Carrot
Stimulates appetite and enhances secretion of digestive juices. Good remedy for flatulence, colic, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal infections and peptic ulcers.
Diuretic relieves fluid retention and cystitis. Detoxifies, useful for treating eczema and acne, can heal arthritis and gout.
Expectorant properties, helps liquefy and expect mucus from chest in coughs, bronchitis and asthma.
Antiseptic properties.
Antioxidants enhance immune system. Helps prevent damage caused by free radicals. Protect against degenerative disease, e.g. heart and circulation.
1-2 carrots a day lowers blood cholesterol by over 10%, helps prevent heart and arterial disease.

Onion
Powerful antiseptic - fights infectious bacteria, including E.coli and salmonella. Effective against tuberculosis and infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis.
Increases blood circulation and causes sweating, useful in cold damp weather to ward off infection, brings down fever, sweats out colds and flu.
Excellent for sore throats, pharyngitis, rhinitis, colds, catarrh and sinusitis, breaking up mucous congestion.
Diuretic and blood cleansing properties can counter fluid retention, urinary gravel, arthritis and gout.
Relieves tiredness and exhaustion.
Eating half a medium raw onion daily can significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and help to prevent heart attacks. Both raw and cooked onions lower blood pressure, thin the blood, dissolve blood clots and clear the blood of unhealthy fats.

Lemon
Antiseptic, wards off colds, coughs, sore throats and flu.
Cooling effect in fevers. Stimulates sweating. Decongestant for respiratory system.
Helps to neutralizes excess acid in stomach and protects the lining of the digestive tract, relieving digestive problems including hiccoughs, heartburn, nausea, constipation, haemorrhoids and worms.
The diuretic action speeds elimination of fluid and toxins via the kidneys and bladder. Good for fluid retention and arthritis.
Acts as a urinary antiseptic, excellent for treating bladder and kidney infections.
Antiseptic effect in the gut, helping to ward off stomach and bowel infections, including travellers’ diarrhoea. Aids elimination of wastes.

Lemon balm
Relieves fever, catarrhal congestion and sinusitis.
Antiviral action effective against flu, herpes simplex and mumps.
Antibacterial and antihistamine action. Excellent remedy for infections and allergies, including hay fever, eczema and inflammatory eye conditions.
Reduces anxiety and depression through it influence on the part of the brain concerned with mood and temperament.
Makes relaxing night time drink for poor sleepers or to calm children at bedtime.
Calms nervous palpitations and can help to reduce high blood pressure.
In the reproduction tract releases spasm and relieves menstrual pain. Lemon balm tea taken in last weeks of pregnancy can ease childbirth.

Coriander
The volatile oils in seeds are antibacterial and help combat infection, particularly in digestive tract. Makes a good remedy for diarrhoea and gastroenteritis.
Taken in hot teas, the seeds can be used to promote sweating to break a fever and bring out the rash in eruptive infections such as measles and chicken pox.
By stimulating immunity and acting as a decongestant, coriander (particularly the seeds, taken in hot teas) helps remedy cold, flu, coughs and catarrh.
An excellent antispasmodic and digestive, stimulating appetite and enhancing absorption. An infusion of crushed seeds helps to relieve nausea, colic and heartburn. The seeds are often combined with laxatives to prevent any griping they may cause.
Both leaf and seed are relaxing and can relieve stress-induced headaches and digestive disorders, including gastritis and peptic ulcers.
The relaxant effect of coriander helps to relieve period pains; the ancient Arabs used it to lessen the pain of childbirth.

Barley
Nerve tonic to reduce stress and fatigue, relieve anxiety and lift the spirits. An excellent food for convalescence to build up strength and energy.
A soothing and anti-inflammatory remedy to help relieve conditions such as harsh dry or irritating coughs, gastritis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and cystitis.
Promotes heart function and helps stabilize blood pressure. Protects against heart and arterial disease.
Contains substances known as protease inhibitors, which are believed to suppress cancer-causing agents in the digestive tract.
Good remedy for diarrhoea and constipation and to re-establish a normal bacterial population of the gut-excellent after a course of antibiotics and for candiddiasis.

Oats
Fibre in oats significantly lowers blood cholesterol if eaten regularly and reduces high blood pressure helping to combat cardiovascular disease.
Reduces the time carcinogens and irritants are exposed to the bowel wall, oats may help protect against bowel cancer.
Have a regulatory effect on hormones in the body, notably sex and thyroid hormones, so may help to reduce incidence of menstrual and gynaecological problems, as well as breast cancer.
Excellent for diabetics as lowers blood sugar.

Almond
Contain mostly monounsaturated fats, which are effective at lowering harmful cholesterol, so can help protect the heart and arteries from disease. The vitamin E also aids the prevention of heart disease.
Vitamins B and E and a host of minerals make almonds a valuable nerve tonic and brain food. Excellent for those under pressure, they help to relieve tension and anxiety, and ensure a restful sleep.
Taken in drinks, particularly milk, easily digested and makes nutritious alternative for breast milk when weaning babies.
Soothing and relaxant properties. Good for stress-related digestive problems, while laxative effect helps relieve constipation.
Vitamin E and calcium in almonds reduces symptoms of menopause and help to prevent osteoporosis.
Antioxidants selenium and vitamin E help slow aging process and protect against arthritis and heart disease.

Beetroot
A mild laxative, can help to prevent and remedy constipation, diverticulitis and haemorrhoids.
Recent research has indicated that beetroot’s immune-enhancing properties and detoxifying action may be helpful in cancer prevention and treatment.
Folic acid in leaves provides a vital nutrient for pregnant women.
Rich in potassium, vitamins and minerals, helps to regulate blood pressure and heartbeat and to support the nervous system.
Soothes the digestive tract, can remedy indigestion, acidity, gastritis and heartburn.
By facilitating digestion and absorption, relieves problems associated with stagnation of food and toxicity, such as skin problems, headaches and lethargy.

Apple
Can relieve indigestion, acidity, gastritis, peptic ulcers and IBS and have a beneficial effect on the liver. With their astringent action they help curb diarrhoea.
The pectin in apples helps to bulk out stools making apples and effective laxative for constipation sufferers.
Detoxifies - binds with toxic metals such as mercury and lead in the body and carries them out via the bowels.
Aids elimination of excess fluid and toxins, make a good cleansing remedy for those suffering with gout, arthritis, fluid retention and skin problems and may help ease the symptoms of a hangover.

Cabbage
Stimulates the immune system and production of antibodies, an excellent remedy for fighting bacteria and viral infections, e.g. colds, flu.
The sulphur content is probably responsible for its antiseptic, antiobiotic and disinfectant actions, particularly in the respiratory system.
Raw cabbage juice promotes the healing of ulcers, both internally and externally. Mucilaginous substances protect the lining of the digestive tract from irritants and an amino acid, methionine, promotes healing.
Bioflavinoids and antixidant vitamins A, C and E afford some protection against tissue damage, degenerative disease and premature aging from free radicals.
Juice makes a soothing antiseptic gargle for sore throats and a mouthwash for mouth ulcers.

Cinnamon
Antimicrobial properties make it an excellent remedy for gastrointestinal infections and a wide range of respiratory infections.
Enhances digestion and absorption, helps to relieve indigestion, colic, nausea and wind. It has been shown to protect against stomach ulcers.
Astringent action stems bleeding and resolves diarrhoea and catarrhal congestion.
Antifungal properties help combat thrush and systemic candidiasis.
Circulatory stimulant, cinnamon will relieve symptoms associated with cold.
Enhances effectiveness of insulin, may help prevent a decline in glucose tolerance that can predispose to adult-onset diabetes.
Its relaxant and astringent actions in the uterus help to relieve painful and heavy periods. Its strengthening properties can improve libido and sexual performance.

Ginseng
Enhances mental performance, sharpens memory and diminishes fatigue by increasing the efficiency of nerve impulses.
Heightens physical performance by inhibiting the utilization of glycogen in skeletal muscle.
Works with insulin to aid reduction of blood sugar, helpful to diabetics.
Antidiuretic action decreases urine production.
Increases white blood cell production and improves immunity to allergies and disease.
Stimulatory action on sexual function in men and women.
Reduces depression of the bone marrow in those on anticancer drug regimes. Helps the liver to resist hepatotoxins and radiation.
Antioxidants help to protect the body against the ravages of the aging process and degenerative disease.

