An Herbal Approach to Winter Wellness

This time of year, there are a lot of germs on the loose. To support your immune system naturally, there are several herbs that are beneficial as part of your herbal medicine cabinet.

In addition to their flavorful and nutritious contributions to daily meals, herbs like garlic, ginger, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme contain essential oils, which have some antibacterial and antiviral activity.

For example, garlic (Allium sativum) can be a useful support for infections and colds, while parsely (Petroselinum crispum) can be a useful support for healthy digestion; it also can be used as an expectorant. Expectorant herbs help loosen chest congestion.

Here are some simple, do-it-yourself herbal recipes you can use to help keep you and your family healthy all winter long.

Garlic Syrup Sore Throat Support

• 4 cloves garlic (Allium sativum)
• 4-T honey

Directions: Crush the garlic. Soak the crushed cloves in honey for 2-4 hours. Sip on this honey mixture every 1/2-hour. This is a useful remedy for children who may find the taste of garlic unpleasant.

Ginger Infusion

• ½-oz ginger (Zingiber officinale) root, cut
• 1-pt boiling water

Directions: Steep the ginger in the boiling water for 15 to 30 minutes. Lemon and honey can be added. Strain. Use 4-6-T three times a day. Store the infusion in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

>> To learn more about herbal medicine classes from the American College of Healthcare Sciences, visit http://www.achs.edu/course.aspx?id=2

>>Which herbs are an essential part of your herbal medicine cabinet? Why? We'd love to hear more about your favorite herbs and feel free to post recipes, too!

Image by Steven Foster. Reproduced under license.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information has been provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health routine. For more information about how to use herbs safely, consult with your primary care physician, naturopathic doctor, or Registered Herbalist. In an emergency, call 911.

Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs by ACHS Aromatherapy Graduate Desiree Bell Featured in Herb Companion

Vinegar is commonly used as a condiment or preservative. A bit sour tasting on its own, vinegars blended with garden-fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables create flavorful variations you can use in salad dressings, marinades, and dips.

In her article "Making Flavored Vinegars with Herbs," American College of Healthcare Sciences graduate Desiree Bell says of one several vinegars from the market will work well, including: balsamic, cider, malt, rice, sherry, and red or white wine. She also recommends using nonreactive materials, including the jars and lids you steep and store your vinegar in.

Herbs for making flavored vinegars can include: basil, chive, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, shallot, spearmint, and thyme.

Recommended spices for making flavored vinegars include: cardamom, ginger, juniper, and chili peppers.

> For a complete list of herbs and spices you can use, read the full-length article "Make Flavored Vinegars with Herbs" here

> Learn to make DIY natural body care and culinary oils with ACHS President Dorene Petersen's article "Make Aromatherapy Herbal Body Care and Culinary Oils" here

Have you made your own body care and/or culinary oils? Post your favorite blends and tips for making flavored vinegars, culinary oils, and natural bath oil here. Thanks!

Lavender U-Pick at ACHS and Lavender Open House Pictures

Our Lavender Open House July 20 was so much fun! Thanks to everyone who participated.

If you're in the Portland area but were unable to attend in-person, stop by the ACHS campus @ 5940 SW Hood Ave, Portland for U-PICK LAVENDER from our Botanical Teaching Garden. It's just $6/bunch! Call (503) 244-0726 for more info. We look forward to seeing you!

We posted pictures from the Lavender Open House to ACHS Facebook here facebook.com/ACHSedu Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite lavender tips!

Visit our YouTube channel ACHStv for videos of the day's demonstrations, too.

Photo of Erika Yigzaw, ACHS Chief Institutional Officer and Master Gardener, demonstrating how to pot lavender and herbs. Image by Joel Strimling, Dean of Freshmen Students. Image © ACHS 2011.

ACHS President Dorene Petersen Featured in How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business

We're proud to announce, our College President, Dorene Petersen, has a featured interview in the new book How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business!!

America is going local. Entrepreneur Media, Inc., listed locally grown produce and products as one of the top five trends that will thrive in 2010.

