This study attempts to clarify the extent to which herbal medicine and homeopathy are accepted as medical treatment within the community. The data was obtained through questionaires; those questioned included students in the field of public health and nursing and those who use the medical facilities provided by INAMPS and the 'Centro de Saúde I' of Ribeirão Preto, under the Health Secretariat of the State of São Paulo. The results indicate the degree of acceptance and the extent to which these practices are considered legitimate within the population studied.