• Cerebral disorders
• Disorders of the digestive tract
• Disorders of the endocrine system
• Disorders of the eye
• Disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract
• Disorders of the lipid metabolism
• Disorders of the liver and bile system
• Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
• Disorders of the respiratory tract
• Disorders of the skin
• Heart and circulation
• Immune system
• Pain
• Parasitic infections
• Psychological and psychosomatic disturbances

Health disorders and how to treat them with medicinal plants

The human body is extremely complex. Its organisation into differentiated organs, tissues and cells that all have differing functions must be well organised and coordinated to function smoothly. With over 30 000 genes and even more gene products (e.g. proteins with various functions) in 10¹³ cells, the human body represents an extremely complex network that even today, in the age of molecular biology, is only partly understood.

If elements in this regulatory network are missing or are not performing optimally, because of genetic (inherited gene defects; mutations) or environmental influences (such as infections by parasites, bacteria, fungi or viruses; accidents causing wounds, burns, etc.; toxins from diet that modulate the activity and function of proteins in the body), then health disorders or disturbances result.

Health disorders can be treated in various ways. If the cause is known, then a causal treatment becomes possible (e.g. elimination of infecting bacteria with antibiotics). In many cases, disorders are so complex that only a symptomatic treatment is available, relieving pain or discomfort, thus improving quality of life.

For most disorders and disturbances, potent and specific medicines are available, mostly of synthetic origin. These therapeutics are usually powerful, but very often exhibit a number of undesired side effects. Therapeutics derived from plants are usually less specific; they can affect more than one molecular target. This property can be helpful in complex disorders in which the exact causes are not known. Phytomedicine is not the first choice to treat severe and life-threatening diseases, but can be useful in many other instances.

The following list of indications should provide an overview of those conditions for which phytomedicine plays a relevant role. This compilation is not intended as a recipe for self-treatment. In case of a health disorder, the reader is advised to see a health care professional first for a proper diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, then phytotherapy can be considered as an alternative or supportive treatment, if appropriate.