Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times, perhaps even by prehistoric men who used them to treat themselves with the knowledge of the time. However, we have no evidence to really go that far in the history of herbal medicine. Nevertheless, thanks to writings found more than 5000 years ago, we can say that it is in Mesopotamia that herbal medicine was really born. This was a big step for the man who then began to establish recipes, mixtures, potions in the form of ointments, decoctions, aromatic baths or even cataplasms and fumigations. The first health care was born thanks to plants.

Today, although herbal health has been largely replaced by allopathic treatments, let's not forget that many pharmaceutical remedies are created by extracting the natural active ingredients from plants and chemically adapting them to standards and specifications. This proves to us that nature has so much to offer us and that it supports our organism in its health and evolution.

Indeed, phytotherapy allows a curative work upstream essential to the health and well-being of humans. It is by taking care of oneself in prevention that one will avoid a great number of diseases that will then have to be treated afterwards.

Are medicinal plants safe?

Isn't it rare to hear "they're plants, so there's nothing to worry about"? Natural does not mean "safe". We are easily deceived by fashion effects that are sometimes very dangerous. First of all, be aware that medicinal plants contain compounds and active molecules that can cause damage to the body. One does not take a remedy in phytotherapy as one would swallow a candy. The phytotherapists and herbalists exist to guide us and allow us a journey with plants in the respect of our body. Dosages and methods of use must be taken into consideration to avoid the risk of overdose, drug incompatibility or side effects. Moreover, some active ingredients are extremely toxic and can only be used in low doses.

As a precautionary principle, treatments without medical advice should be avoided because self-medication can have serious repercussions on health, which can go as far as aggravating certain symptoms. Moreover, if you are already under allopathic medical treatment, it would be interesting to study with your doctor, pharmacist, or therapist, the different existing contraindications.

What are the methods of care by medicinal plants?

• Infusions - herbal teas or decoctions - which will work gently to support the body in its needs.
  • Nettle tea for remineralization, among others
• Gemmotherapy - a glycerine macerate that acts on the physical, emotional and energetic body at the same time.
  • Blackcurrant bud for its adaptogenic effect
  • Raspberry bud for hormonal balance
• Essential oils that require a biochemical knowledge of the molecules to use them correctly.
  • The essential oil of mandarin in olfaction for its calming and restful aspect
  • Black spruce essential oil for its action on the adrenal glands
• The hydrolats or floral waters which bring a softer well-being while acting correctly on the needs of the body.
  • Carrot hydrosol for liver detox but also for energy anchoring
• Hydroalcoholic extracts of fresh plants or mother tinctures to benefit from the concentrated active ingredients of the plant.
  • Dandelion extract for liver and kidney detox
• The poultices
• Dry plant extracts in capsule form that offer a high concentration of active ingredients.

The above examples can be used, as appropriate, after studying your needs and your land. Many people find that natural remedies are not effective, but perhaps they simply did not apply the rules correctly.