In phytotherapy, we have different branches including gemmotherapy which deserves to be better known by the general public. Gemmotherapy, etymologically comes from gemmae meaning bud (but also gemstone) giving: "bud therapy". Find out more about thisnatural and holistic therapy commonly recommended by naturopaths in the following lines.
Historical background of gemmotherapy
Traces of the use of buds as a remedy can be found in writings dating from the Middle Ages. However, it was not until the 20th century that this natural therapy was developed by a Belgian doctor named Pol Henry (1918-1988) who developed plant embryotherapy. Later, it was the pharmacist and homeopathic physician Max Tétaux who took up the work and changed the name of embryotherapy to gemmotherapy.
Composition, method of manufacture and different dosage forms
The young shoots, buds and rootlets of freshlyharvested plants, trees and shrubs will be put to independently macerate in a natural solvent composed of spring water (for some), alcohol and glycerin (as traditionally in homeopathy or herbal medicine) to create a glycerine macerate. At the end of 21 days, a concentrated macerate will emerge that will be dynamized.
You can also find glycerine macerates diluted to 1/10th of the first Hahnemannian decimal 1DH (French pharmacological jargon). They then fall into the category of drugs that you can find over the counter at pharmacies. This format is interesting for working on thepsycho-emotional sphere. However, it is not practical to take: between 50 and 100 drops per day against about 15 drops per day forconcentrated macerate ...
The principles of gemmotherapy
Buds, rootlets and young shoots are plant cells in the embryonic stage containing within them all the characteristics of the plant, tree or shrub. For example, in the same blackcurrant glycerine macerate, we find the properties of blackcurrant leaves, bark, fruit, roots and flowers. We can truly consider that we are facing a potential for action that is strengthened and increased tenfold. All the strengthof the adult plant is concentrated in one andthe same bud.
Phytotherapeutic properties of the most commonly used buds
- Blackcurrant buds (Ribes Negrum): anti-inflammatory, stimulates the adrenal glands.
- Fig Tree Bud (ficus carica): regulates the nervous system, promotes sleep and improves digestion
- Walnut bud (juglans regia): acts at the intestinal level
- Birch buds (betula alba): depurative and stimulates diuresis.
- Raspberry Bud (rubus idaeus): acts on the female sphere
- Sequoia buds (sequoia gigantea): prostate protector
- Hawthorn buds (crataegus monogyna): regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
Gemmotherapy in naturopathy.
In naturopathy coaching, we do not focus on the symptom. It is not in our principles to do "green medicine", our approach being global, personalized and preventive. Thus, a macerate can be offered to relieve a symptom at first but our whole interest is to work on the root of your problem. Thus, in your personalized protocol, combined with other naturopathic techniques, buds have their place to relieve your deep aches while promoting the drainage of the emunctories which are, as a reminder, the purifying organs of our body(liver(e.g., kidneys, lungs, skin and uterus in women).
Good to know: just as in homeopathy, gemmotherapy can also accompany you in the management of your emotions.
In complex or unit, concentrated glycerine macerates of buds, young shoots or rootlets are wonderful allies to relieve your symptoms but also is especially in the context of naturopathic accompaniments. With real therapeutic potential, they are not to be taken lightly. They are not recommended for pregnant women Raspberry, bilberry, redwood and oak to women with a history of hormone-dependent cancer and beware of drug interactions (anticoagulant, heart rate regulator). If you are sourcing these on your own, please take care to read the composition of the complexes and follow the recommendations of the manufacturer.