Modern herbal medicine is evidence- and science-based and to be a recognised medical herbalist and a licenced practicioner you need to have appropriate professional qualifications (MNIMH or EHPA in the UK) which nowadays means at least a degree level qualification in merbal medicine or phytotherapy from a recognised university (including at least 500 hours of clinical practice and detailed knowledge of a number of medical- and pharmacological- related subjects). Furthermore, herbal medicines are regulated under a European Directive (transposed into UK law and the relevant legislation of other European member states) and the quality of herbal medicines is subjected by that legislation to the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA), based in London.

Some alternative medicine is definitely suspect but modern, evidence-based herbal medicine is most definitely a serious and legitimate subject.

All of the above is not in any way meant to imply that those not in possession of a formal qualification don't necessarily have huge and useful knowledge. However, it's the way things are going in the West where an evidence- and science base is required to get into the mainstream (and possibly, in the future, obtain formal reimbusement, e.g. via the NHS). Two-thirds of the world's population still relies heavily on herbal medicines dispensed by local practicioners (and benefits from them).

Peace

moo
(practicing professional biologist for 32 years and currently halfway through a herbal medicine degree on a part-time basis out of interest and as a hopeful future practitioner)

(P.S. Approximately 30% of modern drugs are plant-derived)