Cotinus coggygria, syn. Rhus cotinus, the European smoketree, Eurasian smoketree, smoke tree, smoke bush, Venetian sumach, or dyer's sumach is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae, native to a large area from southern Europe, east across central Asia and the Himalayas to northern China.

It is a multiple-branching shrub growing to 5–7 m (16–23 ft) tall with an open, spreading, irregular habit, only rarely forming a small tree. The leaves are 3–8 cm long rounded ovals, green with ...

cotinus coggygria

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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the Genomic Stability lab at BAS

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Smoketree is one of the best known plants in Bulgaria. You will hear botanists call it by the Latin name Cotinus coggygria, and grandmothers in some regions - forest oak or tetra. Its popularity is not at all random, since besides being a very beautiful bush, it also has healing properties that can benefit anyone.

How-to-recognize-the-Smoketree

How to recognize the Smoketree

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Smoketree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, along with other well-known species such as cashews, pistachios and mangoes.

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The plant is found as a shrub or a small tree with a reddish bark. The leaves range from green to purple-bluish in color, and its name in English (Smoke tree) comes from the word for smoke.&nbsp;This is because the flower stalks are covered with enchanting thin hairs, accepting extremely beautiful pink, greenish or red-violet colors, which cover the plant and give it a specific look in summer.

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Smoketree compunds with phytochemical properties

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Many biologically active substances are isolated from different parts of the herb. Extracts and essential oil from them are widely studied due to their ability to influence health.

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The three main groups of compounds to which smoketree owes its properties are tannins, phenols and flavonoids <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890191/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>. Among the tannins, gallotannins have a large share, which are derivatives of gallic acid, which in turn is also isolated in free state from the plant.

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With regard to flavonoids, we can say that almost all subclasses of such are isolated from the smoketree, which is an impressive fact in itself, since this group of substances are very potent antioxidants.&nbsp;The richest in flavonoids are the stem and branches.

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Read more in the article <a href="../../eng/p/what_are_free_radicals_and_antioxidants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What </a><a href="../../eng/p/what_are_free_radicals_and_antioxidants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are free radicals and antioxidants.</a>

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The essential oil is also rich in components that emit a pleasant odor, and for this reason is largely used in perfumery. The main compounds contained in it are monoterpenes. It is interesting to mention that Bulgaria is among the producers of smoketree essential oil. The main substance that is isolated from it is alpha-pinene <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10412905.1993.9698202" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2].</a>

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In the next part of the article we will turn to both the properties and practical applications of the herb. Here it is important to note that it is used mainly externally.

Smoketree-as-a-powerful-antioxidant-and-antibacterial-agent

Smoketree as a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent

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One of the most well-known uses of smoketree is as an antibacterial and antifungal <a href="https://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&amp;id_clanak_jezik=100475" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> agent.&nbsp;There are studies that show its effect against various types of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus lysodeikticus, and the fungus Candida albicans<a href="https://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&amp;id_clanak_jezik=100475" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.3]</a>. In addition, the herb is a powerful antioxidant. Through these properties we can explain most of the applications of smoketree.

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Fungal infections on the legs and nails respond well to herbal baths and compresses with a decoction of smoketree.

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Smoketree for gastrointestinal problems

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In Bulgarian folk medicine, the herb is used in gastritis, ulcers, inflammations of the intestine. It has the property of strengthening the regeneration of mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, similar to the external application of the herb.

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Attention!&nbsp;Internal use should be done only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist to determine the exact method of administration.

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Wound-healing properties

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Another well-known property of tetra in traditional medicine is for the treatment of wounds. This is due to both the antiseptic and the blood-stopping action of the herb. We can explain the wound healing properties in that some substances in the tannins group have the ability to interact with collagen in the skin <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/integrating_ethnobotany_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology_of_i_cotinus_coggygria_i_and_i_toxicodendron_vernicifluum_i_what_predictions_can_be_made_for_the_european_smoketree_33953688" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>.

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A 2016 study provides clarity on this process by showing that placing an alcohol extracted compress from smoketree leaves on wounds leads to an increase in levels of hydroxyproline (necessary for collagen synthesis) and antioxidant substances, resulting in faster healing of damaged tissue <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2016.1181660" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.5]</a>.

