Phytotherapy originates from the combination of the words plant (phyto) and treatment (therapy) in Ancient Greek. Today, it is considered as a branch of pharmacology (pharmacology). Phytotherapy means treatment with plants.
Phytotherapy is the prevention and treatment of diseases by using the chemical substances contained in plants. Today, it is very helpful for a healthy life and in the prevention of diseases. Plants are actually very powerful drugs that strengthen our immune system, which we should use not only when we are sick, but also without being sick.
Phytotherapy; To protect health, to protect from diseases, to cure diseases or to treat diseases with herbal preparations prepared in various forms by using various parts of medicinal and aromatic plants, algae, fungi and lichens, exudates such as gum, balsam and resin secreted by plants, extracts, essential oils, waxes and fixed oils as raw materials. is to help.
Phytotherapy; It is based on scientific researches and clinical studies on this subject.
Phytotherapy is a treatment method approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). This treatment method has not lost its importance in Europe, especially in Germany, as it has not completely left its place to the so-called modern medicine.
The fact that natural medicine is the treatment method preferred by people with a growing pace is among the primary reasons why phytotherapy has an even greater importance today. In addition to its prevalence and economy in underdeveloped countries, many patients consciously resort to phytotherapy because it is an alternative to modern medicine in countries with a high level of welfare, and modern medicine cannot solve health problems in many subjects, but on the contrary, it causes chronic diseases.
Because in Germany, modern medical doctors (even chief physicians) do not use the drugs they give to their patients for the treatment of their own diseases, but come to natural medicine specialists (according to a study, 80 percent of the doctors emphasize that they do not use the drugs they give their patients for their own disease).
It is certain that many of the nutrients (hormonal, artificial, etc.) we consume in our age and other living conditions (for example, stress) cause some civilization diseases in us. People are rapidly becoming sensitive to this issue and, by becoming conscious, they resort to phytotherapy, which is considered one of the oldest methods of natural medicine, as a preventative.
How is Phytotherapy done?
Before the phytotherapy application, the patient’s total health status is evaluated, the degree of the disease is determined, and phytotherapy application is planned considering all these. The form and process of treatment to be applied varies depending on the disease. Curing is prepared with various herbs and the times when the cures will be applied are determined. It must be applied by doctors who are experts in the field. Otherwise, it can lead to serious irreversible diseases by applying wrong treatments with wrong cures.
What are the Benefits of Phytotherapy?
In the pharmaceutical industry, 25% of the drugs offered to the market contain plants. However, the remaining 75% have serious side effects. For this reason, phytotherapy, which consists entirely of natural sources and plants, has no side effects and is much more economical. In treatments applied with various herbal products, it is a factor in important issues such as diabetes, edema removal, normalization of blood pressure, and fight against depression.
Importance of Phytotherapy (Herbal Treatment) in Cancer Treatment
Plants are indispensable for human health. Both plants taken orally and herbal products applied to the skin heal diseases. For this reason, it is used as a supportive treatment method in the treatment of modern diseases and cancer.
Which plant grows in which region, under what conditions should it be collected and stored? In phytotherapy method, it is very important to apply them correctly. Many things need to be considered when creating mixtures. Plants can be harmful as a result of misuse as well as beneficial. Plants are completely harmless, we cannot say that they are a panacea. Not every disease is good for every plant. It should be applied in appropriate doses, with scientific approaches, based on scientific data. No matter how useful a plant is, if you didn’t collect it at the right time, if you didn’t store it in the right conditions, that plant wouldn’t be of any use.
Phytotherapy Treatment
Phytotherapy treatment is frequently preferred both as a treatment method in itself and as a supportive treatment method. Phytotherapy treatment approved and supported by the Ministry of Health must be applied by experts in the field. Phytotherapy treatment is effective in improving different health problems.
What Is Phytotherapy Used For In Cancer Treatment?
Phytotherapy is used in cancer treatments to reduce the pain experienced by the patients due to the treatments they receive and to minimize the side effects. Unfortunately, heavy drugs and treatments used in cancer treatments cause patients to have difficulties in appetite, mood and many physical issues. Phytotherapy reduces all these side effects. Thus, cancer patients experience less side effects while receiving treatment.
However, you should know that some herbs can interact with the drugs you use, and may adversely affect the patients. For this reason, you should consult a doctor about the herbs you plan to use while taking cancer treatment. Otherwise, if you want to get rid of the side effects, it will be inevitable to experience bigger health problems.
Plants Used in Phytotherapy
Some Herbs are plants that are frequently used in Phytotherapy and are extremely useful. To give examples of herbs that can be used in phytotherapy;
Arnica
The arnica plant can be used externally or internally in phytotherapy. Arnica is applied by massaging in the form of an ointment. This helps relieve swelling, sprains and bruises. However, arnica should only be taken internally as a homeopathic diluted remedy. If it is not taken as a homeopathic diluted remedy for internal intake, symptoms of poisoning may occur.
