12/12/2020
Did you know that plants contain phytochemicals with therapeutic properties? Botanical medicine has been used by ancient civilizations, and today it's used by Naturopaths.
Back up to 1500 BC, Willow leaf tea is used by the Sumarians and Egyptians to relieve inflammation, fever, and pain during childbirth. Fast forward to 1853, French chemists discover that Willow bark contains salicylic acid, then create a synthetic, concentrated form of this phytochemical. Fast forward to the 1950's, acetylsalicylic acid is known as Aspirin, the most frequently sold painkiller.
When Naturopaths prescribe plants as medicine, they can be prescribed as food, tea, tincture, or tablet form. The more concentrated the form, the stronger the effect, the more side effects possible. This is why most natural remedies are safer, with less side effects - they work in a more gentle way than the synthetic form, supporting the body during it's healing process.
There are many medicinal properties of plants, some decrease anxiety, others stimulate digestion, others relieve pain, others help you sleep, and more. It's something to consider - should I stimulate my body to produce it's own hormones or should I take synthetic hormones? Should I take an antacid or should I stimulate my stomach to produce mucous? Should I take a painkiller for my muscle pain, or should I use Dr. Lore's pain oil? It depends on your condition, the severity, and medical history, but in general I encourage you to consider this and talk to your Naturopath to explore your options.