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Treatment of hemorrhoids

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Hemorrhoids are a condition that can cause serious discomfort or pain. Here again, the smoketree comes to the rescue in the form of water baths with a decoction of it. It relieves symptoms by reducing bleeding, as well as pain. &nbsp;

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Herbal baths are made by preparing a decoction with 1 tablespoon of the herb per 1 liter of water.&nbsp;The smoketree is placed in boiling water, allowed to cool and then filtered. The decoction is poured into a large basin and sit for 15-20 minutes in it.

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Read more in the articles <a href="../../eng/p/what_are_hemorrhoids_and_when_to_call_the_doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What </a><a href="../../eng/p/what_are_hemorrhoids_and_when_to_call_the_doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are hemorrhoids and when to call a doctor</a> and <a href="../../eng/p/hemorrhoids_how_to_get_rid_of_them_with_conventional_and_herbal_treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hemorrhoids - how to get rid of them with conventional and herbal treatment</a>

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&nbsp;

Reduces-acne

Reduces acne

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The action of smoketree is miraculous when we have to fight acne. This application is again due to its strong antiseptic properties.

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In case of acne problems, folk medicine recommends a steam bath with the herb. This helps the pores to expand and so the herb increases its action.

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Another method of applying the decoction is topically on inflamed skin areas. Therefore, it is no coincidence that it is part of some cosmetic products such as lotions that are applied in the morning and evening to cleanse the skin, or creams for red and inflamed skin.

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Smoketree protects the liver

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We know from traditional Chinese medicine that the herb has a hepatoprotective function (protects the liver). This function is also the subject of extensive research, which evaluates the effectiveness on the one hand, and on the other hand studies the mechanisms of action.

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For example, it has been shown in rodents that smoketree methanol extract, which contains mainly myricetin, significantly reduces liver damage induced by the substance pyrogalol [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Methanol_extract_from_the_stem_of_Cotinus_coggygria_Scop_and_its_major_bioactive_phytochemical_constituent_myricetin_modulate_pyrogallol_induced_DNA_damage_and_liver_injury_23830930" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.6]</a>.

Smoketree-helps-us-take-care-of-our-oral-hygiene

Smoketree helps us take care of our oral hygiene

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Smoketree is an extremely good means of strengthening the gums . In addition, it refreshes the breath and promotes oral hygiene.&nbsp;Also splattering with an extract of it is recommended as a prevention of stomatitis and cold sores and sores in the mouth. The taste is strong and bitter. It should not be swallowed.

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More read in the article <a href="../../eng/p/natural_remedies_for_bleeding_gums_which_herbs_to_use" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natural remedies for bleeding gums - which herbs to use</a>

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If you have not yet tried using smoketree and suffer from some of the above problems, it is definitely worth trying the action of this gift from nature, but only after you have consulted your doctor or pharmacist.

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Smoketree - a natural antiseptic

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/e38a80c9-7a0a-4415-825e-14cd74b491f2_middle.jpg

 Smoketree - a natural antiseptic

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

The importance of herbs for the treatment of various diseases, from ancient times until today, is evident from the various scientific disciplines that have formed around them [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281787581_Importance_of_plants_in_modern_pharmacy_and_medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Clinical use of medical plants is called phytotherapy;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Historical aspects of the use of medicinal plants in different societies around the world are united in the sciences ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Traditional medicine, on the other hand, means the role of plants in various popular "unscientific" medical systems, experience that is passed down through generations, but is not proven by science (often this is due to the fact that the mechanisms of action of specific herbs or combinations are simply not studied);</li>
</ul>

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Pharmacognosy is the science of biogenic or nature-derived pharmaceuticals and poisons. It deals with all medicinal plants, including complex mixtures that are used in the form of raw herbs or extracts (phytotherapy), pure compounds such as morphine, and foods that provide additional health benefits only in the context of preventive effects (nutraceuticals - garlic, ginger, turmeric, cocoa, red wine, foods containing flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids). Pharmacognosy includes identification, physicochemical characterization, cultivation, extraction, preparation, quality control, and biological evaluation of drugs.</li>
</ul>

Herbs-and-medicine---what-is-the-connection

Herbs and medicine - what is the connection

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It is estimated that more than 25% of prescription medicinal products contain herbal ingredients, but only a small percentage of the world's plants are studied&nbsp;for potential pharmaceutical use. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-1455-8_4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>]

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In recent years, there has been increased interest in plant research as a source of new medicines. This has also increased the number of newly discovered bioactive compounds of plant origin, and many programmes will continue to contribute to this in the near future.

