Phytotherapeutic and naturopathic adjuvant therapies in otorhinolaryngology

• Published in: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology Vol. 269; no. 2; pp. 389 - 397
• Main Author: Ciuman, Raphael Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01-02-2012
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Evidence-Based Medicine; Gastroesophageal Reflux - drug therapy; Head and Neck Surgery; Herpes Simplex - drug therapy; Humans; Laryngitis - drug therapy; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Naturopathy - adverse effects; Naturopathy - methods; Neurosurgery; Otitis Media - drug therapy; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases - diagnosis; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases - drug therapy; Otorhinolaryngology; Pharyngitis - drug therapy; Phytotherapy - adverse effects; Phytotherapy - methods; Review; Review Article; Rhinitis - drug therapy; Sinusitis - drug therapy; Stomatitis - drug therapy; Virus Diseases - drug therapy; Phytotherapy; Naturopathy; Essential oils; Acute otitis media; Acute rhinosinusitis
• ISSN: 0937-4477; 1434-4726
• DOI: 10.1007/s00405-011-1755-z

Phytotherapeutic pharmaceuticals and herbal medicinal products with its roots in classical phytotherapeutic medicine have a well-established role in otolaryngological therapy, especially for diseases of the upper airways and acute and chronic infections. A thorough selection and application could mean huge benefit for the patient, in particular in cases with contraindications, chemo- and antibiotic resistance or patient request. Besides, it might spare other medications. Phytotherapeutic pharmaceuticals must fulfil the same criteria of quality, effectiveness and harmlessness of evidence-based medicine like chemical pharmaceuticals, although they are often prescribed due to its well established or traditional based use. This review focuses on phytotherapeutic therapies well established within the European Community for otolaryngologic disease patterns by referring to clinical studies or meta-analysis.