Not everyone reaches for the Tylenol when they get a headache.
The increased exposure, and expanding health care coverage, of alternative medical treatments are a boon for those who believe it's the better way to heal.
The big concern is that many of these solutions are not regulated, so it's up to the consumer to decide what's best for them.
Larissa Kowaliw once used Echinacea to combat her colds, but has since stopped.
"I found it was a really difficult thing to judge whether or not it had worked," she says.
While the five remedies listed here - with the exception of Valerian - have been proven to work at time of publication, you should always consult your doctor before starting any new medical processes.
Acupuncture
What is it? Chinese practice of inserting needles at strategic points in the skin.
What does it do? Traditionally, it balances the body's energy flow or "qi."
Proof: The stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow. It's been proven to combat nausea and other ailments. However,
one of the problems is that most medicines are tested against a placebo - and it's hard to find a placebo that would mimic the effect of sticking needles in your body, without actually sticking needles in your body.
Warning: It shouldn't be used if you have thin blood, and going to a recommended practitioner is paramount.
Chasteberry
What is it? Dried fruit.
What does it do? Combats PMS symptoms; increases fertility.
Proof:
Clinical trials suggest that it may reduce some symptoms of PMS, but its effect on fertility has not been proven conclusively.
Warning: Some people may have slight stomach troubles, dizziness, or dry mouth; however,
according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these side effects are minimal. Despite its name and historical uses, the chasteberry does not have any proven effect on the libido.
Meditation
What is it? Quiet reflection, usually performed alone; often includes rhythmic breathing.
What does it do? Increases mental focus.
Proof: Like acupuncture, it's hard to test this against a placebo. However, there's no proof it doesn't work.
Warning: This one falls into the "what can it hurt?" school of thinking. It's safe,
there aren't known to be any harmful side effects, and many people believe it works.
St John's Wort
What is it? An herb.
What does it do? Combats mild depression.
Proof: According to the Mayo Clinic, the scientific evidence supports the claim that St John's Wort can combat mild to moderate depression.
See their evidence here.
Warnings: Shouldn't be taken with other antidepressants. Check out
Health Canada's warning on drug interactions involving St John's Wort.
Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, a naturopath, looked at all five of these remedies.
"The studies with St. John's Wort have shown that it actually works better than a lot of the antidepressants," she says.
Valerian
What is it? An herb.
What does it do? Helps you sleep.
Proof: It's not known what the active ingredient is, which means it's difficult to know how much you need to take. It also means it's difficult for scientists to study.
Warning: Over the counter sleep aids can be effective for an occasional sleepless night.
But the more often you take them, the less effective they become. Valerian isn't proven to work, and it can cause headaches, excitability, and heart disturbances. It's not recommended if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.