Phytotherapy is a therapeutic method that involves the application of plants with scientifically recognized medicinal properties. The use of medicinal plants in treatments has been part of traditional medical approaches worldwide for many years. Today, phytotherapy is considered a complementary form of treatment, harmonizing with the knowledge of modern medicine, and it does not conflict with conventional medical practices. It can be used in conjunction with current medical practices as a complementary approach, or in some cases, it can be an effective standalone treatment method, acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO). Studies on phytotherapy have significantly increased in the last thirty years. The rapid gain in popularity of herbal medicine in the late 1970s is primarily attributed to the occasional insufficiency of modern medicine, especially in chronic cases.
Phytotherapeutic Products:
Products made from plants with medicinal properties used to treat diseases or maintain health are referred to as phytotherapeutic products, botanical products, or herbal medicines. A herbal product used only orally is called herbal supplements.
Herbal supplements can be produced in various forms, including dried, chopped, powdered, or in capsule or liquid forms. They can be:
- Taken orally as a tablet, capsule, powder, or tincture.
- Brewed as a tea.
- Applied to the skin as a gel, lotion, or cream.
- Added to bathwater.
The use of herbal supplements in treatments dates back thousands of years and remains prevalent today.
Considerations When Using Herbal Supplements:
When using herbal supplements, certain precautions should be taken:
- Herbal supplements can interact with medications, either enhancing or diminishing their effects. Therefore, casual intake is not advisable. It is essential to be under the supervision of an experienced physician with legal certification in this field before taking herbal supplements.
- Only the recommended dose by a physician should be taken when using herbal supplements. Overdosing should be avoided, and knowledge about when not to use them is crucial.
- Pay attention to possible side effects. If symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or stomach discomfort arise, inform a physician. Adjustments to the dosage or discontinuation of the herbal supplement may be necessary.
- Be cautious about allergic reactions. If any allergic reaction occurs, consult a physician immediately.
- Research the production processes of herbal products. Not all herbal supplements are manufactured under the same conditions, and using a product from a high-standard manufacturer is important for efficacy.
References:
Antonio, G. D., Tesser, C. D., & Moretti-Pires, R. O. 2014. Phytotherapy in primary health care. Revista de saude publica, 48(3), 541–553.
Chen XW, Sneed KB, Pan SY, et al. 2012. Herb–drug interactions and mechanistic and clinical considerations. Curr Drug Metab 13: 640– 51.
Du Y, Wolf IK, Zhuang W, Bodemann S, Knöss W, Knopf H. 2014. Use of herbal medicinal products among children and adolescents in Germany. BMC Complement Altern Med 14: 218.
Falzon, C. C., & Balabanova, A. 2017. Phytotherapy: An Introduction to Herbal Medicine. Primary care, 44(2), 217–227.
Zeybek, A. U. , Özgüç, S. 2019. Modern ve Rasyonel Fitoterapi. Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri.