We need "Long Term Studies" done...

Many say that natural herbal remedies and 'cures' are useless because there have been no 'long-term studies' done to verify their effectiveness.  It would seem to me that something that does no harm and may be beneficial should not be so easily dismissed.  In many cases the herbs have been used for millenia.  It also occurs to me that most 'long-term studies' are done by large pharmaceutical companies with an obvious interest in the outcome - one way or another.  It also seems that quite a few pharmaceuticals are being removed from the market because of dangerous side effects.  Why weren't these dangers found in the 'long-term studies' that were done?  Oh, in many cases there have been no long-term studies.  I see now.  These witch doctors have better mojo than I do!  Aha ha ha ha ha ha.....