Gemmotherapy is derived from the Latin gemma, meaning "bud", and the Latin therapīa or Greek therapeîa, meaning "medical treatment." These medicines, which sit astride the boundary between homeopathy and herbal medicine, have strong energetic qualities, and thus are considered low potency homeopathics and may be taken along with other low potency liquid homeopathic medicines. They are used for their tonic, anti-inflammatory and particularly for their strong drainage properties.
Gemmotherapy is an offshoot of traditional homeopathy, whereby a homeopathic mother tincture (potency 1x) is prepared from the fresh sap, buds, seeds, etc. that the plant produces in the spring. They are made principally from the embryonic tissue of various trees and shrubs (the buds and emerging shoots), and also from the reproductive parts (the seeds and catkins) and from newly grown tissue (the rootlets and the cortex of rootlets) when the tree or shrub's annual germination is at its peak in order to capture the various nutrients, vitamins, plant hormones and enzymes that are released during this process, and which in some cases are only present in the plant at this time. In a small number of cases they are made from the early spring rising sap. The only exception is with the seeds that are taken in autumn.
Gemmotherapy is one of the most important subsections of phytotherapy. The essence of this method is the medicinal application of germinal plant tissues present in buds, and young shoots. This vital energy of the trees and shrubs is at its highest point when the new leaves, branches and flowers begin to emerge and it is believed that it is concentrated in these parts and remains an active force that shows in the potency of the preparations.
The extracts therefore contain exceedingly valuable substances not present in other parts of the plant and include natural hormones, minerals, trace elements, nucleic acids, amino acids, vitamins and enzymes.
Now, researchers are continuing to study the therapeutic properties of buds and young shoots. Naturopaths and homeopaths are using them increasingly.
Just a few Gemmotherapy remedies include:
- Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut bud)
It is indicated for most cases in circulation disturbances (chronic redness of the face, varicose ulcers, and hemorrhoids). It is particularly valuable for varicose veins and related disorders. - Alnus glutinosa
Coronary artery blockage, cerebral infarction, anticoagulant, chronic inflammatory conditions, angina, angeoneogenesis, phlebitis, adrenal gland, migraine headaches. - Betula alba (Birch bud)
It is very efficient for those suffering from retention of water, rheumatic diseases, articular pain, cellulitis, and kidney stones.
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This information is an excerpt from the book Formulating Natural Cosmetics. To learn more about this topic or to purchase the entire book, visit www.alluredbooks.com.
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