Spinach and Sprouts moisten and lubricate and therefore counteract dryness and heat. Hence they are good for menopausal discomfort. This dish, according to traditional Chinese medicine, is also prescribed for headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure and constipation.

1 table spoon olive oil or butter.

1 garlic clove, pressed or diced.

1 bunch spinach, stems removed, leaves washed but not dried

1 cup bean sprouts

Naturally fermented soy sauce or sea salt to taste

Warm the oil in a wide skillet. add the garlic, cook over medium heat until it is aromatic and turns light gold i.e. for around 1 minute.

Add the spinach, bean sprouts and soy sauce or salt and lightly cook for about 3 minutes or until the spinach is bright green and limp and the sprouts are translucent. Season with pepper. Remove to a serving bowl and serve warm or at room temperature. Serves two to three and is a very good remedy for people suffering from the above mentioned ailments.

A hot steaming cup of milk is possibly the most comforting and soothing bedtime toddy for a good deep sleep. Heres a way to catch up on some really long shut-eye.

- Use the best quality milk available, warm it till piping hot.

- Sweeten it with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup per cup of milk.

- Whisk until frothy to aerate the milk.

- Serve with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon.

- Serve hot. And in an earthern cup if possible.  

An instant remedy for severe gastric trouble :-

• Powder five cloves and five black peppers finely.
• Add a cup of hot water and salt to it.
• Use this mixture when the gastro condition is acute.

- Powder some cardamom seeds.

- Take a bit of cinnamon.

- Boil both spices in water.

- Add salt when water comes to the boil.

- Filter this well, and use it for gargling a sore throat. 

Brings instant relief to sore throats and prevents further infection.

If a person is prone to persistant cough which doesn't subside despite medication, he can try out these home remedies :

1. Take 2 teaspoons of ground and powdered black pepper.

2. Take 2 tablespoons of sugar.

3. Take 1 cup of water. Put the sugar and pepper in the water and boil it till the quantity is reduced to half a cup.

If this mixture is consumed regularly for seven days, the cough will diappear.