HERBAL MEDICINE is an ancient system of tratment involving the use of plants, or substances extracted form them. Mnay drugs used by doctors today are also derived from plants, but herbalists use them in their natural, unrefined, unconcentrated form; they consider that in this way side effects are balanced. Herbal medicines are administered in infusions, liquid medicines, tablets or creams. Herbalists believe there is a natural remedy for every ailment, but most regard herbalism as complementary to, rather than a substitute for orthodox medical treatment. Herbal remedies can have side effects and interact with other therapeautic drugs.