Defining Phytotherapy
Phytotherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses plants, shrubs, trees,
essential oils, seaweed and herbal extracts. This form of treatment is generally applied through massage, wraps, water and steam inhalation, homeopathy and through drinking teas and tinctures. These alternative treatments and methods are referred to as Phytodrugs. They are extracts from one or many plants that contain healing contents.
Phytotherapy
Phytotherapy is much different than the traditional Chinese herbal medicine as these practitioners only use plants from the Western hemisphere and they do not combine their therapies with acupuncture. This is one of the most scientific based types of
alternative medicines that exist today. Phytotherapy practitioners use alcohol to extract the useful constituents from any plant or tree. It is a fairly simple process to extract but the work comes into play when it becomes time to place these healthy constituents in a concentrated state. These constituents are delivered to their patients in the form of:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Creams
- Gels
- Ointments
- Tinctures
- Essential Oils
How a patient receives their alternative phytodrugs depends on their condition and what they are receiving treatment for.
Practicing Phytotherapy
Western Medical Herbalists (Phytotherapists) go through a great deal of training and in depth studies in order to become the scientific blend of traditional mainstream treatments and traditional herbal treatments. You can find Phytotherapy medications sold over the counter in herbal shops and retailers but they are generally not of the same high quality as when you receive them directly from your Phytotherapist. Just as with any type of alternative medicine it is an absolute must for you to meet with a qualified professional in the field of Phytotherapy or any other type of alternative medicine to make sure these treatments are safe for you.
Further Reading
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