In the late '80s, NASA studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found a range of plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds. In the same way, these plants can help clean the indoor air here on Earth, which is typically far more polluted than outdoor air - and not only can they remove airborne contaminants but some are also nutritious herbs for both medicinal and cooking use. Many also contain volatile oils which can be used to clean both the home and the body without the toxins of conventional products. In Air-purifying Houseplants find out how you can even prevent `sick building syndrome', and how to work with indoor plants to reduce the risk of contracting colds and other viruses, decrease blood pressure, lift the mood, reduce mental fatigue and improve sleep.

The best way to ensure you and your family consume only organic, untainted and nutrient-rich foods is to grow your own herbs, fruits and vegetables. This can be done in the smallest of plots or even on a balcony, roof garden or windowsill, with a raised box or pots and other types of planters. In Grow Your Own Health Garden, Nat Hawes tells you how to work with nature to produce a rich crop of healthy and delicious food, and which foods are best to grow nutritionally and as remedies for common ailments. This includes an A to Z of healing vegetables together with natural pest control, feeding the health garden naturally and a guide to plants that are poisonous to children and animals.