The new food cures

Eczema: oats

How it works
'In eczema sufferers, the skin's top layer of fat breaks down. Oats contain healthy polyunsaturated fats, plus vitamin E, and can replace the lost fats to bind, moisturise and protect your skin,' says nutritional therapist Lynn Alford-Burow. Oats also contain B vitamins and minerals, such as copper, zinc and iron, which are known to help keep skin healthy.

Try this
As well as eating oats, Alford-Burow says, 'Grind a handful of oats in a food processor to make a fine powder, put this in a pair of tights or some muslin and put it under the tap when you're running a bath. This makes a colloid (milky emulsion), which helps to keep fluids inside skin cells and water out. You can also use the tights like a sponge when you're in the bath.'

Travel sickness: ginger

How it works
A study by German researchers discovered that ginger has a direct effect on your digestive system, helping to quell nausea. Experts are still not sure exactly why the root has this effect, but it is known that the active essential oils in ginger, which give it its distinctive smell, are what help to combat feelings of sickness.

Try this
You can buy ginger tablets to help with nausea or you can fill a small Thermos flask with hot water and a few slices of fresh ginger to sip on your journey.

Cystitis: blueberries

How it works
'People know about using cranberries to treat cystitis, but blueberries are an easier alternative,' says registered nutritionist Carina Norris.

'Blueberries contain the same compound found in cranberries that helps to tackle the infection, just in slightly smaller quantities. Blueberries are easier to buy fresh than cranberries, so you're more likely to keep some handy in your fridge, and it means you're not relying on supplements or sweetened juice to tackle your problems.'

Try this
Eating a large cupful of blueberries every day could be enough to ward off cystitis and it'll count as one of your five-a-day, plus blueberries contain powerful antioxidants.

Period pain: leafy greens

How it works
'Women suffering from severe period pain and PMS tend to have high oestrogen levels, but making dietary changes can help to lower them,' says nutritional therapist Alford-Burow. Eating foods rich in magnesium can also soothe period pain. 'Magnesium is needed for healthy muscle function so if you're deficient, you can suffer from cramps.'

Try this
'Eat plenty of leafy green veg and have a handful of nuts and seeds every day. But try to eat these foods daily, rather than waiting till you have period pain, to keep balanced,' says Alford-Burow. 'Also, cutting down on refined carbohydrates and increasing your intake of oily fish that's rich in omega-3 should help.'

Tension headaches: curry spices

How it works
A 2006 study funded by the Scottish Executive found that many of the spices in curry, such as cumin, turmeric and paprika, contain salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. 'It's true!' says nutritionist Carina Norris. 'The amount of salicylic acid you find in a portion of hot curry is slightly more than you would find in a low-dose aspirin tablet.'

Try this
Eat curry spices every day to keep headaches at bay – try sprinkling them on salads or adding them to sauces. Norris suggests: 'Make a tandoori-style dish by mixing curry spices with yogurt, coating a chicken breast with the mixture, then baking.'

Toothache: cloves

How it works
'Clove oil isn't exactly a cure, but it does contain sedative properties that numb the tooth,' says Leigh Greenwood from the British Dental Health Foundation. 'It won't repair dental problems such as cavities, but it can ease the pain of toothache.'

Try this
If you have toothache, you should always see your dentist. Until then, instead of diving for the nearest packet of paracetamol, you could rub a little clove oil along your gums to help you cope with the pain.

Although clove oil can be helpful in reducing symptoms, it should always be used sparingly and in a very diluted form. Using undiluted clove oil in the mouth can cause tissue damage and so should be avoided. Seek dental advice before considering using it.

Clove oil is widely available in health stores and pharmacies.

Thrush: meat and two veg

How it works
'Low iron levels are often an underlying cause of persistent thrush,' says Dr Sarah Brewer, GP. 'The trouble is that white blood cells, which fight infection, need iron to produce the chemicals that destroy yeast. Even if your iron levels are not low enough to cause anaemia, it can still make you more susceptible.'

Try this
'The best source of iron is red meat,' says Brewer, 'but green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are also great. Just remember to have the vegetables with some vitamin C, such as a glass of orange juice, to help your body absorb the iron.'