Cucumber
Cooling and cleansing properties of cucumber can help to clear inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema as well as inflammatory eye problems.
Diuretic action, helpful in bladder infections, such as cystitis, for flushing out bacteria which may adhere to the bladder walls. Aids fluid retention and helps to prevent formation of stones and gravel.
Aids elimination of toxins and uric acid via the kidneys and through its ability to cool heat and inflammation, makes a good remedy for arthritis and gout.
Contains sterols, thought to lower harmful cholesterol in the body.

Pear
Cooling and soothing action quietens irritating coughs.
Beneficial for irritated and inflamed conditions of the digestive tract: heartburn, nervous dyspepsia, gastritis, IBS, colitis and diverticulitis.
Pectin provides fibre so helps regulates bowels, relieving constipation and diarrhoea. Pectin helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Diuretic action helps to eliminate toxins, aiding excretion of uric acid (helpful for gout sufferers) and fluid.
Helps reduce heat and pain in arthritic joints.
Contains boron, increases mental alertness helping to reduce osteoporosis.

Garlic
Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparisitic remedy, shown to be equal to antibiotics such as penicillin.
Excreted via lungs, bowels, skin and urinary system, it disinfects each system as it goes.
Good for sore throats, coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma. Helps clear catarrh, sinus congestion and hay fever.
Helps to re-establish beneficial bacterial population in the gut after an infection or using antibiotics; good remedy for candidiasis and thrush.
Enhances secretion of insulin, can help lower blood sugar in diabetics.
Sulphur compounds are thought to have anti-tumour properties protecting the body against cancer.
Stimulates circulation, can relieve cramps and circulatory disorders.
May significantly lower harmful cholesterol and thereby protect against heart and arterial disease.

Apricot
Prevents and relieves constipation, help to protect against bowel disease including diverticulitis.
Vitamins A and C prevent damage caused by free radicals, helping to protect against heart and arterial disease. Slows aging process and onset of degenerative disease such as arthritis.
Beta-carotene protects against cancer of lung and possibly pancreas, skin and larynx, or any cancer linked to cigarette smoking.
Provides nutrients for nervous system, can improve resilience to stress and can be used as remedy for anxiety, tension, depression and insomnia.
Nourishing and strengthening, good for anyone feeling tired and run down and for anyone who needs easily absorbed nutrients such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.

Cayenne
Bacterial action and rich in Vitamin C, good remedy for the respiratory system.
Pungent, acts as quick effective decongestant, eases expectoration, relieves catarrh and sinusitis.
Reduces irritation and broncho-constriction caused by inhaling cigarette smoke and pollutants.
Analgesic effect, useful to relieve pain of toothache, shingles, arthritis and migraine.
Warming action relieves symptoms caused by weak or sluggish digestion, such as wind, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion and abdominal pain.
Relaxes spasm caused by poor circulation to and from the reproductive system, helps to relieve and prevent period pains.
Lowers harmful cholesterol levels. May help to reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clots strokes and heart attacks.

Ginger
Enhances appetite and digestion by stimulating flow of digestive juices.
Relieves spasm and colic by relaxing the gut and makes excellent remedy for bowel disorders such as spastic colon, and nausea and vomiting caused by overeating, infection, travel sickness or pregnancy.
Used in China to treat acute bacterial dysentery and makes good remedy for all stomach and bowel infections.
Good decongestant for catarrh and sinusitis, and an expectorant for coughs and chest infections.
Relieves headaches, migraine and painful periods, able to invigorate the reproductive system in men and women alike, to increase libido and treat impotence.
Antioxidant properties, inhibits free radicals, reduces progress of aging process.

Sweet Basil
Decongestant, good for colds, catarrh and sinusitis.
Effective expectorant for coughs and bronchial relaxant for croupy coughs and asthma.
Immune enhancer and antiseptic to aid the body’s fight against infection and intestinal parasites.
Nerve tonic, strengthens nerves, relieves depression and anxiety, improves concentration and sharpens memory.
Remedy for pain relief, for headaches and migraine, back pain, muscle tension and rheumatism.
Relaxing remedy for the digestion, for relieving wind, cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea and indigestion.

Rosemary
Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties boost the function of the immune system, help ward off infection.
In hot tea helps chase away sore throats, colds, flu, fevers and chest infections. Can also relieve tight coughs, wheezing and asthma.
Stimulates the circulation. Can be used for chilblains, varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
Diuretic.
Detoxifies, helps relieve arthritis, gout and skin problems.
Astringent tannins check bleeding, reduce excessive menstruation and tones the digestive tract.
A muscle relaxant, can reduce period pains and relieve wind and colic.
Helps reduce aging process and guards against degenerative disease.
Rich in calcium. Good for the nerves. Helps relieve headaches and migraine.

Spinach
Laxative, helps clear the bowel, preventing constipation and diverticulitis.
Fibre helps lower harmful cholesterol levels and so protects against heart and circulatory problems.
Aids elimination of toxins via kidneys, valuable in treating toxicity problems including skin disease.
Enhances immunity to infection.
Antioxidants help ward off degenerative disease such as arthritis and heart disease.
Folic acid helps prevent anaemia. Vital for pregnant women for development of babys brain and spinal cord.
Carotenoids help protect eyesight protecting against macular degeneration which can cause blindness in people over 65.

Thyme
Remedy for respiratory infections, sore throats, colds, coughs and flu. Clears congestion from bronchial tubes. Relaxant properties relieve harsh, irritating coughs and asthma.
Relaxes gut spasm, relieves wind and colic, IBS and spastic colon. Astringent, remedy for diarrhoea and antiseptic for infections.
Helps re-establish normal bacterial population of the bowel. Good for people on antibiotics and with systemic candidiasis.
Antiseptic and diuretic action, good for urinary infections, rheumatism, gout and fluid retention.
Regulatory effect in female reproduction system, relieving period pains and treating infections. Good remedy for thrush.

Watercress
Antiseptic, particularly good for chest infections, acts as a respiratory stimulant and expectorant. Relieves bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Invigorates the digestion, improves appetite and provides great tonic for food stagnation, poor absorption, wind, colic and worms.
Acts on kidney and bladder, increasing flow of urine and dissolving stones and gravel.
Blood-cleansing, symptomatic relief for sufferers of arthritis, rheumatism and gout.
Stimulates the circulation, encourages absorbed nutrients to reach parts of body most needed and gives sense of physical wellbeing and strength.
Vitamin E useful in prevention and treatment of premenstrual syndrome and believed to enhance fertility, increase sexual energy, cure impotence and stimulate menstrual flow and lactation.

Yogurt
Good for relieving wind, abdominal pain, constipation and IBS. Combats allergies and candidiasis.
Regulates bowel function and inhibits infections such as E. coli. Good for helping prevent travelers unused to foreign bacteria succumbing to infection. Prevents bladder infections and cystitis.
Acts as immune enhancer, increasing resistance to infection.
Soothes the digestive tract, can help relieve heartburn.
Contains prostaglandins which help protect the stomach lining against irritants such as alcohol and cigarette smoke, may reduce incidence of peptic ulcers.
Said to protect against heart disease by increasing high-density liproprotein cholesterol in the body and lowering harmful cholesterol.
Said to keep the mind alert warding off senility.

Uo;0-sheild

Losing Weight

Jamaican grapefruit and pineapple spritz
Light cooling and refreshing, good accompaniment to hot spicy food.

500 ml (16 fl oz) pink grapefruit juice or juice of 2 fresh grapefruit
250 ml (8 fl oz) pineapple juice
ice cubes
750 ml (1 ¼ pints) sparking mineral water
4 fresh pineapple slices
4 sprigs fresh mint

Pour 125ml (4 fl oz) grapefruit juice and 60ml (2 fl oz) pineapple juice into each glass. Add a few ice cubes, fill with mineral water.
Garnish with pineapple slice and sprig of mint.

Apple and Apricot slimmer
Delectable smoothie

6 dried apricots
125ml (4fl oz) apple juice
100g (4oz) natural live yogurt, low fat
a little freshly grated nutmeg

Cook apricots in a little water until soft then drain. Blend with apple juice and yogurt, top with sprinkling of nutmeg. (1 serving)

Corfiot horta and rigani tea
Recommended for those watching their weight, elminates excess fluid and stimulates digestion.

2 tablesp young dandelion leaves, washed and chopped
2 teasp dried or 4 teasp fresh oregano
600ml (1 pint) boiling water

Place herbs in teapot and pour over boiling water. Cover, leave for 10 mins. Drink a cupful 3 times daily after meals (2-3 servings)
Clear Eyes

Carrot and apple juice
Helps keep at bay allergies, infections and inflammations that contribute to eye problems such as conjunctivitis and styes.

