In the 20th century, the first to speak of gemmotherapy was the Belgian doctor Pol Henry. The method gained fame and established itself as a branch of herbal medicine in France and Italy. However, for other countries it is still considered a mystery.
In general, gemmotherapy is a type of herbal medicine that uses the embryonic tissues of plants (buds, roots and buds, among others) to address different health problems. Find out what else you should know about this alternative therapy.
What are plant buds?
Plants have organs and buds are among them. These are usually located in the axils of the leaves, known as axillary or lateral buds. However, they can also be found on the tip of a branch (terminal buds), and in other parts called adventitious buds.
Likewise, there are other types of buds that are classified by their function, shape and condition. Plant buds are made up of meristematic tissues, which are made up of cells that are involved in the growth of plant tissues and organs.
How was gemmotherapy created?
Although the term gemmotherapy is relatively new, this practice dates back to the Middle Ages, when poplar shoots, for example, were very useful for preparing balms. In the late 1950s, Belgian physician Pol Henry pioneered research on the therapeutic effects of remedies based on buds, buds, and other embryonic plant tissues.
The professional discovered that these plant organs are made up of tissues that guarantee the growth of the plant. Therefore, they concentrate nutrients and active principles of the adult specimen.
A decade later, the French doctor Max Tetau expanded on Henry’s theory. In the late 1970s, homeopath Teodor Caba introduced his current name – gemmotherapy.
Benefits and uses in homeopathic medicine
The buds of plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, nucleic acids and plant hormones associated with growth, such as auxins and gibberellins.
This gives it a number of uses and benefits. The best known and applied by homeopathic medicine is the drainage of toxins, which would be equivalent to a detoxification of the body.
Let’s see in detail other of the advantages that are usually attributed to gemmotherapy:
- Facilitates cellular detoxification, also known as cellular cleansing. A process that seeks to eliminate harmful toxins found within the cells of the human body.
- Stimulate the drainage of fluids and toxins through the blood and lymph.
- It is a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and enzymes.
- Intervenes in the immune functions of organs and glands related to the elimination of waste from the body.
- Rejuvenates aging tissues.
- Decreases the need to take nutritional supplements.
- According to a study published in Planta Medica, it would act as an adjuvant in the treatment of spondyloarthropathies, conditions that bear similarities to arthritis.
The most used plant buds and their benefits
Gem therapy can use a large number of medicinal plants for its purposes. However, the most common outbreaks in this practice are the following:
- Black currant: Also known by names like cassis, black currant, or black sarsaparilla, it is believed to reduce the risk of drug allergies as well as inflammation associated with rheumatism.
- Rosemary: it can work as a detoxifier, especially of the liver.
- Walnut: it is estimated that it has properties that promote digestion and prevent food poisoning.
- Linden: associated with improving sleep disorders and reducing anxiety levels.
- Sea buckthorn: used to promote recovery in periods of convalescence, especially in burned areas.
Can it be done at home?
Yes. Homeopathy uses bud or bud extracts that are made from a maceration process. This consists of soaking the yolks for a period of 1 month or 40 days in a liquid with 50% glycerin, 30% alcohol and 20% water. It is stored in a cool, dry space and shaken every week.
After the maceration time, the content should be filtered into a glass jar and stored in a space similar to the previous one. As for the doses, the most common is usually around 50 to 100 drops in 2 daily doses. However, this will depend on the condition that you want to address.
Gemmotherapy and the healing potential of buds and shoots
Although the history of this practice dates back to the Middle Ages, it was not until the 20th century that it was named and the therapeutic effects of buds, young shoots and other embryonic plant tissues were studied. The first to do so was Dr. Pol Henry. Other professionals continued with his theory until giving him the name by which he is known today.
In homeopathy, gemmotherapy is known mainly for its supposed potential to eliminate waste and harmful toxins from the body, as well as to collaborate against diseases associated with joint inflammation. However, studies are still needed to support these claims and, above all, to verify their effectiveness.
