In this article, we'll introduce you to three essential buds used in gemmotherapy: Blackcurrant, Fig, and Linden! Gemmotherapy is less well-known than aromatherapy, yet it's a very powerful alternative for healing with plants. What are the benefits of these buds? How do you use them? We'll explain everything here!
What is a macerate?
Before getting to the heart of the matter, if the word "gemmotherapy" means nothing to you, you may be wondering what exactly a concentrated bud macerate is?
A bud macerate is a liquid obtained by gentle filtration of the maceration of buds, young shoots, rootlets in a mixture of water / alcohol / glycerin.
Before choosing your bud, it is always important to check the quality :
- Concentrated macerate
- Organic
- Fresh buds
Highly potent, this true shot of vitality should therefore be taken in small quantities, otherwise it may have the opposite effect to the desired effect.
There are two forms of extracts: mother macerates which contain only one type of bud, and complexes which combine several buds to address a targeted problem.
Generally, buds are taken orally, in liquid form (drops, spray) or in gum form.
Dosage:
- Adults: Maximum 15 drops per day in 1 dose for preventive treatment or in 3 doses (i.e. 3 x 5 drops) for curative treatment. Start with 5 drops and increase by one drop each day until the desired effect is achieved (disappearance or improvement of symptoms).
- Children: 1 drop per day per year of age.
It is recommended to take the daily dose half an hour before meals 2 to 3 times a day or as a single dose in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably pure directly under the tongue or diluted in a little spring water.
Some buds, such as Linden (mild sedative), are best taken in the evening, while Blackcurrant (tonic) is best taken in the morning.
Our Gemmo discovery selection!
Blackcurrant: My essential for vitality
Known for centuries as an antidote, blackcurrant bud (Ribes nigrum) is recognized as a powerful anti-inflammatory and universal detoxifier (capable of cleansing the entire body). It acts on all aspects of inflammation. It functions like a natural cortisone, making it particularly beneficial as a treatment, especially in cases of exhaustion, physical or nervous weakness, and even sexual dysfunction.
A NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Blackcurrant bud extract is also recommended for treating various types of inflammation, whether chronic or not, regardless of origin. Its antioxidant properties and lack of side effects are particularly appealing to those suffering from:
- inflammations of all kinds
- problem skin
- shooting pains in the head
- ENT and respiratory infections
- joint pain
AN ANTI-STRESS REMEDY
A current problem, chronic stress is the continuous stress of daily life. When we have a problem, the body doesn't differentiate between major stress (life-threatening) and minor stress. The adrenal glands gradually become dysregulated, and cortisol production is no longer appropriate. The person becomes exhausted, suffers from extreme fatigue, and experiences a weakened immune system. Blackcurrant helps regulate adrenal function and cortisol production. In fact, blackcurrant is said to be adaptogenic , allowing the body to adapt to any situation and any chronic stress.
The Fig Tree: my essential for relaxation
Fig bud macerate primarily addresses stress, anxiety, and depression , and consequently, the associated disorders: sleep and digestive problems, particularly stomach issues. It calms and soothes stressed individuals, facilitates falling asleep, and reduces nighttime awakenings. If you suffer from racing thoughts, ruminating on worries that keep you awake, then fig bud macerate is for you.
ACTION AT THE LEVEL OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
It's an excellent remedy for regulating the nervous system . Its anti-anxiety effect is impressive. Its key strength is that it contains serotonin, thus regulating mood and all problems related to mood imbalances. Furthermore, it's helpful in regulating all digestive secretions. This makes sense when you consider that the gut is known as our second brain. For serotonin, for example, intestinal activity is even greater than that of the brain; in short: "when the gut is healthy, everything is healthy!"
It will therefore be recommended for people suffering from headaches but also in cases of motion sickness, nervousness, tension, palpitations, etc.
ACTION AT THE PSYCHE LEVEL
Fig bud macerate is indicated for low mood, depression, nervous fatigue, hypersensitivity, and food cravings. It can also treat various neuroses and obsessions. For children, it is recommended to improve hyperactivity. In gemmotherapy, the fig bud is considered the plant that heals both body and soul; it is also called the Yin bud, while blackcurrant is considered the Yang bud.
When one is feeling bad about something, the Fig tree is also ideal; don't we say " I can't digest such and such a thing"?
ACTION AT THE STOMACH LEVEL
Fig bud extract is a stomach cleanser; as a draining and regenerating agent, it allows for intensive work. It is useful against acid attacks of nervous origin and also after a large meal.
ACTION AT THE INTESTINAL LEVEL
Its action is not limited to the stomach, as it continues in the intestine. Indeed, the fig tree helps to reduce inflammation and stimulate the intestinal lining.
Fig tree macerate is also beneficial for weight loss as it regulates the appetite hormone. Similarly, the serotonin modulated by fig tree helps prevent food cravings.
Linden: my essential for sleep
The linden tree is a beautiful, imposing tree, yet also delicate. It has a comforting quality, a bit like a gentle and protective grandmother. In gemmotherapy, one of its great strengths is its ability to regulate the nervous system. It is suitable for anxiety and stress, and also when the nervous system is completely out of balance. However, its primary use remains promoting healthy and restorative sleep in babies, children, and adults alike.
It is also recommended for hyperactive people, as it allows them to relax and have fewer obsessive thoughts, and consequently, the mind can concentrate more easily.
In summary, linden macerate has calming and soothing properties thanks to 3 specific actions:
- It raises serotonin levels with a calming effect.
- It acts on the digestive system.
- It has been observed to be useful in weaning from sleeping pills.
This macerated oil is a bit like the " sandman's " macerated oil; it helps people who have heavily stressed their nervous system. It truly acts as a muscle relaxant and This will allow you to enter a deep sleep. Gradually, balance and calmness return. In addition, it is antispasmodic and can therefore be used for colic in newborns and adults.
In conclusion, every problem has its solution, but it is necessary to truly know the origin of the problem in order to treat it properly.
Bibliography
- "The Big Book of Gemmotherapy: The Fabulous Power of Buds to Heal You" by Laurine Pineau, Naturopath
- Dr. Fernando Pitera di Cima, Professor Marcello Nicolletti, A Concise Guide to Gemmotherapy, Scientific Foundations and Meristemotherapy, Aymiris edition, 2018
- Fragopoulou AF Brain proteome response following whole body exposure of mice to mobile phone of wireless DECT base radiation, Electromagn Biol Med. 2012 Dec; 31(4):250-74. Epub 2012 Jan 20.
- Ethnopharmacological studies on antispasmodic and antiplatelet activities of Ficus carica Gilani AH, ehmood MH, Janbaz KH, Khan AU, Saeed SA. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Sep 2; 119(1):1-5
- Inder Kumar Makhija et al Annals of Biological Research, 2010, 1 (4): 171-180
- Doctissimo: sleep and sleep disorders
