FRANGIPANI or PLUMERIA {Plumeriasp.) is one of the most prolific flowers in tropical Asia. The waxy aromatic blooms fall constantly from the tree of the same name; consequently, they are commonly used in offerings and ceremonies and to decorate religious icons. The plumeria tree is often planted on grave sites in the region.

The HIBISCUS LEAF {Hibiscus sp.) is the sole ingredient of a traditional form of shampoo. When they are crushed and boiled in a little water the leaves' sap forms a sticky, dark-coloured paste that has cleansing properties. The leaf has also traditionally been used as a cleanser in a variety of skin care preparations.

HIBISCUS FLOWERS {Hibiscus p.) are believed to hold certain supernatural powers which absorb negativity and bad spells. The traditional red, orange, yellow and pink blooms have a sweet nectar. They are used for ornamentation purposes and are often found on religious statues. They are also used as an emolient in skin care.

JASMINE {Jasminum sp,) is another of tropical Asias most sweet-smelling flowers. In Thailand, it is a symbol of friendship, and is often strung into garlands and offered to people as a welcome gift and to Buddha as a sign of gratitude. This tiny bud is woven into hair for wedding ceremonies in Java.

TROPICAL GARDENIA (Gardenia jasminoides) is regarded almost as an emblem of the tropics, due o its beautifully strong aroma. In many tropical Asian households, the blooms are put in a bowl of water and displayed in the home where their strong scent permeates into the environment.

TROPICAL MAGNOLIA or CHAMPAK (Michelia Champaca) is renowned for its cooling and healing powers with spesific anti-malarial properties. Its petite web of elegant white petals exudes a scent as sweet as syrup. Like most of her sisters, it is used in prayer ritual and for bathing.

PANDANS LEAF {Pandanus amary lUfolius) is a versatile leaf grown in most gardens, apotik hidu? (which translates as the 'heal;ng pharmacy') in Indonesia. Thanks to its earthy and sweet aroma this practical leaf is a popular base for cakes and is infused into oils for hair and skin care. It is also used in virtually all Balinese offerings to the Gods.

GINGER {Zingiber officinale) is eaten cooked or infused raw into drinks, as a remedy for stomach aches and menstrual pains. M/th says that ginger is key to assisting mans endurance in love-making due to the phallic shape of the rhizome! Used externally, ginger is applied to the body to relieve aching muscles and increase blood circulation.

MINT (Mentha arvensis) is a blood cleansing plant because it is antiseptic and antibacterial. It is most commonly taken as a tea simlpy by infusing a few leaves in boiling water, in order to help clear the complexion. It is also mixed with the creme bath conditioner and rubbed into the scalp to combat dandruff and stimulate hair follicles for growth.

LEMON GRASS {Cymbopogon citratw) is a key flavouring in Asian cuisine, resembling lemon rind more closely than the juice. The swollen base of the stem is used, but the whole stalk should be soaked before use. It is eaten to speed up a slow digestive system; its oil is good for calming hot, perspiring feet. Burn the oil for an effective room deodorizer.

BETEL LEAF {Piper betle) is an astringent leaf, associated with feminine cleanliness: it is used as a sanitary wipe and as a cleanser when added to bath water. The fresh leaves are cooling on a hot body. It makes a bitter tea believed to help 'dry the vagina" and purify the blood. Both the nut and the leaf are also chewed for a mild stimulating effect.

GALANGAL (Alpinia galanga) is a rhizome in the ginger family. It has a complex and earthy taste and a purgency and tang quite unlike common ginger. It is most commonly used in cooking, but its faint aroma of camphor makes it one of the spices used in traditional, warming body scrubs such as the Indonesian "Boreh".