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Is traditional medicine not a science?

On Vijana FM's poll this week, we asked whether traditional healers can work with doctors. So far, most people say "in some ways, sure". Coincidentally, I came across this article today titled Traditional Medicine Excels Where Science Fails. Here is an extract:

"Traditional medicine is popular in rural and urban communities due to beliefs. High cost of living, which has made medical treatment unaffordable to many people, is another reason for the popularity of the customary medicines. Other factors notwithstanding, long distance to a local health facility has also pushed many people towards traditional medicine, which to most rural people, is more readily available.  
"It is estimated that over 80 per cent of rural people in Tanzania depend on traditional healers for their primary health care needs. Since the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in the country allowed treatment through traditional medicines, clinics and shops, which give that service are increasing daily. Healing is done through a balanced diet like eating a good meal, fruits, plants and roots medicine, and drinking a large amount of water." 

I find that the juxtaposition of the two - traditional medicine and science - is too harsh. Can't traditional medicine be considered a science of its own? On a broad level, it involves making a hypothesis, testing these hypothesis with a method and is open to being proven wrong. There may be differences at a particular, practical level, but I would argue that the overall motivation to learn about curing based on certain metaphysical assumptions is consistent. 

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