What are the theories behind Western Herbal medicine?

Question

What are the theories behind Western Herbal medicine?

Answer 1

Many herbs and plants contain chemicals which have an effect on the body, and from which modern medicines are derived (though they now are often produced synthetically). For example: willow contains aspirin, morphine can be extracted from poppies, digitalis (a heart drug) is found in foxgloves and atropine is found in Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade). On the basis of this, taking a plant in its natural form may have an effect on the body. Some herbal medicine substances have not been proved to be effective, but others can be demonstrated to have a measurable effect on the body, such as raspberry leaves assisting with uterine contractions in labour.

Answer 2

Make as much money as possible.

Answer 3

"Make as much money as possible"

AND

"Mislead the gullible into believing all sorts of exaggerated claims regarding the safety and/or efficacy of the snake oil we're selling -- they never check into any references!"

Correction to the poster below: There is NO ASPIRIN in willow.  Never was, never will be.  Aspirin is a synthetic derivative of a chemical originally found in willow bark.

Answer 4

After studying Western Herbal medicine and all the diseases it claims to cure I came to the conclusion that the majority of those diseases are caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. So I studied vitamins and minerals, figured out the necessary intake levels and cut my rate of getting sick by 99%.