These are some of my current herbs.
Tumeric: that yellow stuff in curry powder that is also used medicinally.The flowers and leaves have a very tropical look to them and are good houseplants. It is closely related to ginger and has potential to cure certain types of cancer. It has the same warming effect as ginger and can be used in anything you like.
Gotu Kola: a unique-tasting herb that improves brain function. If you eat a leaf a day, you will see the results. It's best used fresh in anything you like (popular with salad).
Rehmannia glutinosa: a must for any traditional Chinese herb collection. It is rarely seen in cultivation in the U.S. and is a relative of foxglove. All parts of the plant are poisonous and all parts are used including flowers and leaves. The root or its extract is usually seen for sale. It is best used in tea. I got my hands on one of these from Crimson Sage nursery who were lucky enough to have them in stock
Thai Basil: a popular basil with its own taste. It is used in vietnamese food a lot to provide that spicy-ish flavor. It is popular with rice and pho noodles. I got mine from a sprig I kept after I ate at a Thai restaraunt
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