Spring flowers and fruits look good, but are they also good for your health? JO HAYWOOD digs up some answers.

Tibetan monks who are feeling a bit under the weather are taught to soak flowers in a bucket of water and pour the liquid over themselves as part of the healing process.

This might seem a little extreme for western tastes, but it is possible for us to harness the healing powers of flowers and fruits without almost drowning.

Why not try these for size:

DANDELION

It's called the common dandelion but its healing properties are so well respected that it is one of the top six herbs in the Chinese herbal medicine chest. Dandelion root is widely used to treat indigestion, heartburn and constipation as well as to stimulate the flow of bile to aid toxin elimination from the bowel. Good 'n Natural Dandelion Root is available from Holland & Barrett for £6.99.

LOTUS BLOSSOM

The sacred flower of Ancient Egypt is the inspiration behind the new bath range by Fenjal, available exclusively at Boots from £6.45. La Femme Fenjal offers protection from free radicals, damaging environmental pollution and also combats moisture loss through the creation of a natural hydro-lipid balance.

MARIGOLD

Calendula oil, extracted from marigold petals, actively encourages normal blood flow to muscles to ease pain. It also provides fast, effective symptomatic relief from period pain. Pain-relieving Menastil, which lasts for up to six menstrual cycles, is available by mail order on 0845 658 8877 for £24.99 including p&p.

LAVENDER

Dedicated to Hecate, the goddess of witches and sorcerers, lavender has soothing and restorative properties and is popularly used as an essential oil. Create your own blend with the help of Holland & Barrett, where lavender oil is available for £3.49.

BUTTERBUR

Besides being a natural hayfever remedy, butterbur was used historically by unmarried women as part of a divination process to see if there was a husband in their future. FSC's Standardised Butterbur is available from all good health food shops priced £10.99 for 60 capsules.

CORNFLOWER

The blue cornflower is protected in the UK, but is grown in vast quantities in France, where it is cultivated by beauty company Pierre Fabr for its Klorane Eye Make-Up Remover (from £4.95). For stockist details, call 01202 780558.

BLACKCURRANTS

Just 100g gives you more than three times the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, which helps protect against heart disease, strokes and cancer and has general immunity-boosting qualities. Blackcurrant Oil Capsules from Holland & Barrett are priced £6.29 for 50.

ELDERBERRIES

Elderberries contain antioxidant pigments and help to support the body's immune system. Trilogy's Healthy Resistance contains elderberry, garlic, green tea and extra vitamin C, and is available at Boots for £9.99.

RASPBERRIES

The leaves can help alleviate menstrual cramps, reduce erratic food cravings, curb excessive bleeding and ease labour. Menopausal women also use raspberry leaf tablets (Holland & Barrett, £5.79) to promote healthy uterine tone and minimise hot flushes.

PINEAPPLES

This exotic fruit from the tropics contains the digestive enzyme bromelin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelin is available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, independent pharmacies and health food stores for £7.99.

APPLES

As far back as 3,000BC, Egyptians were using apple cider vinegar for weight loss. This is the main ingredient in Figure Trim 8 (£2.89 for a five-day programme from Boots and Superdrug), which supports the metabolism and helps curb cravings for sweet and fatty foods.

GRAPEFRUIT

Membranes and juice sacs provide an excellent source of water soluble fibre, which helps to reduce appetite and maintain bowel regularity. Grapefruit Pectin Fibre capsules are available for £5.79 at Holland & Barrett.

ORANGES

Oranges benefit the immune system, help lower cholesterol, improve iron absorption, and are an excellent source of vitamin C, your best defence against colds and flu. Vitamin C and zinc lozenges are available at Holland & Barrett for £2.99.

GRAPES

Grape seeds are a source of antioxidants that have a similar action to, and are more concentrated than, those found in red wine. Healthy Heart & Circulation (£9.99 from Boots) from the new Trilogy range is an excellent source of grape seed.

BILBERRIES

The dried berries and leaves are recommended for a wide variety of conditions, including scurvy, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, diabetes and diarrhoea. Modern research is partly based on its use by British First World War pilots, who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids. Holland & Barrett's Good n' Natural Bilberry is £10.99 for 100 tablets.

Updated: 08:56 Tuesday, April 13, 2004