Phytotherapy is a method that builds on the healing power of plants. We explain what this means, how the phytotherapy works and what you should consider.
That means phytotherapy
Phytotherapy is also called “Herbal medicine” known. It is a very old healing method that mainly uses extracts from flowers, roots, bark or seeds from various plants. Minerals or animal products can also be used.
For example, we have Ayurvedic and Kneipp medicine, which use the concepts of phytotherapy. Combined with western conventional medicine, we often encounter phytotherapy in the form of tablets, coated tablets, tinctures and capsules.
The origin of phytotherapy lies in traditional China
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Originally it is Phytotherapy but part of the traditional chinese medicine (TCM). TCM sees itself as an aid so that the body can heal itself. The aim is to maintain or restore the inner balance in the body – taking into account the five-element teaching (wood, fire, earth, water, metal), yin and yan or the qi.
This is how phytotherapy works
If you want to use phytotherapy, find a doctor who specializes in phytotherapy. He / she will be one for you individual recipe put together after doing the following three things with you:
- anamnese: The doctor will take the time to listen to you and to monitor your medical history.
- Tongue diagnosis: The doctor will look at your tongue. It is examined for color deviations, swellings or structural changes (furrows) in order to draw conclusions about your organ system.
- Pulse diagnosis: The doctor will scan your pulse in very small steps to assess your organs.
After the diagnosis has been made, a diagnosis will be made for you Recipe put together, which usually consists of ten to twelve plants. The effect of the individual plants should complement each other.
This medicinal product is then poured into cold water, boiled twice and then poured off. Now the mixture is called “Decoctions“. Then you have the decocts over several weeks several times a day take in.
Advantages and disadvantages of phytotherapy
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This speaks for phytotherapy:
- Phytotherapy is also suitable for diseases mild symptoms.
- It can also be an alternative to conventional medicine for mild symptoms if you are afraid of strong ones Side effects have.
- Generally there is still in the west hardly any scientific evidence how it works. However, it is still assumed that the medication used in phytotherapy well tolerated are and Act.
Warning – there are some serious disadvantages. There are a number of things you should consider when doing phytotherapy:
- Phytotherapy can cause allergic reactions.
- If the recipe is not correct, you can unwanted side effects occur. That’s why you should go to experienced phytotherapists.
- You should never treat yourself with phytotherapy. Because this can not only cause side effects, but also diseases: There are plants that are poisonous or that interact with other medications.
- The medicines unfortunately do not taste particularly good and are often very bitter.
- The production of decocts is very time-consuming.
- In Germany you can get the most important Chinese medicines in the pharmacy. you are prescription only. Do not buy products from unclear sources on the Internet. Because the quality can be poor.
Phytopharmaceuticals as food supplements
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In addition to professional phytotherapy, there are numerous Phytopharmaceuticals, which you can buy not only in pharmacies, but also in health food stores, drug stores or supermarkets without a prescription. They are classified as food supplements by the Food Act. Phytopharmaceuticals only contain a fraction of a phytotherapeutic drug.
You may have already used the following phytopharmaceuticals to promote the healing process:
- Caraway teawho against Flatulence helps.
- Linden blossom tea, of the Colds soothed.
- Sage tea, with which you Sore throat fight.
- Johannis herbs helps with seasonal Mood swings or with temporary depressive symptoms such as feeling battered or listless.
- With valerian it’s easier to get to in the evening Quiet and can fall asleep better. Many valerian preparations also contain hops, passion flower and Melissa. Note that you should take valerian for a few weeks to get the effect.
- lavender fights inner Restlessness or fears.
- An extract from Passion flowers can against Fear of flying or exam help.
Do you want a high quality product buy, it is best to consult a pharmacy. If you use phytopharmaceuticals, you should always check your symptoms. If they do not improve after a few days or weeks of herbal support, you should urgently consult a doctor.
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