Apples can deal with diarrhoea and gastric disturbances, as they contain malic and tartaric acids, which regulate stomach acidity. Grate a raw apple, wait for it to turn brown, then eat it - it will calm your, stomach and restore bowel function too normal.

Apple cider vinegar gets to grips with athlete's foot - add four teaspoons of this anti-fungal remedy to a footbath and soak your feet twice a day.

Banana Skin is a great first-aid dressing. It contains a newly identified substance called esterified vitamin F, which fights infection. Place the inside of a freshly peeled banana skin onto a wound and loosely bind with a bandage; renew every three or four hour. If the wound swells, gets hot or becomes tender, draw out the inflammation with a poultice of potato (pile raw, grated potato on the wound and cover with gauze for two to tour hours, repeat if necessary). If it's red, swollen or intensely tender for more than 24 hours, or if pus starts to form, see your GP.

Cloves ease toothache. wrap one or two of these natural antiseptics in cotton wool and tuck into a cavity for almost instant relief. Chewing fresh ginger has a similar effect. But do make an appointment to see your dentist.

Cranberry juice cure cystitis. It dislodges the E. coli bacterium that causes the infection from the wall of the bladder and flushes the germs out of the body. It is suggested that you should drink between one glass and one litre of cranberry juice a day during an attack.

Garlic is good for fighting infection. Its antiseptic, cleansing action works throughout the body. Crush it up and rub it on your chest when You have a cold, or dab it on ringworm and insect bites.

Honey helps mild burns. Dab some on once the skin has cooled. It's an antiseptic and speeds up the healing of wounds, including mouth and body ulcers. And it can draw poisons and pus out of an infected wound or ulcer, or bring boils to a head. But don't use greasy ointments, butter or other fats on burns.

Lemons are good for calming skin rashes, including shingles. At the first signs of irritation, rub the rash with a freshly
cut lemon. A salt bath can also reduce the pain and dry up shingle blisters. 0 Curing bad breath that is due to infection. Drink diluted lemon juice or juices that are high in beta-carotene, such as carrot or tomato. 0 Stopping nosebleeds. Lemon's astringent action stops the bleeding. A few drops of lemon juice on a cotton wool swab will encourage clotting.

Oatmeal is healing and soothing to sore, inflamed skin. Rub the area with moistened fine oatmeal. You can also use it to slough off thickened skin caused by psoriasis.

Olive oil makes a good anti-inflammatory rub for rheumatism and muscle strains and sprains, especially when combined with grated garlic.

Onion can stop the pain of bee stings. Place a fresh slice of this anti-inflammatory vegetable over the area before very gently prising out the sting with a sharp knife. 0 make a poultice for chilblains. Apply to toes and cover with a bandage; reapply every two-four hours.

Pineapple works wonders on warts. Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that can break down a wart, so rub on a slice or apply pineapple juice several times a day until it disappears. Crushed pineapple can also help heal ulcers and wounds ~ pile it on and cover with a bandage.

Potato can treat burns, cracked skin and swollen eyelids, because of its ability to soothe inflammation and aid healing. Grate a potato, mix it with olive oil and apply; secure with a bandage.

Sea salt can clean your teeth and make them sparkle. Make a powder of two tablespoons of fine sea salt and three tablespoons of carbonate of soda; store in a dry, airtight container. Shake a little of the mixture into your hand and pick it up with a damp toothbrush.

Thyme clears up dandruff. Boil four heaped tablespoons in half a litre of water for 10 minutes, let it cool, then massage half the liquid into your scalp. Don't rinse; just let its astringent, disinfectant qualities continue working. Use the rest the following day.

Tomatoes ease insect bites. Simply apply a slice of the raw fruit to the affected area. The juice also makes an effective lotion for acne.

Walnuts are wizards for sore gums and preventing tooth decay. Chew one or two each day for about three minutes, then swallow.

Yoghurt clears up thrush by helping to restore the natural balance in the vagina. Apply the plain, live variety two or three times a day.