The plants constitute an invaluable therapeutic reservoir. But, while the pharmaceutical industry is committed to isolating and extracting certain active ingredients, supporters of the herbal medicine are convinced that it is preferable to keep the whole plant (or one of its parts), called “totum”, because its different components act in synergy, in a more complete and less aggressive way.
Besides plants containing phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterones, many others can offer a remedy to reduce the symptoms of the menopause. They are especially valuable for women undergoing treatment after breast cancer.
But just because it is a natural medicine does not mean that it is necessarily harmless or easy to handle. Like any medicine, each medicinal plant has its indications and contraindications. Choosing alone, you risk being disappointed with the results, or even exposing yourself to undesirable effects or harmful interactions with other drugs. This is why, when you want to try herbal medicine, it is advisable to discuss it with your doctor, pharmacist or, better yet, a doctor with extensive training in this field. This will take into account the patient’s background, his history, and will ensure that his intestinal mucosa is in good enough condition to make the most of the active ingredients. He will often combine plants with other therapies preventing aging and advice on life. As a result, “herbal medicine is quite effective in most of the discomforts of menopause”, says Dr Bérengère Arnal, gynecologist.
How to find a good specialist?
In Germany, herbal medicine occupies a preponderant place in the health care system and every doctor receives many hours of teaching in this field. With us, unfortunately, doctors who know about plants are much rarer. Some pharmacists are more knowledgeable.
To find a phytotherapist near you, you can contact:
-The Medical Association for the Promotion of Phytotherapy (AMPP), 181 rue Saint-Genès, 33000 Bordeaux. ampp33@wanadoo.fr
-The Association of phytotherapy users: Phyto 2000, BP 6116, 75762 Paris cedex 16. www.phyto2000.org
A good place to get quality plants:
-Le Tilleul D’or, 6 rue Mourier, 24100 Bergerac. roset. francis@orange.fr
-Herboristerie of Dr François Petitet, 33 rue des Ayres in Bordeaux
Two serious reference books:
– “The Guide to healing plants”, ed. Vidal, 2010, € 26.
– “Medicinal plants”, ed. Selection from Reader’s Digest, 2010, € 19.95.
Read also :
Live better your menopause with plants
Borage, a cleansing ally
All the health benefits of sage
