Sick again

This is the second cold I've had in as many weeks. The last one laid me out for about five days. This one isn't so bad and I'm wondering if the alternative medicines i've been taking have anything to do with it. Obviously, I think they help, otherwise why would I be taking them.
About two years ago I left work about an hour after getting to work. The only reason I stayed that long was because I knew the Bay Bridge was still back up from the morning commute. Upon getting home I went right to my room and climbed into bed. I was completely out of it, but couldn't fall asleep. I tossed and turned for probably four hours, until i finally realized I had a crazy high fever at which point I took two motrin and laid back down. My fever broke within the hour.
I don't remember how my roommate knew, but he brought home some kind of Asian medicine a guy he worked with recommened. The guy studied alternative, I guess, holistic medicine in college. He gave me fritillary syrup and something else I can't remember, but my flu like symptoms cleared up and I was healthy again within a few days.
The cold I had a few weeks ago took the better part of a week to clear up. I was using Zicam and Nyquil to help me through that one. With this recent cold I immediately went out and bought Yinchiao and fritillary syrup and I felt better the next day. I'm not completely over the cold but I'm still able to be active and I don't feel weak.
Even though I take and believe in these alternative medicines, I'm still skeptical. Maybe the other cold was more severe, or maybe I convinced myself this medicine is working. Is the power of the mind that strong? Am I taking a placebo and have convinced myself it's working? I don't know. What i do know is that the alternative medicines are cheaper and work just as well if not better than over the counter drugs.