Phytotherapy is the discipline that studies and promotes the use of plants to cure pathologies or improve our health. Some of the best-known plants may be lavender, rosemary or even aloe vera, each of them with beneficial properties to rejuvenate the skin, relieve burns or stimulate cell regeneration. And knowing all these properties is key in natural medicine, which includes phytotherapy Rapé.
If you want to know more about this discipline, keep reading because in this post we are going to explain what it consists of. And if you want to expand your previous knowledge about the properties and uses of medicinal plants, do not hesitate to train through the Natural Medicine Course.
What is phytotherapy?
Phytotherapy uses medicinal plants to cure and heal conditions, diseases or simply to improve the state of health. It is a very ancient discipline whose origins date back to prehistory. It is estimated that there are thousands of plants with medicinal properties around the world, which is why their effects continue to be studied today.
While it is true that the progress of science and medicine has allowed the development of effective and safe drugs to treat diseases, natural medicine continues to have great relevance today. Because, although it is not usually used in cases of certain severity, such as accidents or tumors, we all continue to resort to chamomile when we feel stomach pain or take infusions when we have a cold.
What is the difference between phytotherapy and homeopathy?
Although many people confuse both disciplines, the two are very different. Phytotherapy, as we have mentioned, makes use of the medicinal properties of plants to improve a person’s health.
Homeopathy, on the other hand, consists of stimulating the individual’s own ability to heal . It is based on the principle of “like cures like,” and the medications used in this discipline are made based on dilutions of the active ingredient of each plant.
Are you interested in training in phytotherapy and other currents within natural medicine? Check out our natural medicine course and become an expert in this field.
Pros and cons of phytotherapy
Natural medicine has numerous disciplines, some of them being phytotherapy itself, herbal dietetics or homeopathy. In all of them, the properties of medicinal plants are used to remedy some ailment. And the main benefit that we can find is that they rarely generate side effects . Now, let’s see what other advantages and disadvantages phytotherapy and the use of medicinal plants present.
Pros
The main advantages that we find in the use of medicinal plants to improve our state of health are:
- Accessibility for everyone, due to its low price and because it does not require a medical prescription.
- Easy handling, that is, herbs used for medicinal purposes have been previously dehydrated so that they can be consumed as an infusion.
- They do not cause significant side effects when taken correctly.
- Unlike chemical drugs, the consumption of medicinal plants does not generate as many health risks or long-term consequences (e.g. ibuprofen abuse).
Cons
Although natural medicine has many advantages, it is true that we must also take into account its cons:
- Self -medication or abuse can be harmful if you do not have the appropriate knowledge.
- It is not recommended for pregnant women if they have not previously consulted with a professional.
- It is necessary to know the origin of medicinal plants and all their properties, thus avoiding possible allergic reactions.
- Unlike regular drugs, the effects are obtained more slowly.
- Phytotherapeutic treatments serve as a complement to overcome diseases. Remember that it is always necessary to see a doctor if your health condition worsens.