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.