Phytotherapy, also known as Western Herbalism, refers to the use of plants and plant part in the treatment and prevention of illnesses. This is an exciting field, as there is much clinical research happening into plants and their effects. Many active ingredients from plants are the basis for a number of conventional therapies, e.g. salicylic acid from the Willow tree is the starting material for aspirin, and alkaloids from the Madagascar periwinkle, such as vincristine and vinblastine, are used in chemotherapy.
Different plant parts can be used in different ways, from teas, tinctures, capsules, ointments, essential oils and gels. These treatments can be carefully tailored to suit the individual needs of each patient.
In Phytotherapy, the quality of the materials used, and the knowledge about which plant parts are the therapeutic ones, is very important. Inferior quality plants or incorrect extraction or preparation methods can affect the therapeutic outcome.
Brigitte stocks and uses the MediHerb range, a global leader in quality herbal medicines, amongst others.
For more information visit: www.mediherb.com
