Ginger

Everyone knows the sweet, hot taste of Ginger. Ginger Ale, Ginger Snaps, Gingerbread, Pickled Ginger, Crystalized Ginger.... Check out Emeril Lagasse's Ginger Syrup recipes at www.emerils.com; version three made with Dry Lime Tea is a beautiful thing.

But Ginger's heat is good for you, too. For instance, a small piece of crystalized ginger can be just the thing to ease stomachaches caused by overeating. It is also used as a preventative for seasickness.

In the winter, at the first sign of a cold (With herbal medicine catching things early is key - pay attention to yourself.) add an ounce of dried ginger to a bath drawn as hot as you can stand it. You may add it loose if you don't mind the cleanup or, since you probably will as you're not feeling 100%, tie it up in a couple of layers of cheesecloth making a sort of giant teabag. Emerse yourself in the bath, allowing the ginger steam to ease your sinuses and lungs, and the Ginger itself to detox and warm your body. If you sweat, all the better. Follow up with a warm shower, wrap yourself up warm, and rest.