While herbal supplements and remedies work for certain people, I could not get by without medication. I'd end up right in the hospital. That being said, I will occasionally have my meds reduced, based on the side effects and will increase them if I feel it is a must.
I think it is person-to-person. Maybe in mild cases, such as cyclothymia/not full-blown Bipolar, someone is more likely to be able to get by without meds and perhaps herbal supplements and alternates to medication are likely to work. I don't want to doubt that there aren't some out there with BP1 or 2 who do okay without meds and stick with therapy only or just healthier lifestyle, but it seems to be rare. I couldn't imagine going without meds.