100ml (3 ½ fl oz) carrot juice
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) apple juice
fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

Combine juices, serve with garnish of coriander leaves (1 serving)

Canton watercress and spinach soup
Moistening effect, helps clear dryness, heat and congestion that contribute to inflammatory and infectious eye problems (Chinese view)

1 tablesp olive oil
2 medium onions, peeled and slices
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 bunch watercress, washed and chopped
225g (8oz) spinach, washed
1.5 litres (2 ½ pints) water or vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablesp fresh parsley or coriander or 1 tablesp fresh thyme
125ml (4fl oz) natural yogurt, to garnish, optional

Heat oil in large pan. Cook onion and potatoes for 5 minutes. Add watercress and spinach and cook for 5 minutes. Cover with water or stock, bring to boil gently and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Remove from heat, blend and add seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and a swirl of yogurt when serving (6 servings)

Moroccan carrot soup
Full of beta-carotene and vitamin C to keep eyes healthy, warming spices ensure good circulation to the eyes and give extra sparkle.

2 tablesp olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
1 tablesp finely chopped fresh root ginger
1 teasp curry powder
50g (2oz) rice
1kg (2 ¼ lb) carrots, washed and sliced
1 litre (1 ¼ pints) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablesp chopped fresh mint leaves, to garnish

Heat oil in pan, add onion and ginger, cook for a few minutes till soft. Add curry powder and rice and stir over heat for 1 minute. Add carrots and stock, bring to boil, simmer for about 20 minutes till the rice and carrots are tender.
Season to taste and blend. Garnish with min when serving.
(6 servings)

Great Skin

Chinese cherry tea
In China cherry blossom is a symbol of youth, fertility and feminine beauty. Lemon gives tangy taste.

1 tables sugar-free cherry jam
1 teasp honey
2 teasp fresh lemon juice
300ml (½ pint) boiling water

Place jam, honey and lemon juice in jug. Add boiling water, stir and leave for 5 minutes. Drink hot. (1 serving)

Leek and pea vichyssoise
Eliminates toxins, keeps skin clear

1 tablesp olive oil
4 medium leeks, washed and sliced thinly
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
100g (4oz) peas
1 sprig mint
600ml (1 pint) chicken or vegetable stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
150ml (¼ pint) single cream or natural yogurt
chopped chives, to garnish

Heat oil in pan, add leaks and potatoes and sir 5-10 minutes. Add peas, mint, stock and seasoning. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. When cook blend with the cream or yogurt. Serve with garnish of fresh chives. (4 servings)

Traditional English oatmeal and prune congee
Tonic for nerves, soothes tension and banishes low spirits. Oats speed passage of wastes, prunes have laxative properties, keeps skin clear of spots. Apple juice adds further detoxifying action.

100g (4oz) dried prunes
900ml (1 ½ pints) water
50g (2oz) rolled oats
2 tablesp honey
450ml (¾ pint) unsweetened apple juice

Simmer prunes in water for 30 minutes till soft. Remove stones, add oats, stir till mixture comes to boil. Cook, stirring all the time for 5 minutes till thick. Stir in honey and apple juice. Reheat and serve. (4 servings)

Raising Energy

Arabic cardamon coffee
Protects against harmful effects of coffee. Ginger adds vitality.

4 split cardamon pods
4 heaped teasps finely ground coffee
2 heaped teasps sugar
600ml (1 pint) water
1 teasp ground ginger, to decorate

Add cardamoms, coffe and sugar to water in pan. Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with ginger before serving (4 servings)

Italian tomato and thyme soup

1 tablesp olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped finely
675g (1½ pint) ripe tomatoes, skinned and chopped
300ml (½ pint) water
1 tablesp tomato puree
1 tablesp chopped fresh thyme or 1-2 teasp dried thyme
1 teasp brown sugar (opt)
salt and freshly ground pepper
fromage frais or natural yogurt, to garnish
a little fresh thyme, to garnish

Heat the olive oil in a large pan and cook the onion and garlic over a low heat for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Simmer over low heat, covered, for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and work through food mill or fine strainer.
Return to pan, heat and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fromage frais or yogurt and thyme. Delicious hot or cold (4 servings)

West Indian date and banana energizer

300ml (½ pint milk) (rice, almond, oat, soya, cow or goat)
2 ripe bananas
8 dried dates (stones removed)
a pinch of ground cinnamon and ground cloves, to garnish

Combine milk, bananas and dates together in blender, blend till smooth and creamy.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and cloves (1 serving)

Healthy Hair

Watercress soup
Stimulates the appetite, digestion and absorption.

1 tablesp olive oil
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 onions, peeled and sliced
2 bunches of watercress, washed and chopped
1.5 litres (2 ½ pints) water
125ml (4fl oz) single cream or milk
125ml (4fl oz) white wine (opt)
2 tablesp finely chopped fresh parsley, chervil or marjoram
salt and freshly ground pepper
single cream and sprigs of watercress, to garnish

Heat oil in large saucepan. Saute potatoes, garlic onion and watercress for 5 minutes. Add water, bring to boil and simmer for about 30 minutes or till potatoes are soft.
Remove from head and blend. Stir in cream or milk, wine, herbs and seasoning. Garnish with a little cream and sprigs of watercress when serving (6 servings)

Mediterranean make-over

150ml (¼ pint) boiling water
1 handful soft tips of rosemary (with flowers if available)
1 tablesp honey
ice cubes
600ml (1 pint) orange juice
600ml (1 pint) ginger ale
sprigs of fresh rosemary to garnish

Pour boiling water over the rosemary in a teapot or heatproof jug. Cover and leave 5-10 minutes.
Strain through a sieve and stir in honey. Leave to cool.
Place ice cubes in large jug. Pour over the rosemary syrup, orange juice and ginger ale. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary (4 servings)

Stimulate Immune System

Malaysian ginger and lemon tea
Highly antiseptic

25g (1 oz) fresh root ginger, peeled and sliced
600ml (1 pint) water
squeeze of lemon juice
honey to taste

Place root ginger in pan with water. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add lemon juice and sweeten with honey to taste. Drink hot (2-3 servings)

Greek skorthalia

2 medium potatoes, peeled
4 large garlic cloves, peeled
juice of 1 lemon
150ml (¼ pint) water
150ml (¼ pint) olive oil
6 black peppercorns
salt

Cook potatoes in water until soft, Drain.
Blend all ingredients together
Delicious stirred into soups and casseroles, or as a dip with bread, crackers or raw vegetables (4 servings)

American fruit defence

100ml (3 ½ fl oz) pink grapefruit juice
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) cranberry juice
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) apple juice
fresh mint or lemon balm leaves, to garnish

Blend fruit juices together and garnish with mint or lemon balm leaves.

Middle Eastern Relish

2 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
½ medium cucumber, peeled and diced
2 spring onions, chopped
1 garlic clove
100 ml (3 ½ fl oz) tomato juice
pinch of chilli powder
salt
ice cubes (opt)
1-2 teasp chopped fresh dill, to garnish

Place ingredients except ice and dill in liquidizer and blend. Pour over ice in hot weather and garnish with fresh dill (1 serving)

Chinese cinnamon and ginseng preventative
Guards against infections of the urinary, respiratory and digestive tracts. Best used as preventative.

15g (½ oz) cinnamon bark
1 cm (½”) piece of ginseng root
600ml (1 pint water) water

Bring to boil in pan, simmer covered on low heat for 20 minutes. Strain and drink a cupful twice daily (2-3 servings)

Greek thyme tea

4 teasp fresh or 2 teasp dried thyme leaves
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
honey to taste (optional)

Place thyme in teapot. Pour on boiling water, cover and leave to infuse 10-15 minutes. Sweeten with honey if you like. Drink a cupful as a preventative 2-3 times a day (2-3 servings)

Boosting the Brain

Indian morning chai

4 cardamom pods
2 sticks cinnamon
4 black peppercorns
2 teasp freshly grated root ginger
600ml (1 pint) water
1-2 tea bags, Earl Grey or Darjeeling (optional)
50ml (2fl oz) soya milk
honey to taste

Place spices in pan with water. Cover and heat gently, without boiling, for 20 mintes. Remove from heat. Infuse tea bags for 5 minutes and remove. Add milk and honey. Drink hot (2-3 servings)

Moroccan mint tea

50-75g (2-3 oz) fresh mint leaves (preferably spearmint or peppermint)
1-2 tablesp sugar (traditional but optional)
1 litre (1 ¾ pints) boiling water

Place min (and sugar) in teapot. Pour over boiling water and leave to steep 5 minutes. Strain and serve in cups or glasses, each containing sprig of mint (4 servings)

Almond milk

100g (4oz) blanched almonds
600ml (1 pint) water
2 teasp lecithin granules
honey to taste (opt)
pinch of ground cinnamon

Blend almonds and water in liquidizer. Add lecithin granules and blend again. Sweeten with honey if required and serve sprinkled with cinnamon (2 servings)

Clearing Coughs

Caribbean cordial
(Warms and stimulates the respiratory tract, clearing phlegm, relieving coughs and congestion. Rich in vitamin C, boots immunity)

50g (2oz) root ginger, bruised
1 lemon, thinly slices
1.5 litres (2½ pints) water
900g (2lb) brown sugar
still or sparkling mineral water to dilute

Put root ginger and lemon in water in covered pan. Bring to boil, simmer for 45 mins. Remove from heat, add sugar, stir till dissolved.
Strain into bottle, seal and store.
To drink, dilute approx ½ cordial to 2/3 water.

Thyme syrup
(Antiseptic, expectorant, clears congestion in chest. Perfect for children)

50g (2oz) fresh or 25g (1oz) dried thyme leaves
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
300g (10oz) runny honey
300g (10oz sugar)

Place thyme in teapot, pour on boiling water, cover, infuse for 10-15 mins. Heat infusion with
honey and sugar in stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Stir till starts to thicken and skim off any scum from surface.
Leave to cool. Pour into cork stoppered bottle, keep in fridge. Take 2 tsps three times a day or chronic problems. Every 2 hours for acute conditions in children.

Cabbage and Carrot Juice
(Good when body fighting infection and do not want heavy food. Stimulates immune system and production of antibodies, helps fight off bacterial and viral infections. Also has expectorant action. Tasty, provides extra vitamins and minerals to support immune system.

250ml (8fl oz) cabbage juice
125ml (4fl oz) carrot juice
125ml (4fl oz) celery juice
chopped fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

Blend together, garnish with coriander. Drink 1 cupful 3 times a day. (2 servings)

Sore Throats

Raspberry and Cider vinegar
(Antiseptic and astringent, full of vitamins. Ease soreness, protects mucus membranes against infection. Vinegar inhibits micro-organisms and, when sipped frequently cools heat and inflammation.

1kg (2 1/4lb) fresh raspberries, washed
600ml (1 pint) cider vinegar

Place raspberries in large jar, cover with cider vinegar. Leave in cool dark place for 2 weeks. Strain through nylon sieve, discarding pulp. Store in clean bottle. Dilute 1 tsp in a cup of water, or to taste, and drink 3 times a day.
Can be used as a gargle.

Spiced Lemonade
(Good for colds and flu. Banishes respiratory infections. Good decongestant. Boosts immune system)

1.2 litres (2 pints) water
100g (4oz) sugar
4 cloves
½ tsp gr. Allspice
1 cinnamon stick
juice of 4 lemons
3-6cm (1-2in) strips of lemon peel, to garnish

Put water in preserving pan with sugar and spices. Bring slowly to boil, cover, simmer for 10 mins. Strain then stir in lemon juice. Drink hot with a twist of lemon.

Flu busters

Old English elderflower and peppermint tea

1 teasp dried or 2 teasp fresh elderflowers
1 teasp dried or 2 teasp fresh peppermint leaves
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
honey to taste (opt)

Place herbs in teapot and pour over boiling water. Leave 10 minutes. Drink cupful every 2 hours if symptoms are acute. Sweeten in honey if you like. (2-3 servings)

Kashmir spicy tea
Ginger induces calm meditative state of mind. This drink increases circulation, helping throw off fevers and aids body’s fight against infection. Decongestant.

15g ( ½ oz) fresh root ginger, sliced
1 stick cinnamon
4 cloves
4 black peppercorns
1 teasp coriander seeds
600ml (1 pint) cold water
honey to taste (opt)
lemon slices (opt)

Put spices and water in pan, bring to boil. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
Sweeten with honey or add slice of lemon Drink a cupful, as hot as possible 3 to 6 times daily while acute symptoms last (2-3 servings)

Catarrhal congestion

Middle Eastern Melody
(Soothes mucous membranes throughout the body, helping to reduce irritation. Decongests airways. Rich in Vitamin A and C)

125ml (4fl oz) carrot juice
125ml (4fl oz) orange juice
4 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
ice cubes
fresh coriander sprigs, to garnish

Mix juices and coriander. Pour into glass half filled with ice. Garnish with coriander sprigs (1 serving)
Nero’s Nectar
(Antiseptic, stimulates respiratory system, breaks up mucous congestion in nose and chest)

2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons honey

Place onions in bowl, drizzle with honey and leave, covered, at room temperature overnight to produce a juice.
Take a teaspoonful every 2 hours while symptoms last.

Onion Wine

300g (10 oz) onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons honey
600 ml (1 pint) white wine

Add onion and honey to wine in large jar with a lid. Leave 48 hours to infuse, shaking frequently. Strain.
Take 1 tablespoon 3-6 times daily, depending on severity of congestion.
Store in refrigerator, keeps up to 3 days.

Headaches and migraines

Herbals teas
Try Bay leaves, feverfew, ginkgo, rosemary, lemon balm and peppermint.
Asians use ginger. South Americans use hot chili peppers

Peruvian pain killer
(Chili blocks pain and gives feeling of wellbeing)

2 tsps coriander seeds
5 cloves
1 tsp chili powder
600ml (1pint) water

Put spices in pan with water. Bring to boil. Cover and leave to simmer 10 mins. Sweeten with honey and drink ½ cupful when required. (4-6 servings)

Mediterranean magic

1 tablespoon fresh basil leave
1 tablespoon fresh lemon balm leaves
600ml (1 pint) boiling water

Place in teapot, pour over boiling water. Cover and leave 10-15 mins. Drink cupful when required.

Sinusitis

Panamanian Indian cure

45ml (1 ½ fl oz) pink grapefruit juice
90ml (3fl oz) guava juice
90ml (3fl oz) mango juice
fresh lemon balm leaves, to garnish

Combine juices. If weather hot pour over ice and garnish

Cabbage and coriander syrup
Cabbage detoxifies, stimulates immune system and production of antibodies. Disinfectant action especially in respiratory tract. Coriander seeds have decongestant and antiseptic properties.

2 tsps coriander seeds
½ cabbage, chopped finely
enough runny honey to cover cabbage

Crush coriander seeds. Place in large bowl with cabbage and cover with honey. Leave overnight, then strain through sieve.
Take 1-2 tsps 3 times daily until sinuses improve.

Old English Decongestant
For colds, flu, fevers, catarrh and sinus congestion… Very pleasant, good winter drink. Also refreshing summer drink.

1 tsp dried or 2 tsps fresh elderflowers
1 tsp dried or 2 tsps fresh limeflowers
1 tsp dried or 2 tsps fresh peppermint leaves
1 tsp dried or 2 tsps fresh yarrow
600ml (1 pint) boiling water

Place herbs in teapot, pour over boiling water. Cover and leave 10-15 mins. Sweeten with honey if you like.
Drink a cupful 3-6 times a day until congestion clears. (2-3 servings)

Childrens fevers

English blackberry cordial
Fights infection and fever. Decongestant, clears toxins as a laxative/diuretic effect. Increase sweating by stimulating the circulation and have powerful anti microbial properties.

900g (2lb) ripe blackberries or enough for 600ml (1 pint) juice
6 tablespoons runny honey
10 cloves
5 slices fresh root ginger
1 tsp grd cinnamon

Press blackberries through sieve to make juice.
Place in pan, add honey and spices. Bring to boil over low heat, stirring till honey is dissolved.
Simmer 5 mins
Leave to cool.
To drink, add hot water and dilute to taste. Drink cupful every 2 hours.

French limeflower and lemon balm tea
Cooling remedy for fevers. When taken hot have diaphoretic action, increasing blood supply and inducing sweating. Tea has decongestant effect.

2 tsps fresh or 1 tsp dried limeflowers
2 tsps fresh lemon balm
600 ml (1 pint) water

Place herbs in teapot, pour over boiling water. Cover and leave 10 mins. Sweeten with honey.
Drink a cupful, warm, every two hours (2-3 servings)

Blackcurrant and apple rob
Refreshing, good for fevers. Fights infection. Decongestant, relieves catarrhal congestion.