This “buy local” effect has swept the nation due to the farmers’ market movement; there are about 5,000 farmers’ markets in the country that have contributed to five percent of the industry’s annual growth, according to the Department of Agriculture. The USDA recently launched the “Know Your Famer, Know Your Food” campaign in an effort to bridge the gap between where food is grown and how it ends up on your plate.

So, how do you learn more about the health benefits of herbs and locally grown produce? Start with How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business released by Atlantic Publishing Group in Spring 2011 and featuring an interview with ACHS President Dorene Petersen. Plow the intricacies of starting your own business and the basics of herbs and herbal plant growth, learn about the importance of high-quality herbal education, and gain practical suggestions for how to prioritize education, sustainable practices, and customer needs.

How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Herb and Herbal Plant Business (ISBN# 9781601383297) is available through the ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store (5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239) at www.apothecary-shoppe.com or (503) 244-0726.

Read the full-length press release on ACHS Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150190121348733 Be sure to leave a comment!

Earth Day is April 22! How Will You Promote Sustainability in 2011?

Earth Day is April 22! Founded in 1970, Earth Day provides a dedicated day to to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and to demonstrate our commitment to the health of our environment.

This Earth Day ACHS encourages you to review and renew your day-to-day commitment to the preservation of our natural environment. Here are some simple things you can do without significantly impacting your day-to-day routine:

• Compost. Many food items like fruits and vegetables, tea bags, coffee grounds, and plant material can be composted.
  
• Reduce energy consumption. Turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug electronics that are not in use.
  
• Get rid of old cosmetics and recycle the containers. Body and skin care products with organic ingredients support sustainable practices and your health! To find out what may be lurking in your cosmetics, visit the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.
• Plant an herb and veggie garden. Plus, growing your own herbs and veggies is a great way to reduce cost, involve the entire family, and bring healthy, nutritious foods from backyard to table. For tips about organic gardening and growing herbs in pots, visit ACHStv on YouTube for easy-to-follow instructional videos.
  

How will you promote sustainability and make the earth a better place in 2011? Post your comments and suggestions for Earth Day activities!

Read more about ACHS's sustainability initiatives on our website here and our Oregon Tilth Organic Certification here.

Join ACHS for Our 2011 HerbDay Celebration April 27 at Our Portland, Oregon Campus

Join ACHS for a series of presentations that will celebrate the use of herbs and the tradition of herbal medicine and leave with some new ideas about how you can use herbs in your everyday life.

HerbDay celebrates the importance of herbs and herbalism by raising awareness about the significance of herbs in our everyday lives and the ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment. Through awareness of, and familiarity with herbs, we increase informed use of herbal products and public support for maintaining personal choice in the use of botanicals.

Presentation topics include: DIY Quick and Easy Sprouting at Home with ACHS President Dorene Petersen; Herbs and Essential Oils for Spring Seasonal Balance with ACHS Graduate Amanda Lattin; Muscle Testing: A key to healing the body with Dr. Robert Ciprian; and more!

Space is limited; RSVP early to (503) 244-0726 or email admissions@achs.edu. April 27, 11 am-2 pm. American College of Healthcare Sciences, 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland OR 97239.

ACHS Learning Vacations in Greece Offer Hands-On Art, Aromatherapy, and Herbalism Education in Relaxing Mediterranean Locale

American College of Healthcare Sciences is proud to announce its 2011 study abroad summer programs in Greece. Week-long expert-led study abroad programs include Watercolor Journaling in Greece (May 27-June 2) and Mediterranean Herbs and Essential Oils in Greece (June 4-9, 2011).

ACHS study abroad programs are scheduled to coincide with the flowering and harvest time of a variety of Mediterranean plants. Each program emphasizes the health benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle, including the Mediterranean-style diet, the health promoting properties of local plants and herbs, and the importance of relaxation. Programs include two meals per day prepared from fresh, local, nutritious herbs and produce. Programs are limited to 20 students.

“Immersing yourself in the fragrant aromas of Mediterranean plants while learning about holistic approaches to health and wellness,” says ACHS President and program leader Dorene Petersen, “is a fantastic way to study aromatherapy, herbalism, and art with a focus on total health.”

ACHS Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold runs May 27-June 2, 2011 in Syros, Greece. This dynamic class will motivate artists of all skill levels to record their journeