Sympathetic medicine was based on the concept that things in nature that bear a resemblance to an ailment could be used to treat that ailment.

The study showed people often choose superstitions to treat ailments, rather than proven cures.

A significant number, however, have been demonstrated to effectively treat ailments such as sprains, minor lacerations, headaches, fevers, and even the common cold.

In some of the earliest medical writings, calendula was recommended for treating ailments of the digestive tract.

Specific herbs were used to treat all ailments simple, common and complex etc., from an uncomplicated upper respiratory infection to the plague.