While living in Mexico, my ex-husband, a GP, frequently offered the option of herbs to patients that were indisposed but not in danger. There are many teas that are effective against the symptoms of the common cold, headaches, fever, stomach ache, etc. Many of these remedies he learned from his mother and grandmother. Additionally, many of his patients were aware of or had used herbal remedies in the past. A friend of my father had a very bad case of shingles once. He went to several specialists and even the Mayo Clinic, but nothing brought him relief from the itch until my ex-husband suggested soaking in an infusion of chamomile bath. It didn't cure his shingles, but to be free of the painful itching for hours at a time reduced the stress he was suffering, which in turn may have allowed his body to conquer the shingles. I'm with Max. If it works, don't knock it.