3 cups water

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup cocoa powder

3 ounces dark chocolate, 60 percent cocoa content or higher

1 tablespoon vanilla

½ cup crystallized ginger, chopped into small pieces

1. In a heavy medium saucepot, combine water, corn syrup and sugar over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes. Whisk in cocoa, and simmer until cocoa dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2 more minutes.

Nauseous mothers-to-be have another option to ward off morning sickness. Preggie Pops claim to fight that queasy feeling with a fairly typical (and highly accessible) blend of ingredients. The candy’s manufacturer, Three Lollies, says its combination of sugars and aromatherapeutic herbs (lavender, mint, ginger) can help pregnant women with nausea and even labor pains. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy has more on pregnancy and nausea.

The benefits of fall spices extend past the Thanksgiving table. The season's flavors — including cinnamon, ginger, annatto, turmeric, paprika, saffron and chili powder — may also prevent and heal a handful of ailments.

Ayurvedic medicine uses these spices to create heat from the inside out. Stimulating the agni, or inner fire, helps maintain healthy digestion and overall health.