— Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)

G rowing herbs at home is a fun hobby that happens to be good for our health. I am interested in growing and cooking with herbs because my father stressed the nutritional goodness in them. His first words to me, “I bought this farm because I want you to grow up healthy.” Every day when he came home from his store he would go up the hill and inspect his gardens and orchards. That was many years ago.

I guess that is where I got the habit, first thing every morning I go outside and check my small flower patches. I have three different herbs growing in my so-called garden. It thrills me to go outside and gather these fresh herbs for my cooking. In addition to flavoring up your favorite dishes, herbs are filled with antioxidants and essential nutrients. Fresh herbs not only add flavor without calories, but they may also serve up health benefits as healing foods.

“Herbal medicine has been used as kitchen medicine for thousands of years, and while our body’s response to these natural treatments has not changed, we now have more global choices than ever,” says Steve Chasens, an herbalist and acupuncture physician at Coral Gables Acupuncture in Florida. “There is no substitute for medical care and routine checkups. However, to avoid disease and live long, a good diet and sensible eating is critical.”

Science shows these herbal power-healers can help ease pain, prevent Alzheimer’s and ward off cancer and heart disease. They are even discovering amazing new power in best healing herbs, such as ability to kill harmful cells and help problem drinkers curb their alcoholic intake.

“Herbs and other natural remedies can be effective as traditional treatments, often without the same negative side effects” says Dr. Roberta Lee.

“Half of the nutritional value of plants is how food and herbs can help what ails you is key to a sensible healing plan, Chasens explains. Here are 10 healing herbs to add to your recipe rotation: turmeric, rosemary, thyme, cayenne, cinnamon, holy basil, St. John’s wort, garlic, mustard and sage. The list is extremely interesting to read about as to what each one does and how to use it. I do not know enough about each one to make specific suggestions. I just enjoy the crispness, the tantalizing smell and added taste that comes from them.

And, moving on, just a word to remind folks to save the date for the 30th annual Chamber Auction to be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 6-11 pm, at the Rochambeau Club in Biddeford. This is a wonderful business event taking a great deal of planning.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].