The word phytotherapy comes from the Greek terms “therapeia” (treatment) and “phyton” (vegetable), meaning treatment with plants. First of all, this term was created to describe the study of plant materials and their use in treating diseases. There are records of the use of the treatment since 2,800 BC, such as the book of references and herbal formulas by author Nei Jing, making it one of the oldest therapeutic alternatives still in use.
Despite the advancement and popularity of synthetic medicines, herbal medicine remains widely used. This persistent use is due, in part, to popular knowledge (ethnobotany), which includes the preparation of teas, among other traditional methods. Furthermore, pharmaceutical industries also explore plant wealth in search of new drugs (ethnopharmacology). An example of this are Passiflora incarnata extracts, developed specifically as herbal medicines.
Phytotherapy in the Present Day
Nowadays, people use herbal medicine both as a single treatment and as a complement to therapeutic regimens that involve multiple medications. When people consume herbal medicines responsibly, they generally do not pose significant risks of adverse effects. However, it is essential that people consult a healthcare professional specializing in herbal medicine for guidance on the use of these products and possible interactions with food or other medications. Therefore, it is important to understand that the idea that “natural is not harmful” is a dangerous myth.
In 2022, ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária – National Health Surveillance Agency) published a comprehensive guide on the use of herbal medicines and medicinal plants, with the aim of educating the public about plant therapy safely. Furthermore, the booklet, entitled “Guidelines on the Use of Herbal Medicines and Medicinal Plants”, is available on the agency’s website.
For more information, see:
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. Programa de Plantas Medicinais e Terapias Não-convencionais. 2010. Disponível em: UFJF – Fitoterapia.
- RevistaEA. Fitoterapia, a história das plantas na medicina. 2018. Disponível em: RevistaEA – Fitoterapia.
