If you suffer from heartburn, try adding apples to your daily diet. The pectin in them settles your stomach by absorbing the acid. Opt for sweeter versions, like golden delicious, for the best results.

Studies suggest that the irritability and mood swings associated with menstruation could be caused by low blood calcium levels; up your calcium intake not just with dairy products, but by snacking on broccoli and leafy green vegetables.

Cranberries are packed full of proanthocyanidins, a compound which can help combat E. coli, the bacteria which causes urinary tract infections (UTI). If you’re prone to UTIs, one or two glasses of 20% pure cranberry juice can help prevent them coming back.

There really is something to this age-old remedy; placing cold cucumber slices over your eyes cools the skin and reduces puffiness, as well as fitting perfectly to the contours of your eyes.

Recent research has suggested that ginger is an effective pain reliever when it comes to period pain. Try a mug of ginger tea to improve blood flow and reduce muscle inflammation and banish those cramps.

With its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal can work a treat on rashes and eczema. Grind 1/3 cup of plain oatmeal in to a powder, before adding to a lukewarm bath.

Prunes contain two substances that act like a natural laxative, and are also a great source of insoluble fibre, which helps to bulk up waste when you’re feeling constipated.

Rough, dry patches of skin, especially on your knees, elbows and heels, can benefit from a scrub with sea salt. Mix up with olive oil or a light massage oil to make a moist paste and get exfoliating.

Trick your stomach muscles in to quitting those annoying hiccup-spasms by placing a teaspoon of sugar under your tongue. The sweetness kick-starts the vagus nerve, which controls the diaphragm.

Thanks to its curcumin compounds, turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be used as an antibiotic ointment on superficial wounds. Pat a little powder on to the cut or scrape for a fast food fix.