When it comes to our health, most of us are happy to take the advice of a professional. But what about when it comes to simple things like a cold or a headache? Many home remedies can be just as effective (or even more so) than over-the-counter medications, and they don’t have the same dangerous (and pricey) side effects, according to DavidPaul Doyle Naturwise.

Some of them are truly home remedies that have been used for hundreds of years, while others are natural alternatives that may not be as well known. Here is a list of 5 natural home remedies to help get rid of various ailments:

Colds and Flu

Echinacea is a herb that comes from the purple coneflower, and it has been used for centuries to help fight off infections. It is especially good at fighting off colds and flu, but only when taken in the early stages of being sick. After that, you can drink Echinacea tea or take it in the form of a pill.

Another great cold and flu remedy is garlic. Garlic is a natural antibiotic, and it also helps to boost the immune system. Eat garlic raw or cooked, or take it in pill form.

Finally, chicken soup is a classic remedy for colds and flu. It not only tastes great, but the warmth of the soup can help to loosen congestion and ease the pain.

Sore Throat

Saltwater gargles are a great way to soothe a sore throat. Just dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for a minute or two.

Another old remedy for sore throats is honey and lemon. Mix honey and lemon juice in equal parts and drink as needed. The honey will help to coat and soothe the throat, while the lemon juice will help to kill bacteria.

Stomach Ache

Peppermint tea is a great natural remedy for stomach aches. The menthol in the peppermint helps relax the muscles in the stomach and intestines, which can help ease the pain.

Another old standby for stomach aches is ginger tea. Ginger has been used for centuries to treat upset stomachs and nausea due to its anti-inflammatory properties. When buying ginger tea, make sure it is pure and does not contain any added sugar or other ingredients.

Cuts and Scrapes

Aloe vera gel can be very effective at soothing the skin after a cut or a scrape. Just break open an aloe vera leaf and rub the gel onto the wound to help it heal faster.

One other natural way to treat minor cuts is by applying honey directly to the skin. Honey has antibacterial properties, so when applied directly to the wound, it can kill any bacteria that may be lingering on the skin.

Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles

Many of us get puffy eyes and dark circles under our eyes from time to time due to lack of sleep or water retention. A cold compress on the area can help to bring down the swelling and soothe tired eyes. Just place a few ice cubes in a washcloth and hold them on your eyes for about 10 minutes.

If the dark circles under the eyes are due to lack of sleep, try drinking chamomile tea before bed. Chamomile is a natural relaxant, and it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You can also make an all-natural eye cream by mixing fresh aloe with a dab of coconut oil and some lavender essential oil.

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