Ginger   Apart from its versatility in cooking, ginger has important therapeutic benefits. Make a tea by peeling and chopping about one inch of the root and infusing it in boiling water. Drink it to relieve colds or stomach problems. For nausea or travel sickness a child can be given a ginger biscuit, cake, crystallised ginger or ginger ale, as  they all ease symptoms.

Cumin        The black variety is widely used in Eastern cultures to tackle an impressive variety of ailments. It's especially good for helping to prevent blood platelets sticking together and clotting, fighting bacteria, protecting the heart and for relieving heartburn, indigestion and bloating.

Juniper berries     Best known as an ingredient of gin, juniper berries have been employed in cooking and for medicinal benefits since ancient Egyptian times. Juniper berries have traditionally been used to disinfect the urinary tract, particularly in cases of cystitis. However, they can irritate the kidneys if used for a long time, so an infusion of berries in water should be taken only as long as the discomfort lasts.

Cinnamon    A particularly warming spice, it's good blended with turmeric and coriander for many types of ailment. Cinnamon gets rid of many bugs, particularly in the gut, and eases muscle pain.