Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal, Using young shoots for treatment is the principle of gemmotherapy, a natural discipline in full bloom.
In Latin, “gemma” means plant bud but also precious stone. Thus, the term “gemmotherapy” says a lot about this branch of phytotherapy that dates back to the Middle Ages – the nun Hildegarde de Bingen advocated the use of certain strains. But it was not until the 1960s that this discipline, which considered buds, young shoots, and rootlets as real active ingredients, really gave birth to therapy. And this, under the leadership of Dr. Pol Henry, a Belgian homeopathic doctor. Today, “phytembryotherapy” is in full swing.
Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal
There are about fifty strains of buds available commercially against around three hundred plants in common use and, as a general rule, the indications of plants in gemmotherapy are the same as in traditional phytotherapy. Burdock buds are recommended to “clean” the skin, artichoke buds to improve digestion.
The advantage of buds? They offer a high concentration of active ingredients suitable for their deployment. “They contain many micronutrients such as trace elements, vitamins polyphenols, which disappear when the plant becomes an adult,” explains Françoise Couic-Marinier, doctor of pharmacy, naturopath, and author of My Green Power Notebook (Solar).
Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal “The presence of growth hormones such as gibberellins is interesting because they improve cell renewal,” adds Dr. Jean-Michel Morel, phytotherapist. The bud carries in it the future properties of the plant: for example,
that of the lime tree combines the calming virtues of the flower with the depurative and diuretic actions of the sapwood, the part which is formed each year between hardwood and l tree bark. Gemmotherapy is presented as one of the most effective forms of phytotherapy: “We consider that a solution of buds is ten times more effective than the mother tincture of an adult plant”, informs Françoise Couic-Marinier.
Long-term cures by Gemmotherapy
Gemmotherapy is part of long-term treatments that will “stimulate the body by regulating or supporting some of its functions such as immunity, digestion …”, details the naturopath. Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal Thus, the redwood bud is recommended for seniors, “because it improves joint and ligament flexibility, and slows down the process of osteoporosis,” says Dr. Jean-Michel Morel. The cures can be spread over nine months.
Taking buds can also represent an alternative to drug treatments causing side effects. “Blackcurrant bud, with anti-inflammatory properties, can be an option to corticosteroids for people who are allergic or who do not support this type of medication,” explains Dr. Morel. The field of indications is quite wide and covers everyday ailments: colds, sleep disorders, stress,
anxiety, depression, digestive, circulatory or even articular, allergic, etc. problems. On the efficacy side, Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal “there is no doubt in our daily practice, reports the phytotherapist, but gemmotherapy being a fairly recent discipline, it suffers from a deficit in scientific publications. Those dealing with blackcurrants have, however, largely analyzed its activity stimulating cortisol secretion. “
Even for children and pregnant women
Medicine by plant embryos is for everyone and is particularly suitable for children, from 6 years of self-medication and from 30 months as part of a prescription, to pregnant women and seniors. Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal Logical, when we know that the bud extracts do not contain the toxic compounds that can be found in certain “adult” plants. “They don’t cause side effects or intolerance reactions,” says Dr. Morel. Could it be the panacea? Not quite …
Remember that this natural medicine should not systematically replace allopathic medicine, but can complement it. And, of course, it has its limits: it does not treat serious pathologies (cancers, autoimmune diseases, diabetes…). People taking blood thinners and / or heart medication should avoid self-care and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Who to consult?
There is no organization or directory of professionals specializing in gemmotherapy. Gemmotherapy: how to use buds to heal The discipline is mainly used by phytotherapists, homeopaths, naturopaths and general
practitioners who have undergone training in phytotherapy. The cost of a consultation ranges from 25 to 100 €, depending on the location and the reputation of the practitioner. But in these times when we limit our outings, the pharmacist is the health contact to whom to turn most easily.
The buds of the moment
Have you accumulated some stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic? Whether you are a front-line caregiver, a single grandmother or a mother who has become a teacher, the period has not been easy to face. The advice of Dr Jean-Michel Morel, phytotherapist. Morel, phytotherapist.
Against anxious states The fig bud, regulator of nervousness, associated with the hawthorn bud.
In cure of three months. Against sleep disorders The linden bud, with sedative and tranquilizing properties. To be taken each hour one hour before bedtime until the return of peaceful nights.
Did you say macerate?
Products containing buds are sold in the form of an oral solution (in a dropper bottle) called macerate.
And for good reason, it is obtained by macerating 1 kilo of plants (by dry weight) in 20 liters of solvent. Harvested in the spring, the embryonic tissues remain soaked for three weeks. There are two types of presentation:
• concentrated macerates or mother macerates They are prepared according to the precepts of Dr Pol Henry, the father of gemmotherapy. The soaking mixture contains, in equal parts, glycerin, alcohol and water. After concentration,
it is ready for use. Dosage: 1 drop per 10 pounds of weight per day (in water). These products are found in pharmacies and in organic stores under the brands HerbalGem, Santane (Iphym), Santarome, SIPF (Synergia), Vitaflor…
• D1 glycerine macerates Their manufacture is inspired by the homeopathic current. The solvent for maceration does not contain water, just 50% glycerin and 50% alcohol. After filtration
, the extract is then diluted 1/10 in a glycerin-alcohol-water bath. Supported by Social Security (on prescription) up to 35%, this form, mainly marketed by Boiron laboratories, is doomed to reimbursement. Dosage: 1 drop per kilo of weight per day.
