Herbal medicines come from the leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of plants and often contain several active ingredients , called phytochemicals Kambo Stick. In this article we will tell you about the ancient art of using plants as medicines; You’ll also find some suggestions to use plants right away and feel better.
What is herbalism and what does it mean to heal with herbs?
First a definition: herbalism (sometimes also called phytotherapy ) is a branch of botany that is primarily concerned with the study of plant leaves for therapeutic and medicinal purposes ( phytotherapy ).
In fact, plants are composed of many different compounds whose main classes are alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols and terpenes. It is these molecules and structures that give us the beneficial health effects that we so appreciate. Some plants have effects on digestion, others on the brain, others are rich in antioxidants and others have regulatory activity on hormones.
Most have more than one function and, when combined with other plants, have an even stronger effect. Yes, as they say: teamwork makes the dream work ! In fact, experts in herbalism and herbal medicine exploit a combination of several plants to obtain a synergistic result and a benefit for health and for the whole body.
In some cases, the beneficial effect is not caused by a single compound in the plant, but is due to the synergistic effect. Other factors, such as the environment in which the plant was grown, how and when it was harvested and processed, can influence its effectiveness .
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the population trusts botanical medicine and uses herbs for health problems. In some cultures, herbal medicine is considered the only traditional medicine for all intents and purposes. For other people it is a possible alternative to Western medicine, as a healthier and more natural solution, for others it is complementary.
What are herbalism, phytotherapy and herbal medicines for?
Herbs, like many medications, can take from seconds to weeks to notice their effects and benefits. Some plants act faster, such as chamomile for digestion, while others, such as chasteberry, which helps regulate female hormones, can take weeks or even months.
Herbalism, phytotherapy and therefore botanical medicine are excellent allies in the prevention and treatment of ailments and diseases. From situations of acute and circumstantial discomfort (such as digestive problems or cystitis) or periodic (precycle syndrome, breastfeeding) to chronic pathologies (asthma, diabetes), herbalism offers excellent solutions and support.
As in Western medicine, herbal medicines can cause side effects. It is important to understand that all plants can have positive and negative effects. As consumers, we must be aware of them, as well as their limitations and when it is necessary to consult a specialist.
Herbal medications may also interact with traditional medications . Our body eliminates toxins through the liver: both herbal medicines and drugs are metabolized (a fancy word for: broken down and eliminated) through the same pathways and in this case the drug circulates longer in our blood. Our advice is simple: always keep your doctor or herbalist informed of any substance (natural or not) that we consume, as they could interfere with each other.
How to consume medicinal herbs: all the benefits of herbal teas and infusions
Herbs can be consumed in many forms: teas, syrups, oils, extracts and tinctures. Herbal teas are the liquid that results from the extraction of herbs in water. The infusions are extracted in hot water. Decoctions are the result of long extractions in hot water, often used for harder substances such as roots and bark. Maceration is a cold infusion of the plants. Tinctures are alcohol-based plant extracts. Through different methods and processes, we are able to extract different active ingredients.
Infusions are a very practical way to take advantage of natural botanical benefits for your health. With an infusion of 7-10 minutes , we can extract the best properties of the plants – in addition to achieving a great flavor point. Our new Wilden.herbals Health line is focused precisely on the healing properties of plants , combined to synergistically increase their effect on our health. At Wilden we only use herbal tea plants (larger than 1 mm): a careful choice to keep the properties of the plants as high as possible; Otherwise, sprayed plants attract more moisture and therefore rust and lose effectiveness.
What are the most used medicinal plants and herbs for healing?
Different cultures consume different herbs, although many uses are universally recognized. Some of the most common herbs are:
Echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea ): supports the immune system and reduces the flu period;
Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba ): antioxidant, promotes circulation;
Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ): induces sleep;
Chamomile ( Matricaria recutita ): reduces inflammation and helps relax;
Bearberry ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ): diuretic and antiseptic.
Wilden herbals Health, a new way to take care of your health
At Wilden we look to nature for inspiration and guidance. That is why we believe that using the natural properties of plants to support us in the most delicate moments is the best way to find balance. Using the best ingredients of organic origin we have created Wilden. herbals Health, a new line and a mix of plants designed for anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, cystitis and lactation. Each line is designed and created from the healing properties of plants to respond to specific needs.