All the ancient civilizations depended on the clove and it figured prominently in early prescriptions for headache, sore throat and physical weakness. That's a good thing according to the old wives, who prescribed it for upset stomach. Studies have shown that milk builds bones, keeps blood pressure regulated and helps lower cholesterol. It's been said that a raw potato placed on the forehead will quickly squelch a fever. Popeye the sailor man kept healthy for good reason.
Spinach is rich in iron and potassium, with a high content of carotenoids, which fight cancer.
A 14th century English recipe claims spinach to be good for the digestive and urinary tracts. Popeye may only be connected verbally with the yam, but the plant is equally effective as spinach in the curative department. A curious note is that the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, who consume tremendous amounts of yams, also hold the record for the highest rate of twin births in the world. No study has been done on the plant's possible reproductive powers.