Phytotherapy, which is applied to alleviate the physical and psychological discomfort of patients, benefits from the healing effect of medicinal plants. The question of what phytotherapy means, is especially wondered by people struggling with various diseases. In the treatment of phytotherapy, teas, oils, ointments, lotions are actively used. At the same time, it can be said that phytotherapy is used as a supportive treatment alongside many medical treatments.
Phytotherapy treatment is one of the methods frequently used in alternative medicine. Phytotherapy method is evaluated within the scope of pharmacognosy and the healing power of plants is utilized. Specialists in the field of medicine also apply to phytotherapy plants in the treatment of various diseases. However, of course, the same phytotherapy application will not be the same for every patient. Phytotherapy applications should be different for people with different conditions, diseases, health history and age. The expert in the field makes the decision after examining the patient. Creates a treatment plan for using the right methods and herbs.
What does phytotherapy mean?
Phytotherapy is a word formed by combining the words “phyto” and “therapy”. The direct meaning of the word can be translated as herbal therapy. This word and method, which is based on ancient Greek, is an alternative medicine method that has been in our lives for a long time and is still in demand. Phytotherapy, also known as herbal therapy, is part of traditional Chinese medicine. It is also an important part of traditional European naturopathy. In phytotherapy, which is a century-old development, it is applied in the form of finding effective and practical solutions by using both traditional and modern extraction methods from medicinal plants.
What does phytotherapy do?
The question of what phytotherapy does is very curious. The function of this treatment method varies according to the plant used because not every plant has the same effect on the body. The use of a large number of plants in phytotherapy also makes this treatment method supportive of various medical applications. Phytotherapy is not good for one thing, it is used in the treatment and support of many diseases according to the methods and plants used. Although it is a herbal solution, phytotherapy application must be under the control and direction of a doctor. Because the wrong use of herbal products can cause toxic effects, allergies or serious side effects in the body.
How is phytotherapy applied?
Since phytotherapy applications vary from person to person, it is not possible to give a clear answer to the question of how phytotherapy is applied. Because every patient’s general health status, disease history, sensitivities and body structure are not the same. A special treatment plan should be drawn up for the patient to be treated with phytotherapy. At the same time, it is very important that the phytotherapy application is applied by experts in the field. It is safe to receive phytotherapy treatment from people trained in this field. This method of treatment is a rational science and is evidence-based.
It has been determined how all the plants used in phytotherapy give biological results. In other words, experts know which patient will react to which plant. For this purpose, it applies the right phytotherapy treatment method. Phytotherapy is a method used for the treatment of various diseases such as rheumatism treatment. There are different methods in this treatment:
- Application of the plant in the form of cream, ointment or lotion to a certain part of the body
- Mixing more than one plant and taking it into the body in various forms as a mixture
- Taking herbs by mouth in the form of medicines or extracts
- Drinking the juice of the plant from which the fresh juice is extracted or consuming the plant directly as food
- Extracts from plants are brewed as tea or dissolved in water and consumed.
- Applying the oils extracted from the plants in the form of massage or keeping them in the body
What plants are used in phytotherapy?
The same phytotherapy method and plant is not used for every disease. There are different types of treatment in this method. It is necessary to know well which one is good for which disease. Phytotherapy has given positive results in patients when used with various medical treatments. For example, a brain tumor can be resolved more quickly with phytotherapy treatment. At this point, of course, the important thing is early diagnosis. It is the use of this treatment together with the right medical practices. Phytotherapy alone may not be enough to cure diseases. However, with its supportive nature, it can help some diseases heal faster. Phytotherapy plants and their benefits:
- Arnica: It is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is a herb that can be used both externally and internally. It can be applied as a massage in the form of an ointment, especially to relieve swelling, bruises and sprains. For internal use, it should be used under the supervision of a specialist.
- calendula plant: It is used externally for the healing of burns, sunburns and wounds. It can also be extracted in the form of ointment, tea in inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat. It has a soothing effect on problems such as varicose veins, boils, hemorrhoids, eczema.
- Daisy: It is an herb with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. When consumed as a tea, it can be good for colds and gastrointestinal infections. It can also be used in cases of gingivitis, abrasions and mild acne.
- Dandelion: This liver-friendly herb also has a detox effect. It stimulates digestion, is a diuretic, helps to improve diuresis. It can be consumed as tea, coffee or freshly squeezed herbal juice.
- Lavender: Thanks to its linalool and linalil content, lavender has a soothing, anxiety-reducing effect and facilitates falling asleep. It is very common to use with massage and breathing. It can be good for migraine pain.
- Balm: Balm with calming properties helps to reduce stress. It can also remove the harmful effects of radiation from the body.
- Rosemary: Rosemary, which is good for stomach problems and colds, helps to strengthen memory and increase concentration. It is also effective in rheumatic diseases.
Which diseases is phytotherapy good for?
Phytotherapy applications can be used with various medical applications. However, this treatment should only be applied with the guidance of experts in the field. If you have any disease, you should not start the phytotherapy application on your own according to the symptoms. You should definitely consult a doctor and diagnose your disease. At the same time, your doctor may recommend different applications according to your general health status. If you are wondering what are the benefits of phytotherapy, you can look at what the medicinal plants used in this application are good for. The plants to be used are also different according to the disease and the person. The question of which diseases phytotherapy is good for can be answered as follows:
- gynecological diseases
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- overweight
- rheumatism and osteoporosis
- Migraines and headaches
- Kidney and urinary tract diseases
- Insomnia
- Stomach and intestinal diseases
- Allergies and skin diseases
- Treatment after chemotherapy
- Depression, panic attacks or nervous disorders
- Thyroid gland diseases
- Respiratory diseases
If phytotherapy is to be used in the treatment of these diseases, it is absolutely necessary to get support from a specialist. Because the correct application of the treatment is very important. Otherwise, while it may be good for the diseases, permanent damage may occur to the patient due to a wrong application.