Cape Town is South Africa's alternative-culture and holism capital. To find out what's on, the best publications are Link-Up , a free listings magazine, and the glossier Odyssey (R15), which is also the place to track down sources of southern African crystals, gemstones and essential oils - disappointingly though, there are few oils from Cape plants except for geraniums. Both publications are available from health-food shops and alternative health venues.

Fields Health Store 84 Kloof St, Gardens tel 021423 9587. Sells health and beauty products, with a juice bar serving a daily vegetarian lunch buffet and cakes. Upstairs you can get massage, shiatsu, acupuncture and the like, but appointments are essential. Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 8.30am-4pm.

Natural Remedies Pearce St, Claremont tel 021 674 1692. The best place in the southern suburbs for homeopathic and herbal remedies, aromatherapy oils, beauty products and a range of health foods. Mon-Fri 9am-5.15pm, Sat 8.30am-1pm.

Sunflower Health Café 111 Long St, City Centre. Health food shop and vegetarian restaurant that sells a good selection of natural remedies, organic and whole foods. Mon-Fri 9.45am-5.30pm, Sat 9am-1pm.

White's Chemist 77 Plein Park, Plein St, City Centre tel 021 465 3332. A long-established manufacturer and supplier of homeopathic remedies, powders, tinctures and books. They also sell homeopathic first-aid kits and herbal products. Mon-Fri 7.30am-5pm, Sat 8am-12.30pm.