2 apples, cored and chopped
50g (2oz) blackcurrants
450ml (16fl oz) water
2 tsps lemon juice
honey to taste

Place apples and blackcurrants in pan with water. Bring to boil. Simmer for 10 mins then strain. Stir in lemon juice and honey. Serve hot (2 servings)

Hangovers

Sri Lankan soother

600ml (1 pint) grapefruit juice
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Blend together. Drink, preferably before and after alcohol.

Roman relief

250ml (8fl oz) fresh cabbage juice
250ml (8fl oz) fresh celery juice
2 tsps fresh coriander leaves

Blend vegetable juices together, stir in coriander when serving. Reserve a few leaves for garnish.

Elizabethan rosemary and lemon syrup

600ml (1 pint) rosemary sprigs, gently pressed down in measuring jug.
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
juice of 1 lemon
450g (1lb) sugar

Place rosemary in jug or pot and pour over boiling water. Cover and leave 10 mins. Strain into pan and add lemon juice and sugar. Heat slowly, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Boil briskly 5-8 mins or until syrup starts to thicken. Remove from heat and when cool pour into jars or bottles. Seal with airtight lids when cold. Take 1-2 tablespoons as required till hangover subsides.

Insomnia

Scandinavian soother

1 tblspn olive oil
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 large lettuce, chopped
900ml (1 ½ pints) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tblspns thick natural yogurt
2 tblspns fresh dill, chopped

Heat oil in large pan, gently fry onions, potatoes and garlic for 5 mins.
Add lettuce with stock and seasoning. Bring to boil, cover and simmer over low heat for 20 mins. Cool a little before blending.
Add yogurt and half of dill then refrigerate for about 3 hrs.
Garnish with remaining dill (4 servings)

English lettuce tea

3-4 large lettuce leaves
300ml (½ pint) water
2 sprigs fresh mint

Simmer lettuce leaves in water in a covered pan for 15 mins. Remove from heat and add mint. Leave 5 mins. Strain and drink before retiring.

Arthritis

Dr Jarvis’ arthritis cure
Should be drunk regularly to enhance health. Correct PH balance in body and cleanses system of toxins. Improves metabolism of calcium in body. Relieves aches and pains.

1 dessertspoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
250 ml (8fl oz) hot water

Add vinegar and honey to a cup of hot water and drink in evening before going to bed.

Cabbage cooler (Soup)
Cools heat generated in arthritic joints. Cabbage cleanses toxins and clears uric acid from system and makes good anti inflammatory.

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
3 medium carrots, washed and diced
2 sticks celery, washed and sliced
1 medium leek, washed and sliced thinly
1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 medium cabbage, shredded
300ml ( ½ pint) cream or natural yogurt
fresh parsley, to garnish

Heat oil in pan, add veg, except cabbage, stir over low heat for 5-110 mins. Add stock and seasoning. Cover, bring to boil, then simmer 30 mins. Cook cabbage in a little water for 5 mins until slightly softened. Add to soup with half cream/yogurt, heat gently. Serve topped with rest of cream/yogurt, garnished with parsley (4 servings)

Egyptian joint juice

125ml (4 fl oz) celery juice
250ml (8 fl oz) carrot juice
3 sprigs parsley
salt and freshly ground pepper

Blend together (1 serving)

Anaemia

Orange and prune blood-builder

6 prunes (stones removed)
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) fresh orange juice
1 tablsp natural live yogurt
pinch ground cinnamon

Blend prunes, orange juice and yogurt. Drink sprinkled with cinnamon (1 serving)

Watercress, spinach and tomato pick-me-up

500g (1lb) ripe tomatoes, skinned
4 large spinach leaves, washed
½ bunch watercress, washed
1 teasp soy sauce
2 teasp lemon juice
1 tablesp Worcestershire sauce
pinch cayenne pepper
sea salt to taste
5 ice cubes
pinch thyme, to garnish

Blend ingredients together in liquidizer. Strain and serve garnished with thyme (3-4 servings)

Chinese apricot and grapefruit tonic
Sweet and sour flavour. Apricots energy tonic, grapefruit restores harmony of stomach chi. Honey eaten by Chinese to improve digestion and for anaemia. Ideal remedy for anyone run down or anaemic.

4-5 dried apricots
2 teasp honey
300ml ( ½ pint) grapefruit juice
ground nutmeg

Cook apricots in enough water to cover, till soft. Drain. Stir in honey while apricots are hote. Add the grapefruit juice and liquidize.
Sprinkle with nutmeg before drinking. (1 serving)

Cold hands and feet

Zanzibar zinger

300 ml ( ½ pint) grapefruit juice
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon honey
nutmeg to taste

Place grapefruit juice, cloves and cinnamon in pan and heat. Keep mixture almost at simmering point for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain. Stir in honey and sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg (1 serving)

French Onion soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
6 onions, peeled and sliced into thin rings
4 garlic cloves, thinly slivered
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon plain flour
1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable or chicken stock
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 French baguette
175g (6oz) Gruyere cheese, grated

Heat oil in large pan over low heat. Add onions and cook for about 30 mins.
Add garlic and cook for another minute or so. Stir in sugar and flour, cook for 1-2 mins until onions turn golden. Stir in stock bring to boil and simmer for 45 mins, covered. Add thyme, rosemary and seasoning.
While soup cooking, cut French bread into 2.5cm (1”) slices and bake in oven 180 C (350 F, gas mark 4) for about 20 mins, turning once, till lightly golden.
Place 4 ovenproof crocks on baking sheet and ladle in soup to 1cm ( ½”) from rim. Float piece of bread on top of each bowl and cover well with grated cheese. Place under hot grill until cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately. (4 servings)

Blood pressure

French garlic soup

1 tablesp olive oil
2 onions, peeled and sliced
900ml (1 ½ pints) vegetable or chicken stock
1 head of garlic, cloves peeled
1 tablesp chopped coriander leaves
1 tablesp chopped parsley leaves
salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablesp lemon juice

Heat oil in pan and cook onions for 5 mins. Add stock, garlic, two-thirds of herbs, and seasoning. Bring to boil, simmer 20mins, covered. Remove from heat, blend and stir in lemon juice. Return to heat and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with remaining herbs and serve.
Particularly good with herb bread (4 servings)

Spanish gazpacho

½ medium cucumber
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 tablesp olive oil
2 tablesp white wine vinegar
1 tablesp lemon juice
1 dessertsp tomato puree
1 teasp pesto sauce
1 green pepper, chopped finely
700 ml (l ¼ pints) tomato juice
salt and freshly ground pepper
croutons or garlic bread to serve

Coarsely grate cucumber into large bowl, or dice for a more chunky soup. Blend onion, garlic and tomatoes in a liquidizer or food processor (or grate onion, garlic and finely chop tomatoes). Add oil, vinegar, lemon juice, tomato puree and pesto. Add mixture to cucumber with the green pepper. Add tomato juice and season. Cover and chill thoroughly for about 6 hours. Serve with garlic bread or croutons and freshly ground pepper. (4 servings)

Constipation

Indian mango, peach and grape nectar

1 mango, peeled and sliced
2 peaches, peeled and sliced
100g (4 oz) white grapes
300ml ( ½ pint) milk
½ teasp ground cinnamon

Blend together in liquidizer till smooth (1 serving)

Hungarian beetroot and carrot cleanser

3 large carrots, washed
2 medium beetroots, washed
chopped fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Put veg through juicer and serve immediately (1 serving)

Greek almond regulator

2 ripe bananas, peeled and chopped
50g (2oz) ground almonds
150ml ( ¼ pint) fresh orange juice
150ml ( ¼ pint) Greek natural yogurt
1 tablesp honey
pinch ground nutmeg

Blend together, sprinkle with nutmeg (1 serving)

Heartburn

For the most part simple changes in diet and lifestyle will remedy the situation. If you make soups and other drinks using herbs such as cardamom, aniseed, chamomile, mint, fennel, coriander and caraway, these will help relax the stomach, improve digestion and relieve pain and discomfort. Cooling and soothing foods like yogurt, ripe bananas, beetroot, cabbage and carrot will help to relieve irritation and heat.
Eat in relaxed fashion, eat slowly, chewing each mouthful thoroughly. Do not get up, bend over or lie down straight after eating, give your stomach around and hour to digest before taking exercise.
It is best not to eat for 2-3 hours before going to bed.
Avoid chilli, chocolate, acidic foods like pickles, citrus fruits, pastries and fatty foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee and alcohol . These increase acidity and irritate the stomach and weaken the cardiac sphincter.

