Integrative Phytotherapy: The Therapeutic Power of Plants
In the last edition, we talked about Naturopathy, an integrative approach to care that uses different natural and therapeutic resources to promote health, prevention, and balance. We also began to explore one of its practices: aromatherapy.
Today, we are going to take a closer look at another ancient practice that is becoming increasingly present in healthcare: phytotherapy.
But do you know exactly what phytotherapy is?
The word comes from the Greek: “phyton,” meaning plant, and “therapeia,” meaning treatment or care. Simply put, phytotherapy can be described as the therapeutic use of medicinal plants and their derivatives for the prevention, maintenance, or support in the treatment of different health conditions.
And when we talk about medicinal plants, we are not simply talking about “plants that are good for you.”
They are plant species that contain biologically active substances capable of producing effects in the body. These substances are called active compounds and may act on different systems and physiological processes.
This is precisely where phytotherapy meets pharmacology.
A plant may contain dozens or even hundreds of different chemical compounds, and the combination of these compounds may produce effects in the body. Some compounds may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, digestive, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, sedative, and many other actions.
For this reason, two different plants may have completely different properties, and even the same species may show differences in its chemical composition depending on factors such as variety, the part used, cultivation location, harvesting season, and method of preparation.
Position: after the paragraph ending with “method of preparation.”
That is why, in phytotherapy, knowing the popular name of the plant is not enough.
It is necessary to know the species, the part used, the preparation, the concentration, the dosage, the frequency of use, and, above all, its indications and contraindications.
Position: immediately before the “About the Author” section.
About the Author
Master in Naturopathic Sciences, postgraduate in Clinical Phytotherapy, Aromatherapist, Flower Therapist, Lithotherapist, Natural Cosmetics Designer, Yoga Teacher, and Advertising professional, Fernanda Gimenez has built her career by bringing together knowledge, nature, and education in the promotion of health and well-being.
In 2018, she founded Instituto Naturale, an institution dedicated to preserving natural knowledge through the teaching of integrative therapies, natural cosmetology, and a healthy lifestyle. Under her direction, the Institute has become a reference in the field, bringing together more than 10,000 students and contributing to the education of professionals and people interested in expanding their knowledge of natural practices.
Author: Fernanda Gimenez
Instagram: @institutonaturale