Herbal Medicine: What Is Phytotherapy?

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Phytotherapy is the use of medicinal plants and preparations made from them to support health. In simple terms, it is herbal medicine: a field that studies the properties of plants, the parts used, methods of preparing herbal remedies, and the specifics of their use. It is about more than simply drinking herbal tea; it involves a more informed approach to using plant materials. To understand phytotherapy, it is important to know which plants are used, how infusions and decoctions are prepared, how different forms of herbal preparations differ, and why natural origins do not automatically guarantee safety.

What Is Phytotherapy in Simple Terms?

The word "phytotherapy" comes from two parts: the first relates to plants, and the second to treatment. So, in simple terms, phytotherapy means using medicinal plants and herbal preparations to support health. Specific parts of plants are used to make these remedies, including leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, and other plant materials.

Herbal medicine has been around for centuries. People observed plants, studied their properties, and passed their accumulated knowledge down through generations. Over time, they developed an understanding of which plant parts to use, how to harvest them, and how to prepare herbal remedies.

Today, phytotherapy is considered one part of a complementary approach to health. Herbal remedies may be used alongside other complementary methods, such as dietary supplements and probiotics. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between complementary and alternative approaches.

When herbal remedies are used alongside conventional medical care, this is called a complementary approach. When they replace conventional medical treatment, this is an alternative approach. These are fundamentally different situations. Using herbs does not mean that a person no longer needs medical supervision or prescribed treatment.

Phytotherapy involves paying attention to the plant itself, its properties, and the form in which it is prepared. The same plant material can be used to make different preparations, so you cannot automatically assume that the characteristics of one remedy apply to another.

How Is Herbal Medicine Different from Simply Using Herbs?

Not every use of plants can be considered proper phytotherapy. For example, someone might drink an herbal beverage simply because they enjoy its taste or aroma. Herbal medicine takes a different approach: it is important to understand which plant is being used, which part is suitable for preparation, and what purpose the resulting remedy is intended to serve.

If you are a beginner, it helps to follow a clear sequence of steps.

Step one — define your goal. Before looking for a suitable herb, think about why you are interested in an herbal remedy. Books on phytotherapy cover different traditional uses of plants, including digestive support, calming the nervous system, and remedies traditionally associated with fluid elimination. Do not choose a plant simply because someone else found it helpful.

Step two — identify the plant. Look for a specific plant rather than a general description such as "calming herbal blend" or "herb for the stomach." It is important to know exactly what a remedy contains. If you are considering a ready-made preparation, read its packaging and ingredient list.

Step three — find out which part of the plant is used. Leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, and other plant parts may be used. They are not interchangeable: their composition and properties can differ. When studying a recipe, pay attention not only to the plant's name but also to the specific part listed.

Step four — choose the appropriate preparation method. An infusion, a decoction, and an extract are not the same thing. Find out exactly which preparation is intended, and do not replace one method with another on your own.

Step five — check how to use it and follow the dosage instructions. For ready-made herbal preparations, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you are studying individual plant materials, use a reliable guide that specifies the amount of plant material, the volume of water, the preparation time, and how to use the finished remedy. Do not increase the amount of herb, make the drink more concentrated, or extend the course on your own.

This sequence helps prevent a common mistake: choosing plants based on broad promises without understanding the ingredients and specific characteristics of the remedy.

Another difference is that phytotherapy considers plants both individually and as ingredients in herbal preparations. Different plants can have different properties. Some are traditionally associated with digestion, others with calming effects, and still others with fluid elimination.

However, the fact that a plant has certain properties does not mean it is suitable for everyone. Natural origins do not guarantee safety. Phytotherapy requires knowledge and a sensible approach to choosing herbal remedies.

Which Plants Are Studied and How Are Herbal Preparations Made?

This field focuses on medicinal plants and the natural substances they contain. Different parts of plants are studied, including leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, and other components. Their composition and properties can vary considerably.

