For many of us, when the weather starts to turn cooler, we start to think about boosting our immune systems to ward off winter's cold and flues. In Thailand winter is still by Western standards reasonably warm. The North-east tends to be generally cooler than Bangkok, with temperatures dropping into the mid 20°C. As the winter chill sets in many turn to simple, yet effective natural remedies to warm the body and build up the immune system. Next time you're feeling unwell, try some of these Thai herbal remedies!

As you continue to clean out your garden beds for the end of the season, consider using some of the yarrow that you are cutting back for not only your compost pile but also for your skin. [For more about the advantages of growing yarrow in your garden, see Yarrow, the plant doctor.] (It so happens that the yarrow in my own gardens is still doing quite well. In fact, the 'Oretal Petals' even has some blooms, and it is now October.) Yarrow has excellent astringent qualities that makes it a good choice for cosmetic purposes. These astringent qualities make its use very effective for those individuals with oily skin. When yarrow is combined with nettle - an herb that cleanses and improves circulation - a cleanser for oily or problem skin can easily be created.