PHYTOTHERAPY

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Plants have been used to treat medical conditions long before recorded history, and incorporating spices into food has been one of the oldest ways to harness their disease-fighting properties. Advances in analysis, quality control, and clinical research have highlighted the true value of herbal supplements, with many modern pharmaceutical drugs derived from plant compounds.

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Phytotherapy involves using plants or plant extracts (seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, flowers) to enhance health. Herbal products come in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, tablets, and teas.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 65 to 80% of the global population relies on alternative medicine as their primary healthcare approach, compared to only 10 to 30% who use conventional medicine. In Africa, for instance, 80% of the population depends on herbal remedies due to their accessibility and affordability. In India, Ayurvedic medicine, which uses over 1,200 different herbs, is regularly practiced by about 65% of the population. Similarly, over 50% of Canadians and 75% of French individuals have tried complementary remedies, including botanicals. In Japan, 85% of doctors prescribe both pharmaceutical drugs and traditional herbal medicine (Kampo), which is covered by healthcare.

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The rising popularity of phytotherapy is attributed to its perceived safety and lower risk of side effects, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global health industry.

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BOTANICALS: PROS & CONS OF THE DIFFERENT PREPARATIONS ​

• Whole plant: Minimally processed; variable concentration of therapeutic compounds.

• Tea and infusion: Easy to prepare, alcohol-free, but sometimes low in active compounds.

• Decoction: Similar but more concentrated than infusions; taste can be unpleasant.

• Dried plant: Easy to use, but concentration of compounds is variable.

• Liquid extract (Mother tincture): Potent and long-lasting, but contains alcohol.

• Solid extract: Concentrated and alcohol-free, but has a shorter shelf life.

• Standardized extract: Precise dosage, quality controlled.

• Intravenous infusion: Fast-acting, but increased risk of side effects.​

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« A MAN MAY ESTEEM HIMSELF HAPPY WHEN THAT WHICH IS HIS FOOD IS ALSO HIS MEDICINE »
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)