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China plays an important role in the development of currently used pharmaceuticals, with approximately 30,000 species of plants, many of them with a long history of use in traditional medicine.

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Read more:

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<a href="/p/mozhie_li_kitaiskata_traditsionna_mieditsina_da_podpomoghnie_liechieniieto_na_covid_19_66b2086f_3972_41b2_9eec_8869683711c1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Chinese experience in the treatment of COVID-19</a>

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<a href="/p/9_bilki_koito_kitai_izpolzva_pri_borbata_s_koronavirusa_covid_19_090c722d_bb2f_42cf_9f29_3058e134a8e8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">9 herbs China uses to fight coronavirus (COVID-19)</a>

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According to the American Society of Pharmacognosy, it represents "the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical and biological properties of medicines, medicinal substances or potential medicines and medicinal substances of natural origin, as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources."

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Often, medicinal substances of natural origin cannot be produced en masse, so they need to be studied in order to develop synthetic biologically similar products.

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The production of these compounds synthetically allows modifications to be made to increase bioavailability, change pharmacokinetics and increase efficacy. These modifications can transform raw inactive plant extract into a powerful drug, as seen in some anticancer medicines. Thus, natural compounds are excellent models for the production of new drugs. [<a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/Importance-of-Pharmacognosy.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

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Pharmacognosy is recognized as a vital part of the processes of drug development and pharmaceutical education, but has recently been neglected, due to the emergence of effective drugs that can be synthesized in the laboratory.

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However, many scientists share the belief that people's knowledge of the medicinal application of different plants should never be lost, as they provide a very good starting point for the development of <a href="/p/iekstrakt_ot_iednoghodishien_pielin_artemisia_annua_shchie_bdie_izsliedvan_za_aktivnost_srieshchu_covid_19_481480f7_9437_40b5_a59b_5071935e117a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> new drugs. An example of this is <a href="../p/iekstrakt_ot_iednoghodishien_pielin_artemisia_annua_shchie_bdie_izsliedvan_za_aktivnost_srieshchu_covid_19_481480f7_9437_40b5_a59b_5071935e117a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">artemisinin from the sweet wormwood Artemisia annua</a>, which is a recognized ancient Chinese medicine against malaria.

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Respect for ancient wisdom is reflected in phytotherapy (herbal treatment) and phytopharmaceuticals. The use of herbal products to treat diseases is well known in South America, China and India, where billions of dollars are spent on research to identify and market natural medicines.

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The-hidden-healing-properties-of-herbs

The hidden healing properties of herbs

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Different parts&nbsp;of the plant (flower, leaves, stems, roots, fruits) can be used as medicines or a specific active substance can be extracted from it, which can be put into a tablet, capsule, syrup.

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Well-established in medical practice examples of the first method of administration are: St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the treatment of mild to medium-severity depression; Gingko biloba, the leaves of which are used to improve memory and anxiety; chamomile flowers (Chamomilla recutita) to relieve mild gastrointestinal disorders and as an anti-inflammatory agent; leaves and pods of Alexandrian senna (Senna alexandrina) against constipation); extract of hawthorn, mint and valerian for relaxation; decoction of European smoketree (smoke tree, Cotinus coggygria) for external use, due to its antiseptic properties and many others.

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Some of them are accepted into the ranks of classical or conventional medicine, while others are still part of the so-called <a href="/p/kakvo_priedstavliava_altiernativnata_mieditsina_i_kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_nieia_e2ecb339_f300_472f_a460_f58ef33f08ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">alternative medicine</a> [ref. 2] and are used as supportive, additional medical supplements.

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Due to their richness <a href="../c/herbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> in active substances, herbs should not be taken lightly as something that "if it does not help, at least it will not harm you". Some of these ingredients are extremely potent, others may have an impact (beneficial or not) with prolonged use. Let us not forget that most poisons also have a natural origin.

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Some herbs have a hepatotoxic effect (they are toxic to the liver), others may cause photosensitivity, and when taken we should not expose ourselves to the sun (this is the case with St. John's wort), others may interact with other medicines that we take. Therefore, the herbal treatment is necessary to be perscribed and monitored by a specialist. Unfortunately, not every doctor or pharmacist is well aware of the characteristics of herbs and herbal preparations, but there are also many self-styled "healers".

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When we talk about active ingredients, these are pure chemicals commonly used in the form of licensed medicines. Sometimes they are produced synthetically but initially found in plants. Examples of such substances are [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281787581_Importance_of_plants_in_modern_pharmacy_and_medicine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) morphine, used as an analgesic;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Digoxin and other glycosides from the foxgloves plant (Digitalis spp.), used to treat heart failure;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Taxol from Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia), used as an anticancer agent [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Taxol_dose_intensification_and_its_clinical_implications_8103561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>];</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Quinine, from the bark of the red cinchona (Cinchona pubescens), used to treat malaria;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Galantamine derived from a type of snowdrops used to treat cognitive disorders.</li>
</ul>

Is-there-a-difference-between-herbal-medicines-and-homeopathy

Is there a difference between herbal medicines and homeopathy

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Unfortunately, many people still do not distinguish between homeopathy and herbal treatment, incorrectly calling herbal preparations homeopathic. Therefore, we need to distinguish between the two.

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What is common between treatment with herbs and homeopathy is that both enter the category "alternative treatment", as well as in that the content of certain homeopathic preparations lists herbs and other plants.

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Herbal treatment is the use of plants, lichens, algae and mushrooms for healing or therapeutic effects on the body. The earliest evidence that the herbs were used for healing was found on clay tablets created around 3000 BC from the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq).

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The foundations of Chinese traditional medicine were probably laid between 200 and 250 AD, and meanwhile the foundations of Ayurveda in present-day Pakistan were being laid. Centuries later, in 1500 BC, the ancient Egyptians wrote about the use of plants for medicinal purposes on scrolls called Ebers Papyrus. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Ebers_Papyrus_The_book_of_medical_knowledge_of_the_16th_century_B_C_Egyptians_15586450" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

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In herbal treatment, various preparations are used, such as tinctures, teas, powders, essential oils, honey soaked in herbs, herbal vinegars, elixirs and numerous local forms. The main feature shared by all of them is that they contain physiologically active substances from the herbs used for their production.

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In turn, homeopathy was developed in the late 18th century in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann.&nbsp;It is based on the principle "like cures like" - the root of the word homeopathy, as "homeo" means "like" and "pathos" means "disease".

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What does this mean? Homeopathic preparations usually contain negligible doses of substances that are thought to have created the same symptoms as the disease. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy of 'less is more', according to which the more diluted the medicine is, the stronger its effect. Even today homeopathy uses highly diluted substances of natural origin for its medications. [<a href="https://www.herb-pharm.com/pharm-journal/difference-between-homeopathy-and-herbalism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]

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Homeopathic preparations use herbs such as arnica (Arnica montana) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but also minerals such as phosphorus and animal products such as snake venom (Lachesis mutus). The preparations are made in infinitesimal dilutions so that very few or no molecules of the original substance remain. They are then included in topical preparations, tinctures or small sugar pills that dissolve under the tongue.

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So, the main difference between the two methods is that in herbal treatment, preparations rely on the phytochemicals that herbs contain. These phytochemicals are present in physiological levels and are accordingly found in herbal preparations. In homeopathic preparations, materials are diluted repeatedly - so much so that only a miniature amount of the original substance remains, if any at all.

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Another significant difference is that homeopathy is not based on any scientific evidence [<a href="https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmsctech/45/4502.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>], despite attempts to confirm its effects. Unlike herbal medicine, homeopathy has been rejected by the scientific community as an ineffective method of "treatment." [<a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sps-homeopathy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5</a>]

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Herbs have an established role for the development of medicine and pharmacy, both in the past and in the present and future. Their potential continues to be studied and realized as we enjoy another cup of aromatic thyme tea, mint and oregano.

cotinus coggygria

Do herbs hold the past and future of pharmacy? The short answer is 'Yes!'