Many herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. The pharmaceutical industry was originally based upon the ability to isolate these ingredients, and make them available in a purer form. Herbalists, however, believe that nature provides other ingredients in the same herbs to balance the more powerful ingredients. These other components, though they may be less potent, may help to act as buffers, synergists, or counter-balancers working in harmony with the more powerful ingredients. Therefore, by using herbs in their complete form, the body's healing process utilizes a balance of ingredients provided by nature.
Many people believe that herbs are just as effective as drugs, but without the side effects.
Herbs do perform many healing functions in the body, but they must be used appropriately, not indiscriminately. Although herbal remedies are less likely than most conventional medicines to cause side effects, herbs nevertheless can be very potent. Moreover, not all plant life is beneficial. There are poisonous plants, and some of them are deadly, especially if used for long periods of time. In fact, it is important to point out that qualified herbalists use herbs with great care.