I love cooking with fresh herbs from my own garden. I love braking off an aloe vera leaf, split it open, and rub it on a burn to ease the pain or a cut so it won't scar. I love adding rosemary and mint to my bath (and mojito's). I crave a deeper understanding of their healing powers and uses.

Active Rain has become my journal of sorts, for keeping track of certain information that would otherwise be lost. I dream of living a life where I run to herbs as my remedies. If you have insight or information that you would like to include, that would be great!

Rosamary - has a long history as a memory-enhancing herb. rosemary tea and rosemary sprigs in bathwater have an anti-Alzheimer's effect...and it also improves circulation in general.

Basil - is a member of the mint family, and contains antiviral compounds. It's also an ancient folk remedy for warts and for preventing plaque.

Garlic - is the premier plant for heart or circulatory coonditions (not bathwater). It lowers blood pressure; reduces LDL and lowers the incidence of cancer, particularly in the gastrointestinal system. It also bolsters the body's immune system.

Ginger - settles an upset stomach and aids digestion, in addition to lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflamation from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and preventing colds and fly by killing bacteria. (Eaten with sushi)

Hot peppers - contain capsaicin, a powerful phytochemical. When applied in ointment form, capsaicin helps alleviate the discomfort of arthritis and psoriasis. Taken internally as a liduted tincture, it helps keep the blood flowing smoothly and strengthens the cardiovascular syster.

This spring I am creating a kitchen garden in raised planters. The ground is filled with gophers happy to share in my harvest. I have grown everything from brussel sprouts to rainbow chard. Green onions are especially fun to have on hand and nothing is easier than growing all the lettuce one could ever want with no talent at all.

Cilantro is very cheep here in California and so is parsley so I will leave that to the others. If you have had special herbs or veggies that you have had great success with and they also contain healing properties, I would love to know about them.