Phytotherapy traditional

Traditional phytotherapy was the basis for all pharmacopoeias in Europe until well into the 19th century. Traditional phytotherapy is an empirical therapeutic approach that is primarily based on traditional and personal experience (folk medicine). This"empirical medicine" faded into the background with the development of scientifically oriented pharmacy in the industrialized countries.

Since the development of scientific methods of analysis has led to a steady increase in reliable knowledge about herbal medicines, a scientifically based phytotherapy, known as rational phytotherapy, has established itself instead and to an increasing extent, following the classical rules of conventional medicine and thus becoming comparable.

Pharmacological and toxicological studies are therefore just as much a part of modern "rational" phytotherapy as proof of efficacy in randomized, controlled double-blind studies in accordance with the guidelines of Good Clinical Practice.

Traditional herbal medicinal products are also subject to an authorization procedure, but this is known as registration. These finished medicinal products are identified by their registration number (Reg. No.). As a rule, they are not available from pharmacies. They are also available in health food stores, drugstores and supermarkets in the presence of a person with a certificate of competence.