phytotherapy

Phytotherapy, or herbal medicine, uses plant-derived preparations to prevent and treat illness and to promote health. Preparations may include leaves, roots, bark, seeds, or flowers and are prepared as infusions, decoctions, tinctures, standardized extracts, or essential oils. The approach ranges from traditional use to modern, evidence-informed practice.

Historically it is part of many medical systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and European folk medicine. In contemporary contexts, phytotherapy is practiced within conventional healthcare in some countries and within complementary and integrative medicine frameworks worldwide. In modern practice, emphasis is often on standardized dosages and quality control to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

The evidence base is variable; some phytomedicines have demonstrated efficacy for specific conditions, while many remain without high-quality evidence. Safety concerns include adverse effects, herb-drug interactions, hepatotoxicity in rare cases, and contamination or adulteration. Regulatory oversight also varies; some products are regulated as medicines, others as dietary supplements, with differences in labeling and claims.

Common examples include St. John's wort for certain depressive symptoms (with important interactions with antidepressants and birth control), echinacea for upper respiratory infections (mixed evidence), ginkgo for cognitive symptoms (inconclusive), valerian for insomnia, and peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome. The use of phytotherapy should involve consultation with qualified professionals, especially for pregnant or lactating individuals, chronic disease, or concurrent medication.