I agree, there are herbs and supplements that are helpful in treating certain medical conditions but the problem is lack of research -- especially here in the US. Consequently,most peoplewho use these supplements are self-medicating, but with little knowledge of dosage and side effects. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's harmless.

I've been using echinacea for at least a decade and I rarely get a cold or the flu; butechinacea isonly helpful if you know how much and when/when not to take it, inasmuch as it can have side effects if not used correctly.

Chromium picolinate, bitter melon, biotin, gymnema slyvestre, soluble fiber, alpha lipoic acid, vanadyl sulfate (as well as certain other supplements)can all be helpful in treating Type 2 diabetes but again you have to have some knowledge about what it is your taking.

Even certain commonplace vitamins can be toxic (eg. vitamins A, B6, and niacin) if taken in megadoses.