Phytotherapy

Phytotherapy is the therapeutic use of plants, parts of plants and preparations made from them.

Medicinal plants contain naturally occurring biologically active substances. Depending on the plant, these compounds can have different effects in the body, which is why herbal medicine is more than simply drinking herbal tea or taking a “natural” supplement.

The therapeutic properties of a plant can also depend on which part of the plant is used, how it is prepared, the concentration of active constituents and the dose.

For this reason, two preparations derived from the same plant are not necessarily therapeutically equivalent.

There is no single mechanism behind phytotherapy because medicinal plants contain different active compounds and are used for different therapeutic purposes.

Depending on the plant and preparation, the relevant compounds may influence different physiological processes. This is why the effects and evidence for one medicinal plant cannot automatically be applied to another.

At Centre Algos, we consider the therapeutic objective first and then determine whether a particular medicinal plant or plant-based preparation can be meaningfully integrated into the wider treatment plan.

Depending on the individual situation, herbal treatment may be considered for selected symptoms and treatment objectives such as:

Depending on the situation, phytotherapy may therefore form part of a broader assessment and treatment approach for digestive symptoms, persistent pain or fatigue.

This does not mean that every symptom should be treated with medicinal plants.

Persistent, unexplained or concerning symptoms may require further medical assessment, and phytotherapy should not delay appropriate diagnosis or treatment.

The choice of a medicinal plant depends on much more than the name of a symptom.

We consider the nature and duration of your symptoms, previous diagnoses, medication, other treatments, relevant health conditions and the objective of treatment.

We also consider what is known about the particular plant and preparation, including its therapeutic use, available evidence, dose, possible side effects and interactions.

A plant that is useful for one patient may therefore be inappropriate for another person with apparently similar symptoms.

The same medicinal plant can be prepared in different ways.

A herbal tea, mother tincture, liquid extract, dry extract or standardised preparation can differ in the composition and concentration of its active constituents, depending in part on how the plant is prepared and extracted.

This means that research performed on one specific preparation cannot automatically be applied to every product containing the same plant.

Choosing the appropriate preparation, concentration and dose is therefore an important part of responsible phytotherapy.

Medicinal plants can be prepared and used in different ways, and the form of a preparation can be clinically important.

At Centre Algos, phytotherapy may include herbal teas, mother tinctures, liquid or dry extracts, standardised plant preparations and, where appropriate, essential oils.

These forms are not automatically interchangeable. The way a plant is prepared can influence the concentration and composition of its active constituents, the appropriate dose, route of administration and therapeutic use.

We therefore choose the preparation according to the medicinal plant, the therapeutic objective and the individual clinical situation.

There is no single answer to the question “Does phytotherapy work?” because phytotherapy includes many different plants, preparations and therapeutic uses.

Some herbal medicines have been studied extensively and have recognised medicinal uses. For other plants or preparations, the available evidence may rely more strongly on long-standing traditional use, pharmacological knowledge or more limited clinical research.

European assessments of herbal medicines distinguish, among other categories, between preparations with well-established medicinal use and those recognised primarily on the basis of long-standing traditional use.

The scientific evidence must therefore be considered plant by plant, preparation by preparation and indication by indication.

The useful clinical question is not whether medicinal plants “work” as a category, but whether a particular preparation is appropriate for a particular patient and therapeutic objective.

In Switzerland, herbal medicinal products are a recognised category of medicines and are subject to specific regulatory requirements, including requirements relating to quality, safety and, depending on their regulatory pathway, therapeutic efficacy. This does not mean that every plant-based supplement or traditional herbal remedy is an authorised medicinal product.

Medicinal plants can be well tolerated when they are used appropriately, but natural does not automatically mean risk-free.

Plants contain biologically active substances and can therefore cause side effects, be unsuitable in particular medical situations or interact with other treatments.

Particular care may be necessary during pregnancy or breastfeeding, before surgery, with certain medical conditions or when several medicines are taken at the same time.

We therefore consider relevant health information before recommending phytotherapy.

Yes. Some medicinal plants can alter the effects of conventional medicines.

Interactions can affect how a medicine is absorbed, metabolised or eliminated, or may increase or reduce particular pharmacological effects.

For this reason, it is important that we know which medicines, supplements and plant preparations you already use.

Phytotherapy should not be considered separately from the rest of your treatment.

Phytotherapy and conventional medical treatment do not necessarily need to be alternatives.

Depending on the situation, a medicinal plant preparation may be used on its own for an appropriate minor complaint, alongside another Centre Algos treatment, or as a complementary part of a wider treatment plan.

When a patient's symptoms require medical investigation or conventional treatment to take priority, that care remains essential.

The aim is to choose the approach that is most appropriate for the individual patient, rather than favouring a treatment simply because it is natural or conventional.

At Centre Algos, phytotherapy is considered within the broader context of your health.

We consider your symptoms in context and may integrate plant-based medicine with other appropriate approaches such as naturopathy, functional biology and micronutrition, lifestyle measures or treatment directed at a particular pain condition.

The objective is not to recommend as many supplements or plant preparations as possible, but to identify the interventions that have a clear purpose within your treatment plan.

Centre Algos is based in Fribourg and welcomes patients from the region and other parts of Switzerland.

Phytotherapy can be considered as part of a broader naturopathic or integrative assessment and incorporated into an individual treatment plan when appropriate. You can also review our consultation fees before your appointment.

If you are interested in using medicinal plants as part of your treatment, a consultation allows us to consider your symptoms, health history, current medication and treatment goals together.

You do not need to know which plant or preparation you need before your appointment.

We first consider your clinical situation and then determine whether phytotherapy, another Centre Algos treatment or further medical assessment appears most appropriate. You can book a consultation to discuss which approach may be best suited to your situation.