Inorganic supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, may help you overcome deficiencies. After you have overcome the deficiency, it is no longer beneficial. If you take too much, it may even make you worse.
Organic supplements, such as foods, which provide nutrition, are always beneficial.
Some herbs work by providing nutrition. These are always beneficial.
Other herbs promote or suppress the function of various parts of the body. These are normally only beneficial for a limited time.