Practical survey on the use of herbal medicine by patients with systemic sclerosis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare disease with no aetiological treatment. In this context, and with the development of alternative or complementary medicine, patients may be tempted to use therapies that have not been scientifically evaluated. METHOD: The aim was to carry out a one-off survey of phytotherapy practices among SSc patients. RESULTS: Out of 33 patients, 23 responded to the questionnaire, 8 said they used complementary medicines (yoga, acupuncture, etc.). Nine patients reported using phytotherapy (4 essential oils, 1 herbal tea, 2 Bach flowers, 3 vegetable oils, 3 gemmotherapy). The average efficacy score given was 7.2/10 (ranging from 4 to 10) and the average monthly cost was approximately 65 euros. DISCUSSION: The survey revealed the use of 'adaptogenic' plants (blackcurrant, Asian ginseng), healing plants (helichrysum, cistus), plants improving skin suppleness (helichrysum, cistus, argan, evening primrose, borage), anti-infective plants (thyme, tea tree, ravintsara, clove), plants to aid digestion (walnut, fig, propolis, spirulina), anti-stress plants (Rescue blend, unspecified Bach flowers) and plants to combat pain and headaches (arnica, wintergreen, mint). A priori, there were no risky practices and no identifiable toxicity. CONCLUSION: The practices reported were numerous and heterogeneous, although practitioners are not always aware of them. This point should be addressed more systematically during conventional medical management. The potential benefits for skin disorders could be explored further.
Source: Vascular Diseases
Authors: S. Blaise, F. Garcin, C. Seinturier, M. Gilson, B. Imbert, A. Mercan
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,660
OpenAlex ID: W4410864238