Licorice and mandarin peel tea

5g (1/6 oz) dried licorice root
5g (1/6 oz) dried mandarin peel
600 ml (1 pint) water

Place in pan, bring to boil, simmer 20 mins. Strain and drink cupful twice daily. (2-3 servings)

Flatulence

Indian sweet lassi

225g (8 oz) natural live yogurt
150ml ( ¼ pint) rose water
1 tablesp honey
½ teasp ground cardamom
½ teasp ground cinnamon

Combine, stir well and serve (1 serving)

Guadaloupe grapefruit gas reliever

1 ripe mango
175g (6oz) fresh or tinned pineapple
juice of ½ pink grapefruit
fresh lemon balm leaves, to garnish

Blend (1 serving)

Colic

Danish carrot and dill soup

1 tablesp olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, peeled and chopped finely
1 large onion, peeled and sliced thinly
450g (1lb) carrots, washed and sliced
2 large potatoes, washed and sliced
600ml (1 pint) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablesp chopped fresh dill

Heat oil in medium pan. Add garlic and onion stir over low heat till onion is tender. Add carrots, potatoes and stock. Bring to boil and simmer for 30 mins, till vegetables are cooked. Blend till smooth. Season with salt and pepper and 1 tablesp dill.
Garnish with remaining dill (4 servings)

Chamomile and catmint tea

1 teasp fresh or dried chamomile flowers
2 teasp fresh or 1 teasp dried catmint
600ml (1 pint) water

Place herbs in teapot and pour over boiling water. Cover and infuse for 10-15 mins.
Drink warm every hour or so to relieve symptoms (2-3 servings)

Diarrhoea

Caribbean calmer
Tastes like nectar, next best thing to meal when you may not feel like eating solid food. Pears and mangoes thirst quenching and calm an irritated gut.

75g (3oz) fresh mango
1 large or 2 small pears
1 banana
200ml (7fl oz) rice milk
pinch ground cinnamon

Blend fruit and rice milk, sprinkle with cinnamon (1 serving)

Romany raspberry cure

100g (4oz) fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tablesp Greek natural yogurt
1 tablesp honey
2 tablesp milk

Blend (1 serving)

American blueberry tea
Wards off infection, notable E Coli

1 tablesp blueberry jam
1 teasp honey
1 teasp lemon juice
300ml ( ½ pint) boiling water

Place jam, honey and lemon juice in large mug. Pour on boiling water, stir. Cover and infuse
for 5 mins (1 serving)

Diverticulitis

Particles of faecal matter become trapped in the little sacs or outpouchings, setting up inflammation and become infected, giving rise to diverticulitis. Symptoms can be abdominal cramps, fever and rectal bleeding.
Change your diet. Plenty of whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Drink plenty of liquid - six-eight glasses a day. Pineapple and papaya aid digestion. Pears, potatoes, rice, barley and millet cool inflamed guts. Carrot, cabbage, lettuce, spinach and turnips soothe inflammation and regulate bowels.
Avoid caffeine. Avoid refined carbohydrates e.g. white flour products. Avoid foods with particles such as nuts, seeds, raspberries, blackberries and tomatoes, veg like cucumber as they can become lodged in the little sacs and aggravate diverticulitis. Take plenty of exercise.

American papaya and almond dream

6 fresh or dried apricots
50g (2oz) fresh or dried papaya (ready soaked)
300 ml ( ½ pint) rice milk
1 tablesp ground almonds
pinch ground or freshly grated root ginger

If using dried apricots, cook in a little water until soft and drain. Blend ingredients till smooth. Serve sprinkled with a little ginger. (1 serving)

Middle eastern pear and melon nectar

½ ripe Cantaloupe melon
3 ripe pears, peeled. Cores removed.

Blend. For variation add a little coconut milk (1 serving)

Medieval parsnip and swede soup

1 tablesp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 small potatoes, diced
2 large parsnips, diced
1 small swede, diced
900ml (1 ½ pints) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
450ml ( ¾ pint) milk
1 tablesp soy sauce
fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

Fry vegetables in olive oil 5 minutes. Add stock, bring to boil. Cover, simmer for 30 minutes till vegetables are soft. Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend with milk and soy sauce, garnish with coriander (4-6 servings)

Irritable bowel syndrome

Malaysian papaya and coconut dream

6 chunks fresh or dried papaya
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp honey
300ml ( ½ pint) coconut milk
sliced lime, to garnish

If using dried papaya, cook in a little water until soft, then drain. Blend, garnish with slice of lime (1 serving)

English chamomile and mint tea

1 tsp fresh, or 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
2 tsp fresh, or 1 tsp dried mint leaves
600ml (1 pint) water

Place herbs in teapot and pour over boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for 10-15 mins. Drink a cupful regularly, three times a day, while symptoms persist. (2-3 servings)

Chinese ginger and fennel congee
The Chinese give congees (rice soups) to children, old people and those recovering from illness. Some Chinese like them for breakfast.

1 tablsp fennel seeds
200g (7 oz) long grain white rice
4cm (1 ½”) fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
3 litres (6 pints) water
1-2 drops sesame oil
soy sauce to taste

Roast fennel seeds in dry skillet for a few minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Crush with mortar and pestle. Place in large pan with rice, ginger and water. Cover, bring to boil, simmer on low for 1 hour. Serve hot, seasoned with sesame oil and a little soy sauce (8 servings)

Haemorrhoids

Spanish zuma de frutas

100ml (3 ½ fl oz) orange juice
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) grapefruit juice
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) grape juice
ice cubes (optional)
fresh mint or lemon balm, to garnish

Blend juices together. Serve over ice. Add some mint or lemon balm leaves when serving (1 serving)

Russian relief

90 ml (3 fl oz) beetroot juice
45ml (1 ½ fl oz) celery juice
45ml (1 ½ fl oz) natural live yogurt
1 spring onion, chopped
fresh mint leaves

Blend juices with yogurt. Garnish with a little spring onion and mint (1 serving)

Scottish oatmeal and cinnamon mover

1 tablsp coarse oatmeal
1.2 litres (2 pints) cold water
honey to taste
juice of ½ lemon
1 teasp ground cinnamon

Place oatmeal and water in pan, simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Sweeten with honey. Strain, add lemon juice and cinnamon. Serve hot (4 servings)

Nausea

Middle Eastern stomach settler

3 small cinnamon sticks, or one 15cm (6”) stick of cinnamon bark
1 teasp ground cardamom
250ml (8fl oz) hot water

Grind spices together in coffee grinder. Place 1 teasp in a cup of hot water, sip slowly, to bring relief. (1 serving)

Lemon verbena and spearmint tea

1 teasp dried lemon verbena leaves
1 teasp dried or 2 teasps fresh spearmint leaves
600ml (1 pint) water

Place herbs in teapot and pour on boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Sip ½ to 1 cupful when required. (2-4 servings)

Ginger beer

For starter: To feed the ‘plant’
15g ( ½ oz) dried brewer’s yeast 6 teasp ground ginger
450ml ( ¾ pint) warm water 6 teasp sugar
2 teasp ground ginger
2 teasp sugar

To make up:
750g (1 ¾lb) sugar
1.2 litres (2 pints) warm water
juice of 2 lemons
3 litres (5 pints) cold water

Place ingredients in glass jar with lid. Stir well, cover and put in warm place (like windowsill). Leave for 24 hours then “feed” daily for 6 days with 1 teasp ground ginger and 1 teasp sugar.
After 7 days strain “plant” through fine sieve or muslin. Dissolve sugar in warm water in large bowl or jug. Add lemon juice, cold water and liquid from the “plant” and mix well. Bottle in corked bottles for at least 7 days to mature.
Store in cool place.

Candidiasis
Yeast which lives in us. Sometimes gets out of control. Drinks made from fruits and vegetables will help enhance immune system.
Garlic, thyme, cinnamon and ginger have antifungal properties.
Avoid foods containing yeast and sugar.

Indian cucumber raita drink

50g (2oz) cucumber, peeled and diced
90ml (3fl oz) natural live yogurt
90ml (3fl oz) milk
8-12 mint leaves
squeeze of lime juice
salt
sprig of mint and slice cucumber

Blend together in liquidizer. Pour into glass filled with ice, garnish with mint and cucumber (1 serving)

Chinese mandarin and lychee cream

100g (4oz) lychees, peeled (tinned can be used)
150g (6oz) mandarin segments (tinned can be used)
100ml (3 ½ fl oz) natural yogurt, live
freshly grated ginger to taste

Blend in liquidizer till smooth and creamy. Garnish with fresh ginger and segments of mandarin (1 serving)

French garlic syrup

4 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thinly
2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried thyme
about 1 dessertsp runny honey

Place garlic and thyme in bowl, cover with honey. Leave 2 - 3 hours.. Crush to extract all the juice and strain. Take 1 tsp at least 3 times a day.

