Black Tea : Black tea is a chock-full of astringent compounds called tannins that can help deflate and tighten the bags under your eyes. First activate the tannins in a tea bag by dipping it in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Cool the tea, then place the damp tea bag as a compress to the closed eyes for 15 minutes to 20 minutes.

Strawberries : Crush a few a strawberries and mix with some baking soda and water to make into a paste. Apply the paste to soft-bristle toothbrush and buff your teeth for a few minutes once every three or four months.

Dark Chocolate : Although deemed as sinful, a square or two of dark chocolate can be more effective than codeine at suppressing persistent coughs without the side effect of drowsiness

Vinegar : Soak feet nightly in one part vinegar and two parts water to eliminate odoriferous bacteria

Garlic : Gargle twice daily with a solution of pressed garlic cloves mixed into a glass of warm water. Repeat the procedure for three to four days. Study shows that garlic juice has microbial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria. Warm water soothes inflamed tissue.

Ginger : Infuse fresh ginger in hot water snd then freeze the concoction in ice cube trays. When they are turned into ice, suck the cubes to quell nausea especially during pregnancy or after surgery.

Lemon Juice : Gargle with a small cup of acidic lemon juice can neutralize odour and last 12-24 hours.

Oats : Put whole oats in a soup bag or a clean sock. Tie the open end with a rubber band, and drop the sock in a warm bath. Soak for 15 - 20 minutes. The avenanthramides found in oats is said to calm inflamed itchy skin

Olive Oil : Apply a dab of olive oil two to three times a day to sooth, soften and lubricate dry lips. Olive oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.