As stated before, the three functions of herbal medicine are treatment, recovery, and health maintenance. Generally speaking, herbs can be taken for many kinds of illness. Also, many kinds of western drugs have an herbal alternative. Because it is natural therapy, most herbs do not cause side effects. Those side effects that do occur can be easily counteracted with other herbs.
Herbal medicine is simply gentler and safer than chemical medicine.
For these reasons, people turn to herbal therapy for a number of indications. To treat a chronic illness - Many people with chronic illness take a number of different drugs. Those who are looking for a natural alternative for those drugs switch to herbal therapy. According to current practice in China, and classical Chinese medical teachings, there are many herbal remedies for pain syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, stress related syndromes, respiratory disorders, heart problems, sexual dysfunction, allergies and immune system deficiencies, as well as alternatives for antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. To reduce side effects - Herbs can be taken to reduce the side effects of other medication.