Premenstrual syndrome

Avocado dream

1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
1 garlic clove, peeled
juice of ½ lemon
300ml ( ½ pint) rice milk
salt and freshly ground pepper
few sprigs of fresh coriander, to garnish

Place avocado in blender with garlic, lemon juice and rice milk. Blend till smooth. Season with salt and pepper and serve garnished with fresh coriander (1 serving)

Chinese angelica tea

25g (1oz dried angelica root, sliced
600ml (1 pint) water

Place herbs and water in pan, bring to boil. Simmer for 30 minutes, strain and drink a cupful twice daily. (2 - 3 servings)

Cystitis
Drink plenty of water. Cranberries excellent for preventing bacteria from adhering to walls of urinary tract. Live yogurt reduces need for sugar with sharp juices. Carrots, celery, parsley and asparagus are diuretic and antiseptic. Soups made with leeks, onions and garlic will disinfect the bladder. Cucumber, courgettes, cabbage, pears and barley soothe an irritated bladder and relieves burning pain.

Old English barley water

50g (2oz) unrefined pot barley
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
1 ½ tablesp honey
juice of ½ lemon

Put barley and water in pan, bring to boil. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add honey and stir well. Cool, strain and add lemon juice. Drink lukewarm frequently through the day, depending on severity of symptoms (2 - 3 servings)

American cranberry juice

450g (1lb) fresh cranberries (or defrosted frozen)
2 litres (3 ½ pints) water
honey or sugar to taste
natural live yogurt (optional)

Put cranberries in large pan with water, bring to boil. Simmer 15-20 minutes till liquid has reduced but not syrupy. Remove from heat, strain. Stir in honey or sugar, to taste. Leave to cool before drinking. Should keep 4-5 days in fridge. Stir in 1-2 tsp live yogurt when serving to make smoother, less sour drink.

Carrot and parsley juice

250ml (8fl oz) carrot juice
6 sprigs parsley

Blend together. Drink twice daily to relieve symptoms. (1 serving)

Fluid retention

French potassium juice

1 bunch watercress, washed
3 large carrots, washed and cubed
3 large sticks celery, washed and chopped
6 sprigs parsley

Juice watercress, carrots and celery and stir together. Serve with garnish of chopped parsley (1 serving)

Scottish neep soup

1 tablesp olive oil
2 onions, peeled and sliced
175g (6oz) potatoes, peeled and diced
225g (8oz) small turnips, peeled and diced
1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable or chicken stock
a few sprigs of thyme tied together in a bunch
salt and freshly ground pepper
pinch cayenne
chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

Heat oil in large pan, add onion cook for 5 minutes. Add potato, turnip, stock, thyme and seasoning. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until veg are soft. Remove thyme. Blend and adjust seasoning. Garnish with a pinch of cayenne and some parsley and serve
(4 servings)

Chinese waterfall
Valued by the Chinese for cleansing and diuretic properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, supports action of kidneys. Can use apple instead of grape.

250ml (8fl oz) grape juice
250ml (8fl oz) pear juice
250ml (8fl oz) melon juice
ice cubes (optional)
ground ginger, to garnish

Stir juices together. Serve over ice if you wish with a little ginger sprinkled over the top.
(2 servings)

HEALING THE SOUL AND SPIRIT

Sweet and high-carbohydrate foods are mood elevating.
Dried fruits, e.g. apricots, bananas, figs and dates, whole grains like wheat, barley and oats give you natural highs when made into drinks.
Fish poultry, nuts, and seeds make serotonin and noradrenaline from the amino acids in them.
Vitamin C protects against stress.
Vitamin Bs are vital for nerves.
Whole grains, nuts, seeds, green vegetables and milk helps keep us stable. They are rich in minerals essential for the nervous system, particularly calcium and magnesium.
Some foods harmonize our soul and spirit with the changing cycle of the seasons, e.g. winter warmers, summer coolers, autumn boosters and spring renewals. Others for TLC. Sweet foods induce feeling of inner security and calm.
Herbs and spices support us emotionally.
St John’s Wort, lemon balm and rosemary lift spirits and restore joie de vivre.
Lavender, chamomile, catmint, limeflower and vervain can calm anxiety aid restful sleep.
Cinnamon, ginger and cardamom increase energy and ability to confront problems.
Ginseng and licorice enhances resilience to stress, helps to maintain equilibrium.

Relieving anxiety

Provence lavender and lemon balm tisane

2 tsp lavender flowers
2 tsp lemon balm leaves
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
honey to taste (optional)

Place herbs in teapot and pour over boiling water. Cover, infuse 10-15 mins. Drink a cupful 3 times daily, more if required. Sweeten with honey if you like (2-3 servings)

Italian potato, tomato and basil soup

4 tablsp olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and sliced
1 bay leaf
1kg (2 ¼ lb) potatoes, peeled and chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper
1.5 litres (2 ½ pints) water
450g (1lb) tomatoes, skinned and chopped
2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves

Heat 1 tablsp oil in large pan. Add onion and bay leaf, cook over medium heat for 4-5 mins. Add potatoes and a little salt, cover and cook over low heat for 5 mins. Add water, bring to boil and simmer for about 20 mins, till potatoes soft. Mash loosely. Do not blend.
Warm 1 tabsp oil in pan. Add tomatoes, cook over medium heat till starts to thicken. Break up tomatoes to form sauce-like consistency. Season to taste. Add to potatoe mix.
Combine basil with 2 tablsp oil in blender, season. Serve with spoonful of basil puree swirled into each bow and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. (6 servings)

Spring renewals

Tuscan spring tonic

250ml (8fl oz) carrot juice
125ml (4fl oz) celery juice
1 garlic clove
1 handful fresh parsley
sprigs of parsley, to garnish

Blend together (1 serving)

Welsh dandelion beer
Quenches thirst, not very alcoholic. Stimulates the liver, revitalizes whole system, improves digestion and removes toxins and wastes.

225g (8oz) young dandelion plants
4.5 litres (8 pints) water
15g ( ½ oz) root ginger, sliced and bruised
1 lemon, finely peeled rind and juiced
450g (1lb) demerara sugar
25g (1oz) cream of tartar
7g ( ¼ oz) dried brewer’s yeast

Dig up complete young dandelion plants, wash well, remove fibrous roots, leaving main tap roots.
Place in large pan with water, ginger and lemon rind. Bring to boil, simmer 10mins. Strain and pour on to sugar and cream of tartar in a fermentation bucket. Stir till sugar dissolved. Start yeast following instructions, add to lukewarm must with the lemon juice. Cover and leave for 3 days in a warm room. Strain into screw-top bottles. Ready in 1 week, will keep about a month in cool place.

Nettle and cabbage soup

1 tablsp olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 leeks, washed and sliced
100g (4oz) cabbage, chopped
1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable or chicken stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 handfuls nettle tops, washed
2 tablsp chopped fresh parsley or coriander
ground nutmeg, to garnish

Heat oil in pan, add onion and cook till soft. Add leeks and cabbage, cover and cook on low heat for 10 min. Add stock and seasoning. Bring to boil, simmer 20 mins, adding nettles for last few minutes. Remove from heat and blend. Add parsley or coriander before serving and garnish with nutmeg. (4 servings)

Calming a restless mind

Banana calmer

250ml (8fl oz) milk
1 banana, peeled and sliced
4 ice cubes
1 tablesp honey
pinch ground or freshly grated nutmeg

Blend till smooth (1 serving)

Greek lettuce soup

1 tablesp olive oil
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 large lettuce, chopped
900ml (1 ½ pint) chicken or veg stock
salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablesp thick natural yogurt
freshly chopped mint leaves, to garnish

Heat oil, gently fry onions, potatoes and garlic for 5 mins. Add lettuce, stock and seasoning. Bring to boil, cover and simmer over low heat till veg is tender. Leave to cool for a short time. Blend in liquidizer, stir in yogurt. Chill in fridge for 3-4 hours. Serve garnished with mint. (4 servings)

Serenity smoothie
Strengthens and stabilizes the nerves, helps to improve memory and concentration

1 tablesp ground almonds
100g (4oz) dates (stones removed)
350ml (12fl oz) water or rice milk
1 tsp ground ginger

Blend in liquidizer till smooth (1 serving)

Summer coolers

Mintade

1 ½ lemons, washed
2 tablsp fresh mint leaves, crushed
1 ½ tablesp sugar
600ml (1 pint) boiling water
ice cubes
a few sprigs mint, to garnish

Slice lemons, save juice.
Place in jug with mint and sugar. Pour on boiling water and leave for 2 hours.
Strain and serve in glasses over ice, garnish with mint (2-3 servings)

English elderflower cordial

1.2 litres (2 pints) water
1.3 kg (3lb) sugar
1 lemon, sliced
25 large elderflower heads
75g (3oz) citric acid
sparkling or still mineral water to dilute
Place water in large pan and bring to boil. Add sugar and lemon, remove from heat till sugar dissolves. Place on heat again and bring to boil. Add elderflower heads and citric acid. Bring to boil again, remove from heat and allow to stand till cool.
Strain and bottle in clean bottles with corks. Can be drunk immediately.
If stored in cool place, should keep about 3 months.
When serving, dilute with 5 parts water and add ice..

