“Phytotherapy is part of a global approach,” recalls Dr Lorrain, president of the European Institute of Plant Substances. This is why it is very often supplemented with the micronutrition (vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, omega 3, etc.). There is also no opposition between plants and allopathy. Thus, as a precautionary measure, we will give antibiotics to a pregnant woman with urinary tract infection, while adding pilosella and cranberry for long-term preventive action. But combining conventional medicine and herbal medicine requires precautions for use because they can interact. A patient on anticoagulants should take Griffonia instead of St. John’s Wort. And if he is already on antidepressants, he should know that adding St. John’s Wort is equivalent to doubling the dose of Prozac®. »In self-medication, there is no problem of cohabitation with the paracetamol. On the other hand, it would be unconscious to play sorcerer’s apprentice while undergoing cancer chemotherapy. What about the combination of herbal medicine and homeopathy? As a teacher, Éric Lorrain, president of the European Institute of Plant Substances, notes that many homeopaths are trained in herbal medicine. “It seems they are using it in complementary areas, where the plants are more powerful. “