Calendula plant
Calendula or calendula is most often used as an extract in the form of ointments, teas for healing wounds and complaints of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. The same plant has a soothing effect on sunburn, frostbite, varicose veins, boils, eczema and hemorrhoids.
Daisy
Chamomile is a versatile medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. As a matter of fact, chamomile tea is beneficial not only for colds, gastrointestinal infections and stomach ulcers, but also for heartburn, gastritis, gingivitis and ulcerated tonsils. Chamomile tea can also be used for external treatment of inflammation, abrasions and mild acne.
Dandelion
In herbal medicine, dandelion is considered a detoxifying herb. It stimulates digestion and improves diuresis. The various active components found in dandelion offer a wide range of applications for stomach, intestinal, biliary and kidney complaints. Dandelion can be taken as tea, freshly squeezed herbal juice or even dandelion coffee. Along with these, dandelion extract can be applied in the form of tinctures, tablets, capsules or powder.
Lavender
Lavender has a powerful effect as a medicinal herb and its application is wide. Lavender can be applied for the following listed health problems:
Inflammations
Infections
Fungal diseases and disorders (skin fungus, nail fungus)
skin parasites
Gout
Rheumatism
neuralgias
pain in the limbs
Insect stings-bites
Cough
stressful mental states
Fear
Unrest
Headache
Migraine
Balm
Lemongrass, also known as lemon balm, has a calming effect on a nervous system. Balm; It helps in sleep disorders, restlessness and nervous disorders. It also affects the relief and healing of herpes. These effects are provided by the essential oil, which is taken in liquid form with teas – in the form of drops or as a dry extract in tablets and lozenges, as well as ointments.
Rosemary
Even when used as a spice, rosemary helps against bloating. The medicinal use of rosemary can help normalize low blood pressure. Rosemary also helps digestion, relieves muscle and joint pain and increases concentration, is also used in rheumatic diseases. Rosemary oil contains substances that accelerate blood circulation and stimulate circulation.
Along with these, taking a bath with rosemary oil has a refreshing effect. To relax tense muscles, rosemary oil can be applied to the skin by massaging. It should be remembered that rosemary oil should always be given in the right dose when in direct contact with the skin, otherwise an extreme reaction may occur.
Sage
Sage, consumed as a tea, helps to relieve sweating attacks, nervousness, tension, stress and anxiety. Sage also contributes to the relief of stomach cramps and menstrual complaints, calms the nerves. Sage can also be good for relieving indigestion.
Oregano
Thyme has a wide variety of effects in both internal and external use. It can also be taken as a tea, in the form of tablets, bronchial lozenges, or drops. Oregano; It has expectorant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects on cough, bronchitis and asthma. It also kills harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, is beneficial in digestive disorders and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases such as stomach lining inflammation, small and large intestines and diarrhea.
Oregano; combats inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and promotes blood circulation. It also helps with acne and blemished skin as well as eczema and skin diseases associated with fungi, viruses and bacteria. For these purposes, it can be applied in the form of ointments. Thyme tea is also suitable for external use for acne and blemished skin. Chewing the stem of the plant can also help against bad breath.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a type of plant in the compound or daisy family, which also includes chamomile, arnica, dandelion, calendula, and sunflower. Depending on how yarrow tea is prepared, it has a calming or invigorating effect. Yarrow can be used externally or internally. Yarrow externally for wounds and inflammations of the skin; It can be used internally to improve gastrointestinal bile disorders, menstrual complaints and blood circulation.
Who Is Phytotherapy Applied?
Since phytotherapy is herbal treatments, a simpler treatment is often seen in your eyes, but unfortunately it is very important. Therefore, if you are planning to receive phytotherapy treatment, you should definitely get treatment from surgeons who have medical herbal training. Since the number of such surgeons is low, it is often more advantageous to receive this treatment in different countries. You can also consider taking phytotherapy to get rid of the side effects of cancer treatments and lead a more comfortable life.
What Should be Done to get Effective Phytotherapy?
If you want phytotherapy to be successful, you must receive treatment from a trained specialist. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which are frequently used in cancer treatments, are extremely difficult and heavy treatments. It is important to receive phytotherapy in order to be less affected by these treatments, which suppress the immune system of people and cause fatigue. However, for this to be effective, you must get it from a specialist. Since there are not many doctors who specialize in phytotherapy, their prices may be a little high. However, it is important that you find experienced surgeons. You can also choose Turkey, which is one of the most preferred countries for phytotherapy.
