Herbal Treatment and Phytotherapy

History and Modern Context

Throughout history, dominant scientific theories have occasionally marginalized herbal treatment, deeming it outdated. Since the late 19th century, with the rise of chemical and synthetic drugs, Western medicine largely viewed medicinal herbs as unnecessary. However, recent shifts have seen the World Health Organization and major pharmaceutical companies invest more in herbal research, recognizing their potential.

Many patients, especially those with chronic conditions, and some doctors have grown skeptical of highly specialized, complex medical methods. Folk medicine has continuously developed herbal treatments, and modern medicine increasingly incorporates them as phytotherapy, particularly for chronic diseases. Phytotherapy, the use of plants, plant parts, or their preparations for disease treatment and prevention, is gaining traction in medical discussions. Herbal medicines are prescribed more frequently and used for self-treatment, offering broad therapeutic effects with generally fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, though side effects are still possible. Phytotherapy complements modern natural medicine, filling gaps in treating and preventing acute and chronic conditions.

Effectiveness and Preparation

Herbal preparations are complex mixtures of active and accompanying (or ballast) substances. The distinction between these is increasingly debated, as the whole plant extract, rather than isolated components, often determines efficacy. Accompanying substances act as solvents, preservatives, stabilizers, or antioxidants, significantly influencing bioavailability, pharmacological dynamics, and toxicity. The choice of solvent during processing affects the quality and quantity of the resulting herbal preparation.

Traditional herbal preparations include teas, tinctures, and extracts. Dosing inaccuracies can arise due to variations in starting materials. Some herbal preparations exist in different chemotypes, and certain ones contain toxic active substances, necessitating standardization to ensure consistent ingredient levels. Pharmacological and clinical studies are essential for proper dosing. While many users believe herbal preparations have broad therapeutic effects with minimal side effects, their interactions with other herbal preparations or drugs are not fully understood, underscoring the need for medical consultation.

Applications and Goals

Medicinal herbs serve various purposes, primarily treating disease symptoms. Doctors use them internally and externally in fields like gynecology, urology, dermatology, and pediatrics, while patients employ them for self-treatment. Beyond symptom relief, herbal treatments focus on the patient’s overall condition, enhancing their ability to address disease causes and health issues more effectively. This approach explores why some individuals remain healthy despite equal exposure to pathogens or environmental factors.

Revival of Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy preserves treatment methods long overlooked by modern medicine. Growing interest in holistic therapy, self-treatment, and activating the body’s regulatory systems has fueled the use of medicinal herbs and other natural healing methods, particularly among those with serious illnesses. This trend reflects a desire for disease prevention and personal responsibility for health. Doctors are increasingly adapting treatments to individual needs, and modern herbal medicine, grounded in natural sciences, is a vital part of natural medicine.