Natural Medicine Which herbal remedies work?

The new phyto compass: A qualified orientation guide for patients

11/18/2011

Phytopharmaceuticals (herbal remedies) enjoy great popularity among the German citizens. Because they are - with a few exceptions - no longer reimbursed by the statutory health insurance, the costs must largely bear the patients. They therefore require qualified information that makes orientation easier for them. The offers the new phyto compass.

With the advertising-free information leaflet, the Committee for Research on Natural Medicine e.V. (KFN) would like to support the consulting activities of physicians and pharmacists, and to familiarize patients with the most important criteria that are crucial for assessing the quality and efficacy of herbal medicines.

Although research in recent years has yielded many new insights into the efficacy and efficacy of phytopharmaceuticals, many users still believe that the efficacy of a herbal medicine is determined solely by the medicinal plant used. „It is not St. John's wort or chamomile, valerian or hawthorn per se, but it depends on each specific extract whose effectiveness should be tested in controlled studies“, emphasizes Prof. Dr. med. Theo Dingermann, University of Frankfurt.

The new phyto compass, published by Prof. Dingermann, provides laypersons with postcards in the search for high quality, clinically confirmed herbal medicines, qualified support. The handy booklet explains the differences between medicines and dietary supplements in a way that is easy to understand and precise, and explains the standards by which high-quality plant medicines are made. The information therefore helps to better orient in the often confusing market of natural herbal remedies. Upon request, KFN will provide interested physicians and pharmacists with the Phyto-Compass by fax at 089/2280 2501 or at the e-mail address [email protected], free of charge for their patients. (pm, kfn)

Image: Leonora Black