Infusions, decoctions, extracts, and other preparations are made from plant materials. Each form has its own preparation requirements.

An infusion is an herbal preparation made by steeping plant material in a liquid. To prepare it, use the amount of plant material and water specified in the recipe or instructions. The temperature of the liquid and the steeping time also matter.

A decoction is prepared differently: the plant material is heated in a liquid according to the recipe. The preparation time and proportions depend on the specific instructions. Do not automatically prepare a decoction in the same way as an infusion.

An extract is a preparation made by drawing substances out of plant material. Its concentration and form may differ from those of an ordinary infusion or decoction. That is why you should not replace an extract with a homemade herbal drink on your own.

If you are preparing an herbal remedy for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Check the exact name of the plant and which part is used.

2. Make sure the plant material is intended for the particular type of herbal preparation.

3. Read the instructions and measure the specified amount of plant material and liquid.

4. Follow the recommended temperature and preparation time.

5. Do not change the proportions or increase the amount of the finished remedy on your own.

6. Before using it, check the dosage recommendations and any restrictions.

For example, if the instructions for a particular herbal remedy say to prepare an infusion, follow the exact proportions and steeping time given there. You cannot apply a chamomile recipe to another plant or assume that the same amount of plant material will always produce the same result.

Books on phytotherapy cover several traditional areas of herbal use:

• Supporting digestion and appetite.
• Using plants to calm the nervous system.
• Using herbal remedies as part of general care for the body.
• Using plants traditionally associated with fluid elimination.
• Using certain plants when experiencing heat and weakness.

Each area has its own history and characteristics. However, a plant's traditional use and the proven effectiveness of a particular preparation are not the same thing. To evaluate herbal remedies, you need to consider exactly which plant is being studied, how the preparation was made, and what it is being used for.

You should also avoid thinking of phytotherapy as a universal system in which one herb can solve many different problems. Even if a plant has several properties, that does not make it suitable for every situation.

How Is Phytotherapy Connected to Nutrition and Lifestyle?

Phytotherapy is often considered in connection with other aspects of looking after your health rather than in isolation. These include nutrition, physical activity, psychological well-being, and everyday habits. This broader perspective makes it possible to consider a person as a whole rather than focusing only on one complaint or the condition of a single organ.

Medicine also recognizes the concept of an integrative approach. It involves combining conventional medical care with complementary methods in a coordinated way. For example, herbal remedies may be considered as part of a person's overall care when their use has been discussed with the healthcare professionals involved.

Nutrition has its own importance. Your diet affects the nutrients your body receives, while physical activity and daily routines are everyday factors associated with well-being. But phytotherapy does not replace a balanced diet or remove the need to look after your lifestyle.

Anyone who wants to understand herbal medicine should learn to assess not only the properties of individual plants but also the bigger picture. It is important to understand why a particular remedy is being used, what it is intended to address, and what limitations apply.

You should not expect that adding several herbs will automatically make an approach to improving your health more effective. The more ingredients an herbal blend contains, the more important it becomes to understand its composition and purpose. A sensible approach starts with a clear goal, not an attempt to use as many plants as possible at once.

My Advice: How to Understand Phytotherapy Properly

1. Do not choose herbs at random — consider the person's condition and the purpose of use.

In my books, I write that the benefits of phytotherapy come not from using plants at random, but from using them thoughtfully and in the right order. In my experience, before choosing an herbal blend, it is important to understand what it is intended for and which aspect of the body's condition we want to support. I associate proper herbal medicine with taking the length of the course and the body's possible response into account. The same herb should not automatically be considered suitable for everyone. That is why I recommend starting not by buying an herbal blend, but by understanding its intended purpose.

2. Remember that different plants can have different properties.

I emphasize that almost every plant has several beneficial properties. In my books, I write that some herbs are used to calm the nervous system and relieve pain, while others are used to support digestion, appetite, and fluid elimination. That is why I recommend studying plants not only by their names but also by their intended uses. Phytotherapy requires an understanding of what effect is expected from a particular plant. You should not assume that a plant with several traditional uses will necessarily be suitable for every problem.

