How effective is naturopathic medicine?

In my area: In my specific specialty area of reproductive endocrinology and infertility is has almost no proven use, although it's very popular.

Its Alternative: By definition, "alternative" is different than modern western medicine. Generally any drug, herb, treatment, or procedure that stands up to rigorous scientific scrutiny is included in modern medicine. The problem is that many alternative practices, herbs etc do not stand up to scientific scrutiny and cannot be shown to work. They therefore remain "alternative". Be careful and watch your wallet.

It depends...: Naturopathic medicine utilizes natural therapies like nutritional supplements, herbs & homeopathy. It can be very effective for many acute & chronic conditions, but some conditions also benefit from pharmaceuticals and/or surgery (some naturopaths can prescribe certain pharmaceuticals). So, for many conditions it can be quite effective but it is not always a good substitute for conventional care.

Placebo effect: Naturopaths are mostly charismatic and depend upon the placebo effect to improve their patients. Their "remedies" almost all have never been clinically tested. They depend upon augmenting the skepticism that many of their clients have about legitimate medicine. Naturopaths go to real doctors when they actually have a problem themselves.