Herbal medicine, is also known as phytotherapy. It deals with the study of the mechanisms of action of plant medicines on humans. We owe the development of herbal medicine in particular to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is the treatment with preparations of plant origin, referred to as natural medicines, phytopreparations or phytopharmaceuticals. They can be helpful in the treatment of many diseases and ailments, including disorders of musculoskeletal function. In combination with traditionally used medicines, they are a beneficial adjunct to therapy. In milder cases, their use alone is effective.
Herbal medicine - a return to popularity
Herbal medicine, mainly associated with folk medicine practices, was until recently still a despised mode of treatment. Today, there is a significant increase in interest in herbal medicines. Although their effects are slow, an undoubted advantage is the absence of unwanted side effects. A doctor who treats with herbs is called a phytotherapist.
The beneficial effects of herbs are influenced by two types of compounds: primary compounds, carbohydrates, fats and proteins - and secondary metabolites. The latter are organic compounds contained in herbs that are not essential for her and development, but protect her from pathogens, herbivores or UV radiation. It is worth knowing that some synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs are analogues of plant compounds or are derived from the plant world. Such substances include aspirin, balsam of Peru or the alkaloids morphine, atropine, quinine, caffeine and others.
Thanks to the field of knowledge that is pharmacognosy, many herbal preparations have been officially recognised as medicines. However, a medicinal herbal preparation must meet all the criteria of pharmaceutical law. It must undergo the required clinical trials, have a recognised mechanism of action and an established dosage. However, it should be borne in mind that herbs may react with certain substances contained in medicines. Therefore, medicines should never be combined with herbs without consulting a specialist. Nor should herbal medicine replace conventional therapy. Therefore, medicines prescribed by a doctor should not be discontinued on their own. In phytotherapy, regularity is key.
Herbal medicine - benefits
Knowledge of herbs reckons seta maybe i thousands of years. The Chinese practice of soaking compresses in herbs allows theit for the agent to reach the bloodstream without passing through the gastrointestinal tract and stableą is becoming an increasingly common practice in modern medicine,
Among the main advantages of lekthat of plant origin credit fusenity and low toxicity. In addition, they improve digestion, support the nervous system, exhibit antibacterial and are also used in the treatment of chronic conditions.
Herbal medicines in rheumatology
As musculoskeletal diseases are chronic and the accompanying inflammation and pain force the patient to take medication for long periods of time, prolonged use can lead to gastric mucosal irritation and ulcer disease. In such cases, herbal medicines may prove to be a safe alternative. Phytopreparations are mainly used to reduce pain and inflammatory reactions. Drugs used in rheumatic diseases work by inhibiting the formation and release of inflammatory mediators and control painful conditions.
Plant preparations are applied internally - in the form of extracts and tablets - and externally - in the form of rubs, poultices, baths, patches or ointments.
Already in ancient times w 4th century BC. Hippocrates noted that chewing willow leaves has an analgesic effect during childbirth and in 19th century. confirmedthat salicylic compounds and mCANNOT usedive them in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Formulations white willow relieves arthritic and rheumatic pains of the back, knee joints i hip, improve joint mobility, help with swellingsch and inflammationch.
The research showed, that extractiem willowbowym can be treatedlive pain in the lumbosacral region of the spine and arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In turn, kelm winds it's riche sourceso salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid. described as early as the 18th centurytowards. They can be used do treatment of rheumatoid rheumatismego and psoriasisego avida ponds and in the hospitala jointsego.
Elma is also located in homeopathic preparations, usedych In muscular and articular rheumatism and swelling.
