Much of the therapies that were once alternative are now traditional therapies as a result of scientific evidence and studies (as well as clinical support) over extended time.
Aspirin for heart disease
Fish oil for thinning the blood and reducing inflammation
Ultrasound therapies for improving healing rates
laser neurorrhaph, for helping to heal damaged nerves.
Just a few.
Basically, it takes time for natural therapies or alternative therapies to be tested, but once they are -- those which have shown time and time again to not be effective remain on the side line, while those which do support their claim go on to gain more acceptance.
Whether someone improves from placebo with a therapy that doesn't work probably doesn't matter much to them if they've tried everything else and have nothing else. To a scientist though, it means everything. They need evidence, and that's good, that's important. Unfortunately patient can't wait for the science sometimes, especially if their in dire straights.
Desperate people will do what it takes, and anyone of us likely would too if put into that position. If we're fortunate, we find an answer somewhere, but...... that's all you can do.