In the modern world, the culture of using plants for treatment is going extinct though not like in traditional societies especially in Africa where many people go for herbs as an alternative for pharmaceutical medicine which they can not afford. Both traditional herbs and pharmaceutical medicines are effective but one is more efficient in curing or preventing sickness.
In the manufacturing of most drugs contained in pharmacies, a percentage of the ingredients is obtained from a herbal plant. This percentage is enough to treat a patient of he's or her illness, now imagine what a whole plant can do to the human body. The health of the person will not only get better but he's immunity will be built to stop this illness from coming again and also withstand other illnesses too. A whole plant has a much more effect on treatment and immunity than a percentage which is used in pharmacies.
Above all, it's advisable to make proper consultations probably from a qualified medical personnel before using any plant for self medication. A plant being natural doesn't make it safe for health purposes, it has the potential of harming body organs if wrongly used.