Phytotherapy vs Allopathy

What are the significant differences between PHYTOTHERAPY and ALLOPATHY?

Phytotherapy - the use of medicinal plants in therapy, by stimulating natural and physiological resources to heal the body - has existed for thousands of years and has a certain efficiency that has successfully passed the test of time.

In the last decades it was intended to form an image - most often false - that phytotherapy is a complementary method of allopathy.

In reality there are plenty of situations in pathology when allopathy is complementary to phytotherapy: like the case of stage I hypertension that responds well to phytotherapy remedies and only the crises of hypertension should be treated with chemical drugs; similarly, nephrolithiasis (urinary stones) (up to 5 minutes) may be dissolved by phytotherapy, but renal colic should be treated in an allopathic way; skin allergies respond well to phytotherapy, but a spurt angioedema should be treated allopathically.

Phytotherapy has at least two choices:
- Cases which respond equally well to phytotherapy and allopathic medicine, and when, in fact, it is preferable to avoid chemical drugs for fencing off side effects
- Cases which do not tolerate allopathic medication when natural remedies can replaced it, with the same effect

Herbs are used in phytotherapy as full or total extracts (infusions, macerated, decoctions, tinctures), unlike allopathic medicine which recommends only certain substances extracted from plants or chemically synthesized - pure active substances. The principles of plants constitute an organized active biological complex, based on synergist actions, which are similar or compatible with living systems and whereat our body is better adapted than semi-synthetic food or drugs obtained in laboratories. It is preferable to use the plants as such or some natural extracts containing a fully active complex.

It is best to help our body find its own natural healing pathways, which are in fact the most effective ones. We must not interfere artificially, forcing certain mechanisms, because they suppress the manifestation of disease symptoms and can create even greater imbalances, elsewhere.

Unlike drugs, acting strictly on the physical body, plants influence both the body and energetic, emotional and mental structures of the human being, providing a truly effective and lasting healing. Therefore, natural medicine is considered holistic, addressing the human being as a whole and not just a party or separate member, as in the traditional allopathic medicine approach. In allopathic medicine, the drug fighting the disease and its symptoms is the treatment essential element. The body is included as a treatment factor only as a last resort. It does not participate at the treatment but bears the drug action.

Phytotherapy has no adverse effects, of course, if the dose is appropriate. Synthetic drugs often have a longer list of unwanted side effects than the therapeutic indications.

It is preferable to initiate therapy with herbs, and to use conventional synthesis medication only if the desired effect is not observed.

Phytotherapie is the first choice treatment in the following conditions:
- Allergies, asthma, some viral diseases, chronic microbial infections
- Rheumatism (some forms), skin diseases
- Stress and exhaustion, insomnia, neuroses, psychosomatic diseases
- Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals
- Chronic poisoning, high cholesterol, obesity
- Peptic ulcer, gallbladder dyskinesia, enterocolitis, irritable bowel, parasitizes, constipation

It’s important to know that the plants effects are installed in time and require prolonged administration - from 2-3 weeks to several months - depending on the severity and duration of the disease, body reactivity and the patient’s persistence in following the treatment. In severe diseases, the treatment may take 2-3 years, following a therapeutic schedule prescribed by the doctor.

Phytotherapy requires consistency and patience from the patient, but instead offers the possibility of complete elimination of imbalances and diseases, returning to a natural and clean lifestyle.