herbalism

In alternative medicine, the prescription and use of plants and their derivatives for medication. Herbal products are favoured by alternative practitioners as ‘natural medicine’, as opposed to modern synthesized medicines and drugs, which are regarded with suspicion because of the dangers of side effects and dependence.

Many herbal remedies are of proven efficacy both in preventing and curing illness. Medical herbalists claim to be able to prescribe for virtually any condition, except those so advanced that surgery is the only option.