Phytotherapy

PHYTOTHERAPY

"A medicinal plant is any plant which contains, in one or more of its organs, substances which may be used for therapeutic or preventive purposes, or which are the precursors of chemopharmaceutical emisintents. Herbal drug means the part of the medicinal plant used for the above purposes."

(def. WHO)


IMMUNOSTIMULANT PLANTS

They boost and optimise the immune defences, particularly the non-specific ones, acting as both curative and prophylactic. Burdock, Thyme, Serpyllum, Echinacea, Astragalus, Uncaria, Phytolacca, Tabebuja, Shitake, Maitake, Reishi

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PAIN-RELIEVING PLANTS, SEDATIVE ADAPTOGENIC PLANTS

They modulate the hyperexcitability of the central nervous system and the neurovegetative system, acting as sedatives on anxious states and/or facilitating physiological sleep. Linden, Hop, Melilot, Lemon Balm, Valerian, Hawthorn, Orange Blossom, Passion Flower, Lavender

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TONIC ADAPTOGENIC PLANTS

They are capable of exerting a specific action on physiological processes with the result of enhancing psycho-physical resistance against environmental stresses and general efficiency in load situations, so that the organism can better adapt to load conditions...

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ANTI-RHEUMATIC PLANTS

Plants whose phytocomplex exerts inhibitory or modulatory effects on inflammation in general. The therapeutic action can be found in some specific active ingredients (e.g. salicylates), but more often in the overall action of the phytocomplex. Numerous plant extracts have been shown to have...

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VASODILATOR PLANTS

They have a vasodilating capacity, particularly on the peripheral arteries, - and are therefore able to lower blood pressure, proving useful in mild to moderate hypertensive states. Garlic, Olive, Mistletoe, Rawolfia

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DIURETIC PLANTS

They are able to increase urinary secretion by renal and extra-renal mechanisms. Plants that possess this action are numerous and often contain, alone or variously associated, potassium salts, sugars, saponins, flavonoids, xanthine bases (caffeine), cardiotonic glucosides. Birch,...

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EMETIC OR VOMITIVE PLANTS

They stimulate vomiting through a central bulbar action or through a revulsive or peripheral reflex action. In the latter case, these drugs are generally irritants to the gastric mucosa. Hypecacuana, Phytolacca, Asaro.

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ANTI-DIARRHOEAL PLANTS

They slow intestinal peristalsis and/or increase stool consistency, often also acting as intestinal antiseptics and disinfectants. They may act through a nervous mecha1iis1n (Opium) or due to the presence of tannins (Tormentil, Oak), pectins and mucilage (Carob), or due to actions...

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CHOLERETIC AND CHOLAGOGIC PLANTS

The former stimulate the liver to produce more bile, - the latter promote its duodenal output by contracting the gallbladder or fluidifying the bile. Often these types of plants are also cholesterol-lowering and act on the liver by enhancing its activity...

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EUPEPTIC OR STOMACHIC PLANTS

By virtue of their bitter principles or aromatic components, they increase the secretion of gastric juice and other digestive juices, thereby improving digestion. Frequently, bitter drugs also act on the liver with a mild choleretic action. Gentian,...

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