Insomnia The white latex from the stem of a freshly picked lettuce is known as 'lettuce opium' as it looks and works in much the same way as the opium poppy. It has a sedative effect and lettuce tea is an old English recipe for inducing sleep. Mint helps to counteract the slight bitterness of the lettuce.
English Lettuce Tea: Simmer 3-4 large lettuce leaves in 300ml (half a pint) water for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 sprigs of fresh mint. Strain and drink before bed.
High blood pressure Garlic and olive oil have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. They reduce cholesterol, open the arteries and help reduce the chance of heart attacks and strokes. The basil in pesto helps to reduce stress while the antioxidant vitamins in peppers, tomatoes and cucumber help protect the heart and arteries.
Spanish Gazpacho: A medium cucumber, 1 large onion, 3 garlic cloves, 3 chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 dsp tomato puree, 1 tsp pesto sauce, 1 finely chopped green pepper, 700ml (pint) tomato juice, salt and freshly ground pepper.
Dice cucumber. Blend the onion, garlic and tomatoes in a liquidiser or food processor (or grate onion and garlic and finely chop tomatoes). Add the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, tomato puree and pesto.
Add this mixture to the cucumber and green pepper. Add tomato juice and season. Cover and chill for six hours. Serve cold with croutons and freshly ground pepper. Serves four.
Irritable bowel Eating plenty of non-cereal fibre will help, cumin will aid digestion by relaxing gut spasms and garlic, thyme and oregano zaps candida in the bowel while live yoghurt helps re-establish healthy bacteria. The papaya in this drink will aid digestion and soothe the gut. Lime and honey will help balance the bacteria and regulate bowels. The coconut milk - a nerve tonic - is rich in B vitamins, reduces tension and calms bowel irritation.
Papaya and Coconut Dream: 6 chunks fresh or dried papaya, juice of 1 lime, 1 tsp honey, 300ml (half a pint) coconut milk, sliced lime to garnish. The dried papaya will need to be cooked in a little water until soft, then drained. Blend the papaya, lime juice, honey and coconut milk together in the blender, pour into a glass and garnish with a slice of lime. One serving.
Fluid retention This can be caused by serious problems such as kidney and heart conditions and in women is often cyclical, occurring in the days leading up to a period. Cut down on salty foods. The relationship between sodium and potassium in the body means that the more potassium you take in, the more sodium you excrete - so potassium-rich drinks with diuretic properties, made from fruits such as bananas, apples, cherries, carrots, cucumber, parsley and celery are excellent.
French Potassium Juice: This high-potassium cocktail works as a diuretic to cleanse and nourish the system. 1 bunch washed watercress, 3 large carrots, washed and cubed, 3 large sticks celery, washed and chopped, 6 sprigs parsley. Juice all the ingredients, then stir together and garnish with chopped parsley. One serving.
Cystitis Many women suffer bladder infections including cystitis which is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract. Drinking 3-4 litres of water daily helps flush toxins and bacteria from the system.
Cranberry juice has been researched for its ability to prevent and clear urinary infections and works by stopping bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. It also has a diuretic and antiseptic effect.
American Cranberry Juice: 450g (1lb) fresh cranberries (defrosted if frozen), 2 litres (3 pints) water, honey or sugar, natural live yogurt (optional). Place cranberries in a large pan with the water and bring to the boil, simmering on a low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove and strain. Stir in honey or sugar to taste. Leave to cool before drinking. This should keep for four or five days in the refrigerator. Stir in 1-2 tsp of live yogurt when serving for a smoother drink.
Kitchen basics
Coriander: The volatile oils in the seeds are antibacterial and help combat digestive tract infection. Good for colds.
Barley: This grain is loaded with calcium, potassium, protein, vitamins B and E. An excellent anti-inflammatory and food for convalescence.
Oats: Lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. Also lower blood sugar, so a perfect food for diabetics.
Almonds: These nuts contain mono-unsaturated fats which help reduce cholesterol and their vitamin E aids prevention of heart disease.
Apricots: Vitamins A and C help protect against arterial disease. The betacarotene has been shown to protect against many cancers.
Cayenne: This pepper burns the tongue, which triggers endorphins - opiate-like substances that block pain. Good for sinusitis.
Sweet basil: An effective expectorant and brochial relaxant for coughs.
Rosemary: Chases away sore throats, colds, flu, fevers and chest infections. Also stimulates circulation.
Spinach: Folic acid helps prevent anaemia. Carotenoids help protect against macular degeneration - a cause of blindness in the elderly.
Watercress: Can act on kidneys and bladder. Also believed to boost sex drive. |
