YEARS ago, when the Sars scare hit, I was emailed what claimed to be a divinely inspired cure for a seemingly prophetic situation. 

The antidote was a hot drink of fresh lemon juice, mixed with freshly crushed ginger, likewise garlic, and honey. 

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The formula for the drink was quite precise. And for months while the Sars season raged, I personally made the potion for everybody at home. 

Now, while the H1N1 virus spreads, I have taken to, again, making the hot drink for all at home.  To begin with, it just makes sense to ingest all of those potion ingredients for all that they naturally do for the body, not the least boost its immune system. 

Also, the drink tastes pretty good. And one does feel the health flowing in as the drink likewise seeps into the body. 

However, the DOH is full of bulletins saying that the disease we should actually be guarding against is Dengue. As I was reviewing emails with cures for this and/or that ailment, I came across one with a cure for Dengue, originating from one who wrote that two acquaintances were cured of Dengue with… papaya juice. 

To make, we are instructed to clean and pound two leaves of the papaya plant. Then squeeze with a filter cloth.  This will produce only one tablespoon per leaf -- which is not to be boiled, cooked, or rinsed with hot water -- or the juice will lose its strength. Furthermore, only the leafy part is to be squeezed, no stem or sap. 

One who takes it must swallow the bitter juice raw. But it is said to work like a charm. 

My friend Noreen Flores sent me this papaya juice email years ago, as she did the anti-SARS one. She also sent me one about lemon grass tea being a cure for cancer. 

This column will feature that next week, and many thanks, Noreen.