And through the years, people have used them to cure everything from fevers to the plague. Cilantro, photographed here in Mary Jane Blackwell's garden, is used for cooking Mexican foods, such as salsa. Choose from edible herbs, aromatic herbs or healing herbs. Some gardeners say certain herbs fend off pests in vegetable and flower gardens. And through the years, people have used them to cure everything from fevers to the plague.
Herbs are versatile.
Their flavors make an excellent substitute for salt in salads, vegetables and meats, enhance the taste of cakes and cookies and add a refreshing flavor to teas. A key ingredient in aromatherapy, herbal oils soothe the body and spirit. Camomile, lemon verbena and rosemary make good hair rinses when the plant leaves or blossoms are steeped in distilled, softened or rain water. And don't forget lavender and other fragrant choices when making potpourri. Blackwell trims dried leaves from her bay tree.