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"Plant-based remedies can be very effective, and they tend to have fewer side effects and be less expensive than their drugstore counterparts," says Jill Stanard, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and the clinic director at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Below, some of Stanard's suggestions for natural alternatives and how to use them.

Superficial burns, cuts, and scrapes Trim off the tip of an aloe plant and squeeze the clear, sticky juice onto the affected area two to three times per day to soothe and aid healing.

Deeper cuts and scrapes Add a few drops of a water-extracted calendula tincture to a bandage and apply. Change the bandage two to three times per day until wound is healed.

Indigestion and nausea Combine chamomile and peppermint tea (one loose-leaf teaspoon of each or one tea bag of each) with one cup of hot water. Steep for five minutes then sip slowly.

Insomnia Add 30 to 60 drops of an alcohol-extracted valerian tincture to a small amount of warm water and drink before bedtime.

Allergies and hay fever Take 500 milligrams of quercetin, a natural antihistamine, in capsule form, two to three times per day as allergy season approaches.

Sprains, bruises, and minor aches and pains Apply Traumeel ointment, a homeopathic combination of botanical and mineral substances that has anti-inflammatory and other healing properties, to painful areas and rub in as often as needed throughout the day.