Homeopathy and Phytotherapy

Homeopathy

Founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th century, homeopathy aims to naturally stimulate the body's self-healing mechanisms through an individualized approach that is respectful of the body and generally free of notable side effects.

To achieve this, it uses homeopathic products prepared from diluted substances. Through successive dilutions, the initial concentration of the substance gradually decreases until there is statistically no trace of the original substance left. However, the succussion (or vigorous shaking) performed at each dilution stage is believed to be what gives the homeopathic preparation its therapeutic effectiveness.

For example, in India, to treat symptoms of chronic poisoning caused by water contamination with arsenic, a homeopathic dilution of this heavy metal was administered in the form of Arsenicum Album 30 CH. At this level of dilution, there is no measurable trace of arsenic in the final remedy. Yet, results showed a significant decrease in arsenic concentrations in the blood and urine of treated subjects, as well as a notable improvement in symptoms, particularly skin-related. Additionally, most treated patients regained better appetite and improved overall health. (source)

You can find interesting information about homeopathy in this pharmacy thesis: https://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-01540341

Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is a therapeutic approach based on the use of medicinal plants to treat or prevent various health disorders. Practiced for millennia, it takes advantage of the active principles naturally present in plants in the form of teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or essential oils.

Phytotherapy continues to play a major role in modern medicine by providing many powerful active principles derived from plants.

This is the case, for example, with the following common medications:

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Plant origin: white willow bark (Salix alba). Morphine
Plant origin: opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Artesunate (malaria treatment)
Plant origin: sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua). Colchicine (Colchimax®)
Gout treatment; plant origin: autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Quinine (malaria treatment)
Plant origin: cinchona bark (Cinchona officinalis). Permixon (treatment for prostate disorders)
Plant origin: saw palmetto (Serenoa repens).