You eat at a friend’s house and simply adored the dish she made. You then ask what her sumptuous secret is and, thankfully, she spills the beans--fresh herbs from her garden. Knowing that you don’t have a knack for gardening, you begin to think that you can’t ever bring the wholesome goodness they have to your home.

Thankfully, you were thinking out loud, and your friend hears you. She then says that she used to problem the same thing until she read an article on Kaanib.net called Herbs at Home. You read it, think, and smile.

And since we like you being happy, here are a few more good reasons why you should really smile about those healthy herbs being at home, your home.

BASIL
Water boiled with basil leaves can be used as a gargle for sore throat. Studies have shown too that the leaves give significant protection against stress. Basil also provides us with nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A and C, calcium and minerals like iron and magnesium.

CAYENNE PEPPER
This hot herb is traditionally used to cure stomach aches, constipation, cramping, and allergies. One of the most amazing properties of it is its effectiveness to relieve heart attacks. Just a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of cayenne pepper is an instant first-aid to a person experiencing an attack. Cayenne is also very high in Vitamins A, C and B-complex, and is very rich in calcium and potassium.

LEMONGRASS
When ingested in the form of tea, lemongrass helps alleviate stomach aches, bowel spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever and flu. When externally applied, it may be used in the treatment of acne, athlete’s foot, sprains, rheumatism, and lower back pain. It has also been reported that rubbing crushed lemongrass on the skin helps ward off insect bites. Like many essential oils, lemongrass oil is also used in aromatherapy.

MINT
The menthol properties of mint give way to a potent sinusitis treatment. Mint, a mucous-membrane vasodilatator (something that causes the mucous membrane to expand), also has sedative properties promoting the treatment of asthma, flu, and even bronchitis. Also used in curing diarrhea, mint also helps digest fat. Not to be outdone in the external application department, mint is also used to treat headaches, stress and mental fatigue when rubbed on the temples.

OREGANO
Health authorities value this herb's two important properties--thymol and oregano--effective in preventing the growth of bacterial strains which lead to cholera, typhoid, and urinary track infections. Oregano also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling, itching and pain. You can gargle oregano tea for teeth or throat infections. It’s easy to enjoy the respiratory benefits of oregano, as it contains many natural antihistamines and decongestants. Steamed, freshly squeezed oregano when taken can calm asthma and soothe a cough.

They say good values start at home. Shouldn’t healthy living too? So, go on. Start planting those wholesome herbs now. And soon, wellness will be just a reach away. Words by Pauline Arellano and Nerissa B. Pe Benito