Discovering phytotherapy and gemmotherapy: a journey towards natural well-being

Throughout history, humans have sought ways to cure various ailments and maintain optimal health. Among these methods, the use of plants holds a prominent place and has survived the centuries, enriched by empirical knowledge, traditions, and scientific studies. Today, we invite you to discover or rediscover two fascinating branches of alternative medicine : phytotherapy and gemmotherapy . This journey will lead you to a deeper understanding of how nature, in its great wisdom, provides support and balance to our bodies.

Phytotherapy: harmony through plants

Phytotherapy, from the Greek "phyton" meaning plant and "therapeia" meaning to heal, is a practice that dates back to the dawn of humanity. It consists of the use of the therapeutic virtues of plants and their extracts . It is not only a tradition, but a form of medicine studied and constantly evolving, including the use of plants in various forms (infusions, decoctions, powders, essential oils , etc.). Depending on cultures, regions, history and knowledge, phytotherapy offers a very wide range of remedies and preventive practices . It is based on a more global approach to the individual, seeking to restore internal balance and stimulate the body's natural self-healing mechanisms .

Galenic forms through phytology

Galenic is the presentation of a supplement that results from the combination of one or more active ingredients that facilitate its use. The effect of medicinal plants can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, but also in liquid form, such as alcoholic extracts or hydro-alcoholic or glycerin extracts. Depending on the extraction method and the solvent used, different active ingredients are extracted.

It appears that the therapeutic effect is better when using the entire group of active ingredients contained in the plant, the so-called TOTUM, rather than with a single isolated pure substance.

The concentration of active ingredient can also vary enormously, and depending on the effect you are looking for, and the duration of the supplementation you wish to carry out, you will choose one or the other of these galenics.

It is therefore important to choose a supplement carefully in order to best meet the needs and desired effect.

So shape is not just a matter of preference!

Gemmotherapy: the promises of the plant world in its pure state

Less well known but equally fascinating, gemmotherapy is a form of phytotherapy that uses growing embryonic plant tissues such as buds and young shoots of trees and shrubs. These plant parts are harvested in spring, at a key moment in their growth cycle, and are prepared mainly in the form of glycerine macerates . Gemmotherapy is based on the idea that these embryonic plant tissues contain all the power and energy of the future plant , including its regenerative and detoxifying properties. They would thus be more concentrated on certain active ingredients such as growth hormones, trace elements, and vitamins , offering very interesting and sometimes unique perspectives for care.

Gemmotherapy, the quintessence of phytology

Without wanting to exclude certain forms of supplements, because each has its place, we can target ranges of products with remarkable and versatile effectiveness.

This is called supplement therapy ! Gemmotherapy aims to rebalance the body to allow it to heal itself.

• It activates cellular regeneration,
• It has a deep drainage action thanks to its role in detoxification processes.

It has a natural underlying action which will allow the body to regulate itself and improve its functions .

Gemmotherapy is prepared by maceration in a mixture of water, glycerin and alcohol, obtaining solutions in which all the active ingredients of the plants are concentrated.

Each of the solvents used has a different extraction power in order to recover all the active ingredients.

The buds possess certain therapeutic properties superior to those of the various parts of the mature plant.

Embryonic tissue not only offers a higher content of active compounds , but also a much broader spectrum of action than any of the plant parts taken in isolation.

The bud being an embryo, it carries within it the potential for development of the plant, a bit as if it were at the same time the roots, the stems, the leaves, the flowers and the fruits.

The key to gemmotherapy is its regenerative power ; it is capable of rejuvenating tissues and "reprogramming" our cells by limiting or even reversing certain aging processes.

The bud could also have an effect on the emotional sphere in the same way as Bach flower essences. It is then the body-mind function of the subject that is harmonized.

Zoom in on the super buds

• The birch bud
  First field bud in gemmotherapy, "pioneer of the field", general gentle drainage , the pubescent birch allows to see more clearly on a degraded organism and prepares for other cures.
  
  Drains the kidneys and acid waste, it is beneficial for acidified terrain. It is particularly indicated for the osteo-articular sphere which it drains and regenerates.
  
  
• Blackcurrant bud
  It is the basic remedy of gemmotherapy, “It resets the body’s counter to zero” .
  
  A general detoxifier, adaptogen, antioxidant and tonic, it increases the general capacity to react and adapt to stress and general tone. It has a profound effect on fatigue and the immune system .
  
  
• Rosemary bud
  It’s the liver macerate!
  
  Detoxifying , it acts on the hepatic sphere with an antitoxic action of unwanted molecules. Antioxidant, the rosemary bud neutralizes free radicals, reduces oxidative stress. Choleretic, cholagogue, it is a drainer and protector of the liver.
  
  
• The fig bud
  A major anti-stress agent , it is a regulator of the nervous system and the cortico-hypothalamic axis which controls the sphere of emotions.
  Fig tree macerate releases serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
  
  A mood regulator, it has an effect on stress, anxiety and depression. It is a great anti-anxiety agent and prepares for restful sleep. It also acts on the digestive system, particularly on imbalances linked to gastric acidity .
  
  
• Juniper bud
  The most powerful kidney drainer and general detoxifier, it helps eliminate organic waste: cholesterol, urea, uric acid, sugars.
  
  Liver drainer, anti-inflammatory, it is indicated in cases of liver overload or as support following treatment .
  
  
• The linden bud
  Sandman's Bud!
  
  A plant-based tranquilizer, it helps with stress and mental tension. It has an antispasmodic effect on the nervous system, circulatory system, and digestive system. It calms fears, promotes sleep, and increases its duration.
  
  Gemmotherapy is not a medication, nor does it replace ongoing treatment. It is important to seek professional advice.

A commitment to well-being

In a world where health has become the subject of constant challenges, turning to more natural methods , respectful of the body and its balance , is an approach that appeals to a growing number of individuals. Phytotherapy and gemmotherapy, although they require in-depth knowledge and responsible use, open the way to greater autonomy in the management of well-being. They also invite a renewed communion with nature, recalling that it offers, in its generosity, often unsuspected solutions.

Laurent PAYET
Naturopath nutritionist

A consultant and teacher in naturopathy for over 15 years in Reunion, Laurent Payet has also been involved in the world of food supplements for 5 years, run a fitness center for 4 years, and recently worked as a dietitian and nutritionist for nearly 6 years. He is currently more dedicated to training professionals and, during interventions in various settings, to raising awareness and informing the general public about the lifestyle to adopt in order to take charge of their health. You can contact him at 0692 27 90 61 or by email at hygiesantéformation@gmail.com.