Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS):

1. Avoid salty food, cold beverages, caffeine in all forms (coffee, chocolate, black tea), alcohol.
2. Increase intake of certain vegetables/fruits like strawberries, watermelon (eat the seeds, too!), asparagus, watercress.
3. Take figs, dates, bananas, potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes (these are rich in potassium).
4. Try dong quai (also known as the female ginseng, it helps to improve circulation, regulate liver function and help remove excess fluid/water from the system).
5. Put warm compress on the lower belly.
6. Rest.
7. Sip an herbal tea like chamomile or ginger.

Skin rashes:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of cold water. Apply on the affected area to bring down swelling and remove the heat from the skin.
2. Pour 2 drops of olive oil and rub gently on the skin.
3. Rub fresh aloe vera (sabila). It sometimes helps, too.

Stomach ache:

For instant relief, take a hot cup of ginger tea. Place a hot bag on your tummy or simply, place your right hand (the giving hand, which emits energy) on your tummy for 5 minutes. It is better if the hand that warms your tummy belongs to your beloved because you don't only get warmth but love, too!

Skin waker-upper

Wrap an ice cube in a towelette and pat gently on your skin. Tired-looking, dull complexion will get back its pinkish glow. The regimen is great for closing pores and freshening makeup. Pat dry.

Rice water (am)

In the old days, grandmothers used to give their grandchildren rice water (taken from rice that is being cooked), to ease a gassy tummy and colic.

Ginger

Add a cup of freshly grated ginger (about 1 tbsp) to a pot of hot water. The drink will warm the tummy, aid digestion, remove gases and raise the thermogenic (heat) level of the body (needed for fat burning). This is a dieter’s choice.

Parsley

Oh yes! It’s not only for decorative purposes. Parsley is a natural deodorizer.

So if you have eaten too much odorous food, munch on a sprig of parsley. No need to swallow but best if you do. To take as tea, steep fresh sprigs in a pot of boiling water for five minutes. The tea is ready when water becomes greenish. This is a digestive. It also deodorizes the body naturally resulting in a fresh scent. That’s guaranteed.