phytotherapy

In principle, there should be no difference as the active ingredients should be the same. However, you should always check the ingredients of each preparation, the purity percentage, and the amount of each one.

Pharmacy phytotherapy provides a safe and effective way to receive the necessary substances for each case. You have the help of a health professional to consult and discuss any questions.

Herbalist phytotherapy is a cheaper alternative method. You have many natural remedies available at a good price. The disadvantage of this form of alternative medicine is that you depend on the brands. Some are better than others as the purity of the extracts can vary greatly. Also, in some herbal stores, they may not be able to properly advise you on solving your symptoms. You’ll get vague guidance.

Does it have side effects and contraindications?

All plants and natural extracts produce effects on the body when ingested or used topically. In this regard, phytotherapy and its side effects are the same. That is, certain individuals may have contraindications or develop an allergic reaction after ingestion.

Each phytotherapeutic preparation may cause symptoms, so you should always be cautious when using medicinal plants and seek advice from professionals. They will be adequately trained through courses in phytotherapy, alternative medicine, and herbalism.

Tips on using phytotherapy

The best thing you can do is always consult your doctor. If you have any illness, they can refer you to a specialist or indicate the appropriate treatment.

In cases where you feel some minor discomfort, not very serious but still uncomfortable, visit an herbalist. Inform yourself well about the effects of medicinal plants before taking them, and if possible, also consult a human health professional.

Is it the same as homeopathy?

They are different therapeutic branches. Although their methods involve administering some preparations of natural origin, the way they are made and their dosage vary significantly.

General homeopathy involves creating dilutions of active ingredients, while in phytotherapy, the active principles are used directly, meaning the plant parts that actually have the desired effects. So, in reality, phytotherapy and homeopathy are very different. For example, homeopathic drops for weight loss are very common, while phytotherapy would use plant extracts to produce the same effects.

Homeopathy is recent, while phytotherapy is very old, to the point that it appeared before traditional medicine. It is an evolution of the traditional use of plants by isolating purified chemical substances to prevent, treat, and eliminate diseases and physiological disorders.

Where can I take a phytotherapy course?

Currently, there are several centers for phytotherapy and alternative medicine. Some offer university diplomas as master’s degrees, while others are courses for professionals and individuals dedicated to health.

Keep in mind that to develop this profession, it is necessary to have knowledge and experience in the properties and benefits of medicinal plants, but if you are passionate about this field, you should take a phytotherapy course.