Indrė Skorupskienė
Medicinal Herbs Support Health Gently Yet Effectively
Although modern medicine is often contrasted with natural healing methods, all of this can actually be harmoniously combined. The proof is Endobiogeny, a method of complementary and alternative medicine that aligns scientific knowledge with the use of medicinal plants. We interview licensed Endobiogeny specialist, lecturer, and pharmacist Indrė Skorupskienė.
How does Endobiogeny differ from phytotherapy?
Both Endobiogeny and phytotherapy share the same goal: to improve human health. However, there are differences. In phytotherapy, medicinal plants are usually selected based on symptoms in order to alleviate them. Endobiogeny specialists focus on the root causes. The aim is not temporary relief, but fundamentally improving well-being and restoring the body's functioning to a state of balance—homeostasis. To this end, a very comprehensive medical history is taken dating back to the patient's infancy, a detailed full-body examination is performed, and blood test results are thoroughly analyzed. Thus, Endobiogeny differs from phytotherapy both in its tools and methods of action, as well as in its primary goal: to regulate human endocrine balance and the nervous system so that the organism functions smoothly and remains healthy.
How are medicinal plants selected?
Medicinal plants are selected based on the specific physiological profile of an individual, which the Endobiogeny specialist puts together from all the aforementioned information. Medicinal herbs help restore the body's balance and regulate the endocrine and nervous systems, which influence every cell in the body and their proper functioning. All of this forms a solid foundation for overall well-being.
Is it possible to heal completely using only medicinal herbs?
Endobiogenists do not treat diseases, but regulate and restore the body's balance so that it functions optimally and utilizes its innate healing abilities. The right herbs taken at the right time are a great support to our body, but they are not the only tool. Lifestyle adjustments are also addressed, as an improper daily routine, lack of sleep and physical activity, harmful habits, and an unbalanced diet place a heavy burden on all processes occurring in the organism. Psychological trauma, negative beliefs, and experiences significantly affect our psyche and nervous system activity, and along with it, the entire body.
Is the spectrum of tools used broad?
Dietary supplements can also be prescribed, which are likewise selected individually according to
need. People often lack certain minerals, especially magnesium and zinc. Soil quality is declining, so grains, vegetables, and fruits contain fewer and fewer of these minerals. Sometimes specific vitamins, amino acids, probiotics and prebiotics, medicinal mushroom preparations, and animal-derived supplements (e.g., bee products) are prescribed. The spectrum of tools used in Endobiogeny is truly broad. Particular attention is paid to their quality and targeted selection.
Are medicinal plants used only for therapeutic purposes? Can they also be prescribed preventively (e.g., to strengthen immunity)?
Both plants and other tools and recommendations prescribed by Endobiogeny specialists are excellent for prevention. It is encouraging that there are more and more conscious people who strive to understand and harmonize their body, replenishing its resources without waiting for ailments to strike. When we know our weak points, it is easier to take care of them in advance and protect ourselves against serious disorders. Prevention is always an easier and more cost-effective way to maintain good health than treating an illness once it occurs.
In what form do Endobiogeny specialists recommend taking plants?
Most commonly, various galenic forms of plants are used (extracts, tinctures, etc.), selected according to the individual's needs, lifestyle, and possibilities. The primary Endobiogeny product is a mixture, which usually consists of mother tinctures and gemmotherapy extracts. A mother tincture is obtained from a fresh plant by extracting active substances with ethanol, whereas a gemmotherapy extract is unique in that it uses plant parts rich in stem cells, such as buds and young shoots, and their extraction utilizes not only ethanol, but also glycerol. These forms are excellently absorbed by the body. Sometimes herbal infusions and decoctions are also prescribed, and aromatherapy is utilized.
How do plants help with stress management and the hormonal system?
When discussing stress, two types of people can be distinguished. One type responds poorly to stress and cannot adapt to it properly. In this case, adaptogenic plants are very valuable: Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), golden root (Rhodiola rosea), and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). In the other type of people, adaptation is, on the contrary, overly active. And although these people adapt well, they risk exhausting their body's resources. Calming, relaxing medicinal plants are more suitable for them, such as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). These plants help calm down and optimize the use of the body's resources. The regulation of the endocrine system, i.e., hormones, is the central axis of Endobiogeny. To this end, a very wide spectrum of medicinal plants and an even broader range of their combinations, tailored to individual needs, are utilized.
Are there any particularly beneficial medicinal plants?
In general, for an endobiogeny specialist there are no good or bad plants, only those that are suitable or unsuitable for a specific person and a given situation. However, as in any field, endobiogenists have their favorites. One of them is blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), which can strengthen the adrenal glands and help the body adapt more easily under various circumstances—whether dealing with allergies, infectious diseases, or chronic fatigue. Another versatile plant is true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It excellently reduces nervous system hyperactivity, which increasingly troubles modern people caught up in a fast and stressful rhythm of life. The liver also very often needs support, as our environment contains quite a few harmful substances, and many people's diets are not well-balanced. In this case, milk thistle (Carduus marianus) is a very beneficial plant. It helps metabolize various toxins and eases liver function.
People often self-treat with medicinal herbs or herbal preparations at their own discretion. What do you think about that?
I only support it if it is done after thoroughly researching the plants and their properties, and if a person knows their own body and its disorders very well. It is encouraging that side effects of medicinal herbs are much rarer and milder than those of synthetic drugs, so in cases of chronic illnesses, it is indeed a good choice. Most often, people sense which herb makes them feel better and what suits them; however, there are disorders where suppressing symptoms—even with medicinal herbs—can worsen the situation. Therefore, I would recommend first consulting with specialists, undergoing comprehensive testing, and only then choosing medicinal plants. At one's own discretion, one should only use versatile, milder-acting plants for a short period to relieve minor disorders.
Is plant-based healing completely safe, or can it also have side effects?
Not all plants are the same. There are mild-acting plants whose side effects are more often associated only with individual allergic reactions. There are also very toxic ones that are strictly not recommended for use. Therefore, speaking of complete safety would be naive. It is also inappropriate to avoid medicinal plants entirely due to their potential side effects. People with comorbidities should be more cautious. Side effects are more likely for those suffering from liver or kidney disorders. In such cases, a consultation with an experienced specialist is essential.
How should plants be used to obtain maximum benefit?
First of all, the appropriate medicinal plant or herbal blend must be selected. The second very important factor is the quality of the raw plant material, meaning the raw material must be harvested properly and at the right time, free of heavy metal contamination, and so on. The third is the proper preparation method, correctly chosen plant parts and extractants, as different active substances dissolve in different solvents. Even a very effective plant, if improperly prepared, will not yield the desired benefit. The appropriate method of use, dosage, and timing are also important. In summary, I can say that getting maximum benefit requires considerable effort and knowledge in this field.