ou don't need a massive acreage to benefit either – herbs grow like mad in pots and you can often find beneficial plants growing in the wild.

Nettles are often used in shampoos and conditioners because they give hair a healthy shine and are known to soothe an irritated scalp. But there's no need to spend a fortune on posh hair products when you can make your own nettle hair rinse.

Pick a handful of nettles (remember to wear gloves), wash and boil in water. Once cool, squeeze out the leaves and discard. After shampooing, rinse your hair with the leftover cold liquid then rinse again with warm water for a glossy finish.

Parsley was once believed to protect people from evil spirits and sprinkling it on food was believed to make it safe to eat. Bad spirits or not, we know that parsley is a great antidote to bad breath and it's good for settling an upset tummy. If you've overdone the wine, the garlic or simply feel a bit bloated, chew a few sprigs of parsley after your meal. It's also full of vitamin C, which is essential for glowing skin.

You might be fond of putting basil in a tomato salad or pasta sauce, but it's also great for oily or spotty skin. Steep a handful of fresh leaves in hot water for five to 10 minutes, add a teaspoon of honey as a skin softener, then add to bath water. Keep a smaller amount in a bottle in the fridge and use as a facial toner.

In folklore, basil has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac – which is presumably why it's used in many perfumes and aftershaves. Experts recommend you eat a handful of leaves four times a day for three days to light the flames of passion – or you could just add a handful of leaves to soups and stews before serving.

If you're kept awake after eating heavy meals, try a natural after-dinner mint.

Peppermint helps your stomach digest food and suppress the appetite. Pour boiling water on to three or four leaves and drink after a meal. Add honey or sugar if you're not keen on the taste.

Lastly, if you're feeling a little sluggish, rosemary is a more potent pick-me-up. Put a handful of rosemary stalks in hot water for 10 minutes and add a little lemon juice and honey if you have a sweet tooth.