3. Do not separate herbal medicine from caring for your gut.

I place particular emphasis on the importance of maintaining a healthy intestinal environment. In my books, I connect its condition with tissue nourishment, blood purity, and the body's overall vitality. That is why I see phytotherapy not as a standalone field, but as part of a broader system that includes sensible nutrition and movement. From my point of view, studying medicinal plants should go hand in hand with paying attention to how the digestive system works.

4. Think of phytotherapy as a consistent course of care, not just an occasional herbal drink.

I believe herbal remedies are especially valuable when used thoughtfully and with a clear plan. In my books, I write that plants may act more gently than synthetic remedies and can become part of a comprehensive approach to improving health. In my view, it is important not simply to drink herbal infusions, but to understand their place in an overall system of caring for the body. A consistent approach means choosing plants deliberately, understanding their purpose, and paying attention to how the body responds.

My approach is different because I consider herbal medicine closely connected to gut health, nutrition, and movement, rather than simply choosing individual plants. At the same time, the effects and safety of each herbal preparation must be assessed separately. Natural origins do not guarantee gentle effects or the absence of restrictions. I believe that learning about phytotherapy should begin with studying the properties of plants, not with experimenting with treatments on your own.

Where and How Can You Learn?

If you are interested not just in individual herbs but in naturopathy as a broader field of knowledge, you can explore the Academy of Natural Healing program. This course is based on books, video materials, seminars, and audio recordings by Boris Wydoff.

The training is divided into five consecutive stages.

The first stage focuses on the doctor's books. These include "The ABCs of Health," "A Handbook for the Healthy and the Sick," "Secrets of Youth, Health and Beauty," and other works. Here, students explore the general principles of naturopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle.

The second stage focuses on nutrition and cleansing. It includes lectures on the physiology of nutrition, the digestive system, teas, and other topics. The third stage looks at common health conditions and practices, including topics related to the heart, blood vessels, joints, and thyroid gland.

The fourth stage brings together seminars and audio materials. It includes recordings of talks, the doctor's answers to listeners' questions, and video lessons on phytotherapy. This is where you can learn more about topics related to herbal remedies and their use.

The fifth stage focuses on consciousness, the mind, suggestion, hypnosis, and parapsychology. After completing the program, students take an examination in person with Boris Wydoff and receive certificates in naturopathy and parapsychology bearing their names.

By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the principles of naturopathy, nutrition and lifestyle, the characteristics of various natural practices, and when a doctor's consultation is needed. The program also helps students take a more informed approach to caring for their loved ones' health and communicating with healthcare professionals. For enrollment details and course conditions, visit the Academy page.

When to See a Doctor

Phytotherapy itself is not a disease, so there is no separate list of symptoms that automatically require an emergency call. However, sudden severe chest pain or pressure, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw, may indicate a heart attack. If these symptoms occur, call emergency services immediately rather than assuming it is ordinary heartburn.

A routine doctor's consultation is necessary if you want to include phytotherapy in your self-care but have chronic health conditions or regularly take medication. A healthcare professional can help assess possible restrictions and whether the chosen herbal preparation is compatible with your prescribed treatment.

It is also sensible to discuss herbal use with your doctor if you plan to use several herbal remedies at once or intend to follow a prolonged course. It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all the products you take, including herbal supplements. Do not assume that herbal remedies cannot affect other medications simply because they come from natural sources.

Pay particular attention if you are thinking about replacing your usual treatment with herbs. Using a complementary approach does not mean you can stop medical supervision or change your prescriptions on your own. Different methods of care should be combined under appropriate medical guidance.

If you experience unusual or significant adverse reactions while using an herbal remedy, do not increase the dosage yourself or continue taking it despite feeling worse. Discuss what to do next with a healthcare professional.

To learn more about how I approach this subject, visit the "Youth and Longevity" page.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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