Medicinal plant traditions and pharmacology risks in Spain

In Spain, there is a growing movement to preserve ancestral knowledge regarding medicinal plants through workshops and documentaries. Initiatives such as a workshop in Soria, led by environmental educator Marta Álvarez, aim to teach the public about plant properties and natural cosmetics to prevent the loss of traditional wisdom as older practitioners pass away.

Concurrently, pharmacology expert Joan-Ramon Laporte, a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, has raised concerns regarding the over-medicalization of daily life. Laporte warns that many individuals consume medications unnecessarily, noting that over 80% of people over the age of 65 may be taking drugs they do not require. He highlights risks associated with the prolonged use of antidepressants for emotional distress and digestive protectors without clear indications.