9 Natural Health and Beauty Recipes

Ethnobotanist and author James Wong has a lifelong passion for plants -- and it's culminated in the hit BBC TV series Grow Your Own Drugs and book of the same name. In the series and book Wong uses natural ingredients to create potent remedies for everything from arthritis to anxiety.

We've collected several of our favorite recipes from Wong's book on the following pages. Try them and see if "growing your own drugs" cures what ails you.

And don't forget to check out our interview with Wong.

Carrot and Aloe Natural Sunburn Treatment

The gel from the fleshy leaves of the aloe vera plant soothes and heals sunburn and other minor wounds. This gentle preparation, applied topically, can be used on children, too.

Dry and Chapped Skin Treatment

This gentle salve treats chapped hand and skin inflammations with marigold flowers and St. John’s wort.

Natural Acne Treatment

This acne treatment incorporates lavender and bright orange marigolds, which are anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Marigolds also contain salicylic acid, which is used in many over-the-counter acne treatments.

Morning and Motion Sickness Remedy

Ginger acts as a safe and effective treatment for both morning and motion sickness.

Natural Hangover Cure

Kiwifruit and feverfew -- a gentle analgesic for headaches -- come together in this morning-after smoothie.

Cold Feet Remedy

Apply this hot oil to your feet every night before bed to improve circulation and to help prevent cold feet and chilblains.

Immune Booster

This immune-boosting soup is packed with nutrients that help to improve your health and ease the symptoms of colds and flu.

Restorative Treatment

The nettles in this restorative soup are packed with nourishing vitamins and minerals that help build natural immunity and protect from infections.