Just planted the first batch of plants in my new herb garden. Many are culinary herbs: such as cilantro, basil, thyme, sage and oregano, but most will be for medicinal use: such as echinacea, lavendar, mint, and pennyroyal.

I am planting some herbs and fruits that are unique to the Pacific Islands -- such as Noni and Awa (Kava Kava). Every region has its own plant pharmacoepia.

Planting herbs for healing seems to be right up Y2K Alley... Learning to use them properly is important, too. I suggest a good guide who knows the area and has experience in natural healing.

Drying and handling the herbs properly should also be considered in your preparation activities.

-- Sara Nealy (keithn@aloha.net), June 15, 1999

Answers

I would love to hear how you are planning to use the healing herbs you mention. Do you have a book you recommend? Also would be interested in herb faqs if available online. Links, anyone?

-- seraphima (seraphima@aol.com), June 15, 1999.

Go here: http://www.greenking.com/ and scroll down to "Our Products" and then to "Books". These volumes by Terry Thorne are the product of 25 years of research and hands-on work with healing herbs. Tour the rest of the site, too. I know these people personally; grew up with them. They're humble, fun folks and they know their stuff. Herbs are their life.

-- Faith Weaver (suzsolutions@yahoo.com), June 15, 1999.

I would like to find a more "kindergartin" book on herbs and meds. I looked up Terry Thornes site and I'm sure it is a great book but is too indepth for me. Her site says it does not tell where the herbs can be grown or how to harvest them. I want more of the basics. With bright pictures and big words. Ha Ha

-- bulldog (sniffin@around.com), June 15, 1999.

Excellent, dependable source, superb info in on-line catalogue:

http://www.richters.com/

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), June 15, 1999.

Try also the GardenWeb Forum on herbalism: http://www.gardenweb.com/forums/herbal/ and a companion forum on growing herbs.

-- Brooks (brooksbie@hotmail.com), June 15, 1999.

Noni is an excellent choice! At my new home, I planted it first...citrus and other fruit trees later. I'd also consider the obvious: Aloe.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), June 15, 1999.

Books and websites are great, but I am learning to use the more traditional, Hawaiian method: ask the elders. There are probably people you have in your sphere that grow herbs. They are truly the greatest resource, because they can advise you on what grows best in your area and about their own experiences with using the herbs.

Yes, Mad Monk, Noni is #1, and Awa is #2 for me. I am using it mixed with pure beeswax as a salve for aches and pains (after hula class!) and in tincture form for de-stressing and relaxing.

What else are you growing?

-- Sara Nealy (keithn@aloha.net), June 16, 1999.

For anyone else interested in learning about Noni, here is some info. I have not ordered from these folks, and I don't know if their's is the best noni or the best prices, but the info is there to get you started.

http://www.hawaiiannoni.com/

-- Sara Nealy (keithn@aloha.net), June 16, 1999.