Coriander

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This pungent herb can be bought as leaves or as dried seeds can be used in preparations to relieve sinus problems, headaches, colds and even cystitis.

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For sinus problems and related headaches : boil 4 tablespoons of coriander seeds in water and inhale the steam. Cover your head with a cloth or towel so that none of the steam escapes.

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For colds and flu : brown 4 tablespoons of seeds in a frying pan (making sure they do not roast or burn). Then boil the browned seeds in 4 cups of water with 4 slices of root ginger. Boil to reduce the liquid 2 cups, strain the mixture and drink. A small amount of sugar may be added if desired.

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For cystitis : boil 4 tablespoons of seeds in 4 cups. Drink until the quantity is reduced to 2 cups. Drink this solution every day for a week. This will ease the burning sensation when passing urine, and will make it clear and alkaline.

For headaches and fever. heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil in a saucepan. Soak a cloth in the solution and apply to the forehead. Dip the cloth into the oil at intervals to keep it moist.

For rheumatism : mustard as a fomentation relieves aches and pains. Massage the body with upward movements.

For sore feet : fill a basin with hot water and pains.

For cold hands and feet : massage them with a mixture of warm mustard and sesame seed oils.

Curry Leaves

For period pains : combine 1 cup of curry leaves with 1-1/2 tablespoons cumin seeds and 5 cups of water. Boil the mixture until it is reduced to 2 cups. Take this three times a day. 

It, used extensively in Ayurveda and increasingly in the West, is effective in treating indigestion and relieving chest pain and toothache. Garlic in the reduced cholesterol levels. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

To treat chest pain : boil a few cloves of the cloves of garlic in 2 cups of water until tender. Crush the cloves, mix with the cooking water, drink.

For toothache : crush a clove of garlic and apply to the affected tooth. (An alternative is to fill the tooth cavity with a small piece of cotton wool dipped in cinnamon or clove oil.)

This is available fresh or as a dry powder. The fresh rhizome is more effective as a remedy; the powder, being more concentrated, should be used in small quantities.

For indigestion : crush fresh root ginger to extract the juice. Mix with the juice of a lime and lemon, and add a pinch of salt, Drink. Alternatively, chew a small piece of root ginger and swallow the juices which are released.

For coughs and sore throats : crush a 5 cm (2in) piece of root ginger to extract the juice. Add the juice to 1 tablespoons of lime juice. Sip four times a day.

For fungal infections in the mouth : rub the tongue with a piece of ginger.

For a furry tongue : rub the tongue with a piece of ginger.

For diarrhoea : combine 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds, 5-10 curry leaves, a pinch of salt and 4 cups of water. Boil the mixture until is reduced to 2 cups. Drink three times a day.

For bee and wasp stings : rub on the effected area.

For burning hands and feet : massage with ghee or butter. Alternatively bath the body with fresh milk.

It is available from Indian greengrocers. The fruit is said to be tonic and calminative and good for the liver sand spleen.

  For mild non-insulin-dependent diabetes : Boil and cut 2 Karella into small pieces and eat, with the seeds. Repeat in the morning and the evening.

For dizziness : add the juice of a lemon or lime to half a glass of soda water. Add some crushed ice if you wish. Sip in small doses.