Using plant substances as medicine.
Botanical medicine uses the integrity of the whole plant as opposed to single isolated components in pharmaceuticals that usually have side effects. The organic nature of botanicals allow them to be compatible with the body’s own chemistry, therefore, botanicals are effective with few toxic side effects (note: this varies amongst plants). Plants are used in different forms from tinctures, teas and standardized extracts to creams, ointments, and poultices.