Cold cucumber and mint soup

1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
6 spring onions, trimmed and chopped
250ml (8fl oz) water
(or vegetables or chicken stock)
3 tablesp Greek natural yogurt
juice of 1 lemon
6 sprigs fresh mint
salt and freshly ground pepper

Blend the cucumber, spring onions and water (or stock) together till smooth. Add yogurt and lemon juice. Strip the mint leaves from stems, reserving some for garnish, then finely chop and stir into the yogurt mixture. Season to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Garnish with mint when serving (3-4 servings)

Relieving stress

Tanzanian banana and coconut milk

3 medium sized, ripe bananas
250ml (8fl oz) coconut milk
a little ground cinnamon

Liquidize bananas and coconut milk till smooth.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top when serving (1-2 servings)

Middle eastern avocado soup

3 large avocados, peeled and chopped
500ml (16 fl oz) vegetable or chicken stock
juice of 1 ½ lemons
6 spring onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
250ml (8fl oz) crème fraiche or natural yogurt
1-2.5 cm ( ½ -1”) piece fresh root ginger peeled and grated
salt and freshly ground pepper
fresh parsley, to garnish

Blend avocado with stock and lemon juice till smooth. Add spring onions, garlic, crème fraiche (or yogurt) and ginger to taste, then blend again. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
Add more stock if too thick and lemon juice to taste. Serve garnished with parsley (4 servings)

Autumn boosters

Elderberry rob
Remedy for preventing and treating coughs, colds and flu, sore throats and fevers.
Cinnamon can be added to enhance warming effect.

450g (1lb) fresh elderberries
450g (1lb) brown sugar

Strip berries from stems, wash and crush. Place in pan with sugar. Bring slowly to boil and simmer till syrupy consistency. Pass through sieve and bottle in clean, airtight bottles.
Take 1-2 tablesp in cup of hot water regularly as a preventative or at onset of cold symptoms.
Recipe works well with other fruit such as blackberries and blackcurrants.

Italian tomato juice

450g (1lb) ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp lemon juice
3 tsp Worcester sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
salt
pinch cayenne pepper
fresh or dried thyme, to garnish

Blend tomatoes, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt and cayenne pepper in liquidizer. Strain and serve over ice with garnish of thyme. (3-4 servings)

French apple and cinnamon tea

4 apples, washed and slice
600ml (1 pint) water
2 tablsp honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Put apples in pan, add water, cover and cook on low heat till soft. Strain, stir in honey and cinnamon. Serve hot (2-3 servings)

Healing emotions

Indian rose syrup and coconut milk
For those who lack love in their lives. Seen in India as a gift from the gods to human beings and token of good luck in romantic relationships.
Uplifting, restorative effect, good when you feel tense, anxious, depressed, angry, lonely and upset.

1 tablesp rose syrup
250ml (8fl oz) coconut milk
ice cubes

To make rose syrup
Collect rose petals, weigh and place in bow with equal weight of sugar. Mash together, cover and leave overnight. Strain through fine sieve, pour into clean bottles and store in fridge. Stir a tablespoon syrup into a cup of coconut milk. Add ice and dilute with a little water, if required.
Will keep about 1 month (1 serving)

English heartsease and chamomile infusion
Perfect for promoting inner harmony. Eases emotional pain, soothes anger and conflict, releases tension from inner problems which can cause illness and insomnia.

½ tsp heartsease flowers (wild pansy)
½ tsp chamomile flowers
250ml (8fl oz) boiling water
honey to taste (opt)

Place herbs in teapot and pour over boiling water. Cover and leave for 10-15 minutes before serving. Sweeten with honey if you like (1 serving)

Borage and lemon balm fruit cup
Borage has relaxing effect, dispels grief and sadness, aids the heavy-hearted, broken-hearted or down-hearted. Lemon balm lifts the spirits, balances emotions and imparts inner strength and courage.

600 ml (1 pint) apple or pear juice
1 handful fresh borage flowers
1 handful fresh lemon balm leaves

Heat fruit juice in pan till almost boiling. Place 1 tsp of each herb in jug and pour over the hot fruit juice. Cover and leave to cool. Strain into a clean jug and float some borage flowers and lemon balm leaves to decorate.
Serve with ice if desired. (2-3 servings)

Winter warmers

Caribbean lime and cayenne syrup
Stimulates heart and circulation, warms chilly people and wards off “blues” and lethargy.

600ml (1 pint) water
1.3 kg (3lb) sugar
1 egg white
600ml (1 pint) lime juice
1-2 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste

Whisk water, sugar and egg white together in saucepan. Bring to boil and simmer slowly for 10 minutes. Add lime juice and simmer for another minute. Add cayenne, stir and leave to cool. Bottle and seal well. Take two tablespoons in a cup of hot water when required.

Szechwan soup

5 dried Chinese mushrooms (or any mushroom of your choice)
25g (1oz) rice noodles
1.5 litres (2 ½ pints) chicken stock
100g (4oz) chopped cooked chicken
225g (8oz) bamboo shoots, tinned, drained
2 tsp freshly grated root ginger
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
½ tablsp tomato puree
1 tablsp soy sauce
1 tablsp cider vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
3 spring onions, finely chopped
salt and freshly ground pepper

Soak mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes, drain and chop. Soak noodles in cold water for 20 minutes, drain and cut into short lengths. Heat chicken stock in a large pan and bring to boil. Add mushrooms, chicken, bamboo shoots, ginger, garlic and noodles. Reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for 4 minutes, then add egg in a fine stream, stirring all the time. Remove pan from heat and add remaining ingredients, reserving a few spring onions to garnish. Season with salt and pepper and serve topped with spring onions. (4 servings)

Medieval ginger cordial
Favourite in monasteries. Stimulates the heart and circulation, warms right down to toes.

100g (4oz) dried figs
¼ tsp ground allspice
a few slices of ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
600ml (1 pint) ginger beer
1 tsp lemon juice

Stew figs in enough water to cover them, till soft, then blend to smooth paste. Return to pan, add spices and ginger beer and heat slowly. Simmer covered for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice. Strain and drink a cupful hot, when required. (2-3 servings)

Helping depression

Lemon balm tea

25g (1oz) fresh lemon balm leaves
600ml (1 pint) boiling water

Put in teapot, pour over boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink, hot or cold, up to four times a day (2-3 servings)

Carob inspiration
Comforting and grounding drink. Cardamoms have ability to dispel the mucus-forming properties of milk. Do not boil the cardamoms.

600 ml (1 pint) milk or soya milk
4 tsp carob powder
5 cardamom pods, crushed
honey to taste

Add 1 tablesp milk to carob powder and stir to smooth paste. Heat rest of milk in pan, add cardamom podsss, cover and keep almost at simmering point for 20-30 minutes. Strain the milk, return to pan and add carob paste. Stir and heat gently for further 2 minutes. Remove from heat (2-3 servings)

Mood lifting tea
Cardamoms lift the spirits, dispel cold and depression, restore strength and vitality, also induces a calm, meditative state of mind.

600ml (1 pint) cold water
4 black peppercorns
4 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
a few slices of fresh root ginger
milk and/or honey to taste

Place water and spices in pan, heat to nearly boiling (never boil). Cover and simmer for an hour. Strain and serve. Add a little milk and/or honey if you like. Drink a cupful 2-3 times daily (2-3 servings)

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