Sri Lanka is well-known for its fantastic cuisine, and we’ve been enjoying numerous delicious curries since we arrived. In the up-country region there are dozens of Spice and Herb gardens to visit. We stopped into one just as the heavens opened – which is still occurring on the west side of the island, but less so in the middle. We regularly head out with umbrellas in hand “to be safe” – or so says our guide Praki. We sure did need them at the Spice Garden.

We saw lemon grass, curry leaves, ginger, turmeric, galangal, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, chillies, cocoa beans and countless other plants growing in the lush tropical environment. Then came the demo from a lovely man called Pali, who attempted to convince me that the remedies he showed us would dissolve fat, fix heart disease, prevent cancer, restore eyesight (no kidding) and send migraines packing. Here are some of the miracle potions on display for us……..

A table of taste, plus some smoke and mirrors.

Seems to me there should be no need for doctors and hospitals in Sri Lanka.