LOS ANGELES, Dec 9: What do Hollywood stars take when they are feeling ill? Herbs and natural remedies are hot - particularly with the annual flu season causing delays in movie and television production.

Minnie Driver, starring in the upcoming film Hard Rain, says she depends on Chinese herbs.

``I had a very terrible migraine that happened during my time of the month and I tried some Chinese herbal stuff that helped quite a bit,'' Driver says.And, for Dustin Hoffman, who appeared most recently in Mad City, it's garlic.``It's a natural antibiotic, good for the digestion and blood. I used to eat a clove a day when I wasn't working,'' says Hoffman, who so overpowered fellow cast members in the pirate movie Hook that they began nibbling garlic in defense.

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding (Jerry Maguire) says, ``I drink chamomile tea when I have the flu. It helps me sleep.'' Barbara Bosson of the television series Murder One insists, ``I grow my own vegetables and herbs to stay healthy. People don't realize flax is an herb that can help arthritis.''

Alice Barrett of the daytime soap opera Another World says, ``People are always asking me about staying in such terrific shape. I drink a Chinese herbal concoction daily that is mixed for me at my local health food store. I don't know (everything) what's in it, but I know there's barley in it.''And Victoria Principal comments, ``I have relied on homeopathic medicines for almost 14 years. They are the best natural kind of medicine. There are Times when only antibiotics will answer the problem, but I like to avoid them.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.