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Natural remedies

We all know that herbal remedies can be expensive, and in times of economical difficulty, what are the alternatives?

Recent research suggests that Britain's hedgerow plants are bursting with vitamins and antioxidants and can potentially be used to treat conditions such as headaches and high blood pressure.

We investigate which of the UK's wild plants have been hailed as the new 'wonder drugs' and how they can help ease common ailments.

Rosehips(http://estb.msn.com/i/2E/86EEC73C7EBA86A5FC3EF4DFFC3.jpg)      High in Vitamin C and iron, rosehips are commonly brewed into tea and can help ease discomfort caused during menstruation.  They can also help keep headaches, bladder infections and arthritis at bay.


  Lemon grass      (http://estb.msn.com/i/2C/DB723AE8DC19ABED825D5A11FD2C7.jpg)   Lemon grass is most commonly used in teas, soups and curries and can offer relief from mild stomach and gut problems, as well as helping to lower cholesterol.

Nettles  (http://estb.msn.com/i/59/E174A629778D7C5D7E51F3184155F.jpg) Although they are high in nutrients, nettles are necessarily something you'd want to eat.  Sometimes made into soup, this plant has been used since ancient Greek times to treat high cholesterol and arthritis.


Sloes    (http://estb.msn.com/i/28/5DAD36634DCC97F5B3824434E94F.jpg)  Not dissimilar to the plum, this fruit is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants and has been connected to the prevention of heart disease.


Hops    (http://estb.msn.com/i/20/9658D649F88727C51F9F5912FDD70.jpg) Sometimes found in beer, but perhaps more useful for treating insomnia, anxiety and restlessness.


Echinacea  (http://estb.msn.com/i/B4/E444EAEF9E0F3C660908B9EC5EDD3.jpg)  If you want to help prevent picking up a cold this Winter then grab yourself some Echinacea.


Hazelnuts (http://estb.msn.com/i/22/2A40B5B1553848C4CAF2E62A3EB88.jpg)Rich in antioxidants and a good source of fibre, hazelnuts are thought to help ward off serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.


Blackberries  (http://estb.msn.com/i/E6/136D7AAFC1A83B4185C47753A01A.jpg)
Blackberries contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants in any fruit, and have recently been tested for use against lung cancer in women.

Feverfew  (http://estb.msn.com/i/27/17D26A8AA8379B4B43FD55D12490.jpg)  Feverfew is a traditional, medicinal herb which has been used to treat fever, headaches, digestive problems and arthritis.

Hawthorn  (http://estb.msn.com/i/A5/231639F54ADD3DE972862C72DBA8FB.jpg)  Hawthorn fruits are full of flavonoids and vitamins and are often associated with the treatment of heart and circulatory problems.

Bilberries  (http://estb.msn.com/i/2E/CF9AA7B264209E218AF13A9E10F051.jpg)  Bilberries are a deep blue fruit which contain high levels anthocyanin pigments, perfect for helping heart and eye ailments

Elderberries (http://estb.msn.com/i/CD/BCE9237FFE9515386A8E11E721593.jpg)  Sometimes made into wine or tea, Elderberries are rich in antioxidant compounds and may be used to help ease ulcers and diabetes.