"Do you know what they call alternative natural medicine that works? Medicine."

That's not to say that that everything in herb or plant form is bogus. Anything that isn't synthesized in a lab comes from nature somehow, like aspirin from willow bark. But like JohnBrownNote said there's little reason to go for the unrefined stuff when the refined product is more consistent and less likely to have side effects (chewing on willow bark or brewing tea from it is harder on your stomach than aspirin would be, for instance).

That's at least what I'd say for the more serious illnesses. For the day-to-day "This is bothering me but not enough to open the medicine cabinet" ailments I don't think there's any harm in trying an herbal remedy as long as it's not going to harm you. I like chamomile tea for tummy troubles :)