There's no profit to be made on something that can't be patented. I suspect that plays a higher part in big pharmacy decisions than effectiveness. I also think we are an over-medicated world and not all solutions can be found in pill form. That's not to say alternative medicine is any better. Rather, I feel a "whole body" approach which incorporates diet, exercise, lifestyle, mental outlook (depression can greatly affect health and recovery) and medicine is a far better approach than just throwing a pill at the problem. Sometimes the only place you can find a doctor that practices this approach is at a holistic or alternative medicine clinic which mixes "Western" medicine with alternative medicine. It would be nice to find more "traditional" doctors who paid attention to the whole person instead of the symptoms.

I have heard of people getting healthier and happier with diet and exercise. I have heard of people improving their health over time with particular foods or veggies. I still eat a bowl of oatmeal regularly. Fresh fruit and green salads are also a regular when not over priced.

I have not heard of anyone getting cured with seaweed pills or miracle snakeoil concoctions.

(The commercial that really has me confused is the natural supplement that will enlarge a penis. Considering that I have a child, I'd guess mine works just fine.)

On the other hand, the commercials of pharmacy drugs that will cure any pain you have also run rampant. Side effects are heart attack, brain tumor, cancer, internal bleeding and a space alien growing out of your naval. Other than that, great stuff. 

Don't get me wrong. I don't hate medicine. Just don't have much faith in it.