Escape

Like everyone else. l turn to the medicine cabinet to dose myself up when l'm afflicted with a minor ailment.

l've got a sizeable stock of tablets and tonics to deal with aches and pains, and coughs and colds.

But l'm just as likely to give a herbal remedy a try, and l have a few favourites which l wouldn't be without.

Chamomile Tea:  l've been drinking this stuff, a couple of times a week on average, for years and l've never become used to the taste. lt's horrible. But add the juice of half a lemon to a mug full and it's much improved. The lemon juice  contains lots of vitamin C too. Chamomile tea is great for calming you down after a busy day and helps you sleep as well as being soothing for your system, and for indigestion and headaches.

Lavender and Jasmine Essential Oils: l keep a small bottle of each of these on my bedside table and put a couple of drops on the neckline of my nightwear before l go to sleep. The warmth of your skin boosts the aroma. A fragrant way to sweet dreams.

Wild Yam Root Capsules: lt strengthens the liver, lowers cholestrol and blood pressure, is an anti-inflammatory and eases pain and rhematism, boosts circulation and is excellent for 'female ailments'.

Hofels Ginger Pearles: A lovely warming spice for all types of nausea including morning sickness, great for helping to prevent travel sickness.

Olbas Oil: Contains eucalyptus oil and is one of the first things l reach for when l have a cold and blocked sinuses. Sprinkle a few drops on a handkerchief and breathe in the vapours to help clear your head.

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