HERE'S HOW TO USE THE CONTENTS OF YOUR KITCHEN CUPBOARD AS HEALTH AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS

ONIONS Onions can help draw out inflammation caused by colds / congestion. Boil one onion whole until soft. Cool until the core can be removed and place it in the well of the ear for ten minutes.

GARLIC Garlic is renowned as a cure-all, which helps to lower cholesterol and fight colds, flu and bronchitis. It has a strong bacterial action that is good for throat infections and can help combat high blood pressure and hypertension. Try baking it whole with the skin on for 20-25 minutes. As an appetiser to a meal, it helps stimulate gastric juices.

SUGAR Sugar an excellent exfoliator for dry skin on elbows, heels hands. Before bathing, rub sugar all over the dry areas, in upward circular movements towards the heart. Rinse off. To soften work-worn hands, sprinkle a few drops of olive oil onto the palm and add a teaspoon of sugar. Rub in, then rinse and dry. It's cheaper than moisturisers.

BANANAS Bananas are rich in the mineral potassium, which promotes the efficient disposal of body wastes. Hence ripe bananas can help relieve constipation and under-ripe bananas can ease diarrhoea. The inside of the banana skin is known for its effectiveness in drawing the dirt from clogged skin. Rub it over your black-heads and leave for 15 minutes before you wash off. A banana mashed with honey and applied to the face leaves you with soft skin. Leave for ten minutes then rinse off.