CANDLENUT {Aleurites moluccana) is used in cooking across the Asian region. In skincare, the nuts soft and oily consistency makes it a wonderful 'scrub' ingredient. It also acts as soap because, when rubbed over the skin, it draws out impurities and, as proof, changes from creamy to dirty in colour.

CLOVES {Eugenia caryophyllus) have analgesic qualities and are traditionally used for pain relief, especially for toothache. They are also antiseptic, increase overall blood circulation and, when chewed, can stop excessive flatulence! Suck a clove when you are tired or stressed or want to give up smoking.

TURMERIC (Curcuma domestica) is a basic item in folk medicine in tropical Asia. It is used internally and externally for its astringent and cleansing properties and is core ingredient for Jamu herbal tonics in Indonesia. Its vivid colour gives the Javanese lulur (body scrub) its signature orange hue.

CUCUMBER {Cucumis sativus) is used extensively in beauty products as a cooling and revitalizing agent, and is especially effective for oily skin types: its juice makes a good skin tonic and tightens the pores. Cucumber slices on the eyes refresh and moisturize and, for those who forgot their SPF, mashed cucumber soothes sunburnt skin.

NATURAL SPONGE, otherwise known as loofah', is the dried body of the green gambas plant. Its fibrous yet gentle constituency makes it ideal for removing dead skin cells while still softening and refreshing the skin. The loofah body scrub, often combined with sea salt and oil, is popular at Thai spas for those who want to invigorate their skin.

PAPAYA {Carica papaya), abundant throughout tropical Asia, contains vitamins (particularly high in A and C) that heal upset stomachs. It contains enzymes which give it mild exfoliating properties, so Asian women daub papaya around their eyes to eradicate fine lines. Alternatively, papaya skins can be rubbed over the face to remove dead skin cells.

LIME {Citrus sp) is Lised in drinks, food, medicines and beauty regimes throughout southeast Asia. It is high in vitamin C and its astringent qualities make it an effective blood purifier. It is mixed with crushed sea shells and smeared over the stomach as part of traditional slimming ritual and is said to be effective in shrinking the uterus after childbirth.

SANDALWOOD {Santalum sp) is the most sacred and fragrant of woods, preserved for burning in temple ceremonies. Its heavy, sweet and woody aroma is instantly recognized. In beauty, it is the hallmark of oriental perfume, although it is also believed to calm skin irritations, such as eczema and abscesses, thanks to its astringent properties.

COCONUT (Cocos nucifera) is used in countless ways: for eating, drinking, as an ingredient in cakes and as tropical Asia's most prevalent cooking oil. Oil from mature fruit is massaged into the head for soft and shiny hair while the thick white milk is traditionally used as a shampoo and the young. thin milk as a conditioning rinse.

ALOEVERA {Aloe vera syn. Aloe barbadensis) is much prized for the miraculous healing qualities of the thick, clear liquid stored in its leaves. It is used externally to clear skin blemishes, scars and heal burns or sunburn; internally it may be taken in tablet form for digestive complaints.

AVOCADO {Persea americana) is popular in natural beauty practice because the rich consistency of its flesh and oil, high in vitamin E, is a nourishing skin food, especially effective for dry complexions and brittle hair. Avocados were introduced to south- east Asia two centuries ago from America.

RICE is not just a food, it is a culture and a way of life. Paddies dominate the Indonesian landscape where 8000 varieties are believed to be grown. Rice is food for half the world's population and, in beauty ritual, is used as a base in body scrubs due to its exfoliating properties.