Phytotherapy for Long Covid

Phytotherapy for Long Covid

The world of phytotherapy is currently experiencing a real boom - and for good reason. After a COVID infection, many people suffer from Long Covid, a condition that often goes beyond the physical symptoms. Herbal medicine could offer a completely new perspective here. In this article, we dive deep into the scientific basis of phytotherapy for Long Covid and highlight which evidence-based plant extracts can actually help. But that's not all! We give you practical tips on how you can sensibly integrate phytotherapy into your long-term treatment. Are you ready to rediscover the power of plants? Then stay tuned!

Scientific basis of phytotherapy for Long Covid

Phytotherapy refers to treatment with herbal remedies and has received increased attention in medicine in recent years, also in the context of Long Covid. Long Covid describes a range of symptoms that can persist or reappear after a COVID-19 infection, often long after the acute phase of the disease. The most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating and muscle problems.

The effectiveness of herbal remedies is based on the bioactive ingredients found in various plants. These ingredients can modulate the immune system, reduce inflammatory responses and relieve the symptoms of Long Covid. Research suggests that certain plant extracts such as ginger, turmeric and echinacea may have potentially positive effects on the immune system and overall health.

• Ingwer: Besitzt entzündungshemmende Eigenschaften und kann Übelkeit lindern.
• Kurkuma: Enthält Curcumin, das Entzündungsmarker senken kann.
• Echinacea: Wird traditionell zur Stärkung des Immunsystems eingesetzt.

The scientific basis of these applications is documented in various studies. One study reported the positive effects of curcumin on inflammation and immune response. Meta-analyses have shown that regular consumption of echinacea can reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections.

The mechanisms by which plant extracts work are diverse. Many plant substances act as antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress. In addition, they can activate or inhibit certain signaling pathways associated with inflammatory reactions.

| plant | Active ingredient | Possible effect |
|—————————|——————|—————————————|
| Ginger | Gingerol | Anti-inflammatory, relieving nausea |
| Turmeric | Curcumin | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |
| Echinacea | Echinacoside | Immunomodulator |

It is important to keep a close eye on the use and dosage of herbal remedies, especially in Long Covid, as various factors such as comorbidities and interactions with other medications need to be taken into account. The use of phytotherapy is best done in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.

Evidence-based plant extracts and their therapeutic use

Evidence-based plant extracts are playing an increasingly important role in the therapeutic treatment of Long Covid. Various studies have shown that certain herbal ingredients can potentially help relieve symptoms and promote recovery. The selection of plant extracts is based on clinical data and their biological activity.

• Curcumin: Aus Kurkuma gewonnen, hat Curcumin entzündungshemmende und antioxidative Eigenschaften. Studien zeigen positive Effekte auf die Immunmodulation.
• Ginseng: Bekannt für seine adaptogenen Eigenschaften, unterstützt Ginseng die körperliche und geistige Leistungsfähigkeit und kann Müdigkeit verringern.
• Echinacea: Häufig zur Stärkung des Immunsystems eingesetzt, weist Echinacea potenzielle Vorteile bei der Behandlung von Atemwegserkrankungen auf.

The mechanistic basis of the effect of these plant extracts is diverse. Curcumin, for example, modulates signaling pathways associated with the inflammatory response. Using ginseng can help regulate stress hormones and thus increase overall well-being. Echinacea, on the other hand, mediates its effects through the activation of immune cells, which strengthens the body's defenses.

In addition, it is important to consider the correct dosage and form of application. In many cases, extracts are administered in the form of capsules, tinctures or teas, taking into account bioavailability and the individual needs of the patient.

Clinical trials are essential to confirm the effectiveness and safety of these herbal remedies. The use of evidence-based methods in phytotherapy not only optimizes patient care, but also increases confidence in alternative treatment methods that can be used in combination with conventional therapies. One of the main results of current research is the improvement in quality of life that can be achieved through the integration of these herbal active ingredients.

Practical recommendations for integrating phytotherapy into long-term treatment

Integrating phytotherapy into the long-term treatment of Long Covid requires a systematic approach. First, doctors and therapists should take a thorough medical history to assess the patient's individual symptoms and needs. On this basis, tailored herbal preparations can be selected that can be used in a targeted manner. It is crucial to consider drug interactions as many Long Covid patients are already using a variety of therapies.

One way to integrate is to develop standardized phytotherapeutic protocols based on current evidence. The following plant extracts have proven promising in the treatment of long-term effects:

• Gingko Biloba: zur Verbesserung der kognitiven Funktion
• Curcuma (Curcumin): entzündungshemmende Eigenschaften
• Echinacea: Unterstützung des Immunsystems
• Weißdorn: Herz-Kreislauf-Gesundheit

Another practical aspect is training medical staff in the effectiveness and safety of herbal remedies. Physicians should be aware of the latest research and be able to educate patients about potential benefits and risks. Workshops or seminars on phytotherapy could be helpful here.

It is also recommended to establish patient-specific therapy observations in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the plant extracts used. Regular feedback sessions documenting patient progress can provide valuable data. A simple log could help record the relevant information:

Finally, ongoing communication between patients and therapists should be encouraged to identify problems early and adjust treatment accordingly. The integration of phytotherapy into medical practice must always take place in an interdisciplinary context in order to achieve the best possible results.

In conclusion, phytotherapy may be a promising approach to alleviating the symptoms of Long Covid. By understanding the underlying science and identifying evidence-based plant extracts, it is clear that herbal therapies are valuable additions to conventional treatment. The practical recommendations for integrating this form of therapy into long-term treatment underline the need for an interdisciplinary approach that takes into account both scientific findings and the individual needs of patients. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the specific mechanisms of action and optimal use of phytotherapy in the context of Long Covid.

Sources and further literature

References

• Wagner, H.: Arzneipflanzen und ihre Anwendung in der Phytotherapie. In: Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, 2020.
• Kiesewetter, H., & Kreisel, W.: Phytotherapie in der Langzeitmedizin. Medizintechnik, 2019.
• Friedrich, S.: Pflanzenheilkunde und ihre Bedeutung in der Nach-COVID-Therapie. Naturheilkunde Journal, 2021.

Studies

• Müller, M. et al.: Die Rolle von pflanzlichen Extrakten in der Behandlung von Long Covid: Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit. Journal of Phytotherapy, 2022.
• Schmidt, R. et al.: Klinische Effekte von Phytotherapie bei Post-COVID-Syndrom: Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2021.

Further reading

• Häberlein, M.: Naturheilkunde und Long Covid: Ansätze und Möglichkeiten. Springer Verlag, 2023.
• Weber, A.: Pflanzen zur Unterstützung der Immunabwehr: Aspekte der Phytotherapie. Heidelberg: Elsevier, 2020.
• Stein, J.: Phytotherapie und ihre Anwendung in langfristigen Heilungsprozessen. In: Phytotherapie aktuell, 2021.