Nutritionist: medicinal herbs do not replace medicines, but can support health

Medical nutritionist and pharmacist Aljona Pletneva explained the difference between medicinal herbs purchased from a pharmacy and those collected independently, and how to use them safely. According to her, medicinal herbs are suitable as a complement to treatment, but serious illnesses cannot be treated with them alone. Special caution should be exercised with pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and parents of small children.

Medicinal herbs are often regarded as a natural and safe alternative to medicines, chamomile for colds, peppermint for calming, and lady's mantle for mood. However, herbs too have contraindications, and their effects depend largely on how they are used. Medical nutritionist and pharmacist Aljona Pletneva explained what should be considered when selecting and using medicinal herbs.

Supplement, not cure

According to Pletneva, medicinal herb mixtures can be a useful addition to treatment, but they are far from sufficient for serious illnesses. "Herbs are like a small helper, they do not treat illnesses directly. If something serious has developed, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, then herbs are no longer the treatment. But as a supplement, it is certainly possible," said the specialist.

She added that people's reactions to herbs can vary considerably: some require only a small dose to notice an effect, while others may feel almost no effect at all. For this reason, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and start with minimal doses.

What and in what form to use

Consumers have access to various herbal products: dried herbs for brewing tea, tinctures, dietary supplements, and preparations in tablet form. Pletneva stressed that the choice depends on the desired effect, the person's age, and state of health. She particularly advised caution for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and parents of small children, as far from all herbs are suitable for these groups.

Among the most common medicinal herbs, the specialist mentioned valerian, peppermint, lemon balm, and chamomile, which are often used for relaxation and sleep improvement. For urinary tract support, juniper berries, parsley, dill, birch buds, and birch leaves are suitable.

Beneficial substances need not come only from teas and infusions; many herbs can be consumed fresh or used as seasonings. "Natural herbs can be used not only as tea, but also as fresh herbs. Fresh herbs naturally contain more bioactive substances," noted Pletneva.

Pharmacy or self-collection?

The issue of raw material quality was addressed separately. According to Pletneva, pharmacy herbs undergo quality control at the collection, drying, and packaging stages, whereas it is easier to make mistakes when collecting on one's own. Proper identification of plants and proper collection conditions are essential to avoid mold and other contamination. The ecological cleanliness of the collection site must also be considered.

"The most important thing is not to make a mistake, because there are similar plants that can easily be confused with one another. Therefore, you must be certain of what you are collecting. If you are unsure, you should involve someone with expertise in plants, who can show, guide, and explain, and start from there," advised Pletneva.