Herbs work in much the same way as conventional drugs, via their chemical make-up.
Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals. Chemists and pharmacists isolate their biological activity and purify the 'active' compounds. Herbs and plants use an indirect route to the bloodstream and target organs and, therefore, their effects are usually slower and less dramatic than those of purified drugs which are administered by more direct routes. Herbal medicine has most to offer when used to facilitate healing in chronic ongoing problems. Herbs should be treated with respect and considered medicinal.