London : Turmeric may quite literally be the very spice of life, helping the body ward off blood cancer and ensuring Indian children have a lower incidence of leukaemia than Western countries, scientists have said.

The research, by US Indian Dr. M. Nagabhushan and Mumbai nutritionist V. Ramaswamy, ecited considerable interest at the just-concluded, first-ever international conference on the causes of childhood leukaemia. Nagabhushan's research highlights turmeric's anti-oxidant properties, which can protect against environmental chemicals that damage DNA. The scientist said the humble 'haldi', of which India is the world's major producer and overwhelming consumer, contains Curcumin.

To lighten stretch marks after a delivery,

- Mix turmeric powder with salt to make a paste.

- Gently run the mixture on the marks area.

- Wash off with warm water.

The marks will diminish gradually. Use this remedy during the night time while sleeping.

This is a simple yet effective remedy for sleeplessness. Just before climbing into bed, slice an onion, hold it to your nose and deeply inhale its odour. This will always make you yawn.

Or if your tendency is to awaken in the middle of the night and remain wakeful, then put an onion slice in a covered jar and keep it on your bed-table. When you awaken, sniff the jar and then snooze.