Botanical medicine is one of the most ancient modalities embraced by naturopathic physicians, and plants have been used by all kinds of healers since as far back as 2800 BCE. Plants contain active medicinal components yet tend to have fewer (if any) side effects, allowing the body to promote its own wellness and stimulate healing.
Botanicals can be used to treat both acute and chronic diseases and are used in naturopathic medicine to fight infections, reduce pain and inflammation, tone and heal body organs, increase energy, and induce relaxation and sleep. They can be used to treat everything from ear infections and strep throat to menstrual irregularities, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and even sprained ankles. If you are already taking prescription drugs, botanical medicine may allow you to reduce your medication dosage
