CENTRAL METHODIST LADIES FELLOWSHIP

PETER Watson entertained and “fed” the ladies at their Tuesday meeting.

His talk was “Sweet Relief” and he spoke on the benefits to health of various plants and confectionery.

He started with licorice and how the root helps with stomach disorders and is used in sweets and beverages because it is naturally sweeter than sugar.

Aniseed or Anise is beneficial to overall health and immunity.

Cough candy has a very distinctive herbal flavour and soothes the throat and chest.

For colds, fevers, skin problems, lowering inflammation, then sarsaparilla with its unique taste is said to help these problems and can be taken as a drink or as a sweet.

It is said that chocolate is bad for you, but Peter brought along some dark chocolate which has a high cocoa content, and eaten in moderation can deliver antioxidants and minerals that may protect you from heart disease, and help to lower blood pressure.

Mint is very effective in relieving digestive problems, such as upset stomach and indigestion.

It can help with nausea, depression, fatigue, and headaches, as well as its use as a breath freshener.

Coltsfoot is used to treat asthma, bronchitis, lung congestion, and usually bought in shops as coltsfoot rock.

Peter explained all the benefits of these and many more, and handed round over a dozen different sweets during his talk for the ladies to sample.

Although the ladies may have put on an odd ounce this afternoon, their health must have improved with all the benefits of the many delights they sampled and Peter was thanked for all the information and his “sweet” talk.