The risks involved in taking certain medicines are driving more and more people to turn to phytotherapy, which is healing with plants. Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times, but can they now replace the medicines we are used to?
The Healing Power of Plants
Unlike traditional medicines, which seek to isolate molecules, plants represent a group of substances acting in synergy, and it is the addition of this substance that is the origin of many of their properties. Artichoke ( cynara scolymus ) is the most typical example, it combines 4 molecules (citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid and cynarin) which are not very active when used alone, but their synergistic effect Produces a powerful pharmacological effect on the liver and biliary function.
We could even say that plants are used to heal us because certain plant molecules have a natural affinity for our cells’ receptors. For example, morphine from the poppy ( papaver somniferum ) binds to so-called morphine receptors in the central nervous system. The active ingredients of valerian ( valeriana officinalis ) and passionflower ( passiflora incarnata ) bind to brain receptors for sedative molecules called benzodiazepines. In this sense, plants represent real medicines when they are used well and adapted to our needs.
Medicinal plants still provide more than half of current medicines1. For example, cocaine ( erythroxylum coca ), derived from coca, whose use has been documented in South America for thousands of years, is the basis for the synthesis of current local anesthetics. The difference is that traditional medicine isolates molecules of therapeutic interest to formulate medicines. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find medicines formulated entirely from plants on the market, blurring the line between plants and medicine, confirming the trend in favor of natural remedies. Herbal remedies are often used to treat symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety-related disorders, heavy legs, digestive disorders, or fatigue.
Certain plants and spices that are widely incorporated into our diets have such powerful effects on the body that they can be considered medicines in their own right: Garlic ( allium sativum ) has antihypertensive, vasodilatory, and Antioxidants, cholesterol lowering, blood sugar lowering, such as rosemary ( rosmarinus officinalis ) is rich in antioxidants, can claim to have the effect of preventing cardiovascular risk and anti-aging.
The impetus for turning to herbal treatments stems in large part from the risks posed by modern medicine. In fact, it is estimated that one in four traditional medicines presents a risk of accidents that could endanger the health or life of patients1. But not everything found in nature is good for us, and some plants can be dangerous or even deadly. This is the case with young oak german (teucrim chamaedrys), originally used in the form of raw powder capsules for weight loss, but it causes cytolytic hepatitis.
This is why self-medication should be avoided, especially since herbal remedies are based more on traditional uses than rigorous scientific research, unlike traditional medicines. Therefore, their side effects and toxicity are usually not in the directions for use because they are not well known. However, this does not prevent the use of certain plants which are poisonous in certain doses2. In any case, a doctor’s or pharmacist’s prescription is mandatory before starting a phytotherapy treatment, in order to determine the proper dosage and to prevent possible contraindications and dangerous associations.
Phytotherapy is an interesting option for those who are skeptical of modern medicine and want to relieve moderate-intensity symptoms that do not require the use of synthetic drugs, whose side effects are sometimes pronounced. This also helps to reduce drug costs and avoid possible addiction. It is also suitable for people who are allergic to certain synthetic ingredients.
Phytotherapy is preferred when it has a mild effect on the body and its functions, an essential effect on health and general well-being (restores sleep or energy, limits rheumatism, improves digestion). In contrast, conventional medicine is especially useful in situations that require immediate and strong action.
