Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is a science-based medical practice and thus is distinguished from other, more traditional approaches, such as medical herbalism, which relies on an empirical appreciation of medicinal herbs and which is often linked to traditional knowledge.

Phytotherapy is considered as a part of modern medicine. In fact, many pharmaceuticals are derived from plants by isolating a plant's active ingredient and either synthesizing it or using it directly as a pharmaceutical drug.

History

The use of plants as medicine predates written human history. Ethnobotany, the study of traditional human uses of plants, is recognized as an effective way to discover future medicines. In 2001, researchers identified 122 compounds used in mainstream medicine which were derived from "ethnomedical" plant sources; 80% of these compounds were used in the same or related manner as the traditional ethnomedical use.

Modern Phytotherapy

Modern phytotherapy, following the scientific method, strives to extract one compound and create a drug. In some cases, the use of whole plants or mixtures of plants is more effective, with fewer side-effects, than isolated compounds. For instance, the use of willow bark for pain relief, and the use of foxglove for the treatment of heart diseases.

Safety

The safety of herbal medicine has become a major concern to both national health authorities and the general public. The use of herbs does not generally result in significant side effects when used appropriately by professionals and under the guidance of trained herbalists. However, all medicines, including those labeled "natural", have the potential for causing side effects, adverse reactions, and interactions with other drugs, supplements, or foods.

See also

• Herbalism
• Pharmacognosy
• Traditional medicine
• Ethnobotany
• List of plants used in herbalism

External links

• European Medicines Agency
• World Health Organization - Traditional Medicine

Phytotherapy Resources
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