Today, many people are seeking alternative and complementary medicines as options for health conditions. We say medicines, but in most cases we are actually talking about plants and herbs, some of which can be found in your own back yard.

For instance, have you ever used an aloe plant for cuts and burns? Have you added spices and herbs to your meals for health benefits? Most of us have at one time or another. Before the use of modern day medicines and over-the-counter drugs, people used herbs and other alternative substances to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Here is a sample of some of the more common herbs, their uses and the validity of the health claims about them.

Alfalfa: Several small studies have hinted that alfalfa supplements help reduce atherosclerosis and lower blood sugar and cholesterol, but there isn't enough evidence to recommend them, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, alfalfa tablets have been linked with reports of lupus flare-ups or a lupus-like condition.

Aloe: In plant form, aloe is primarily used to treat minor cuts, burns and scrapes. Other claims that have been made but not proven through clinical trials include: treating headaches, diabetes and gastric ulcers, and detoxifying the body. It's not a bad idea to keep an aloe plant in your kitchen window to have readily available for minor burns.

Capsicum: More commonly known as red pepper, it has properties that help relieve pain. If you apply capsicum externally it will redden your skin and cause an anti-pain effect. Capsicum has been used for relief of chronic pain after surgery and for conditions such as shingles, diabetic nerve pain or trigeminal neuralgia (a nerve disorder that causes episodes of intense facial pain).

Taken internally, capsicum has been shown to help various conditions of the gastrointestinal system. There are unproven claims that capsicum can help your blood clot and lower your cholesterol level.

Because of hot pepper's pungency, it is advised that you wash your hands thoroughly after applying it to your skin to remove any residue. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It will cause excruciating pain. Also be mindful of your children and keep them away from areas of your body where the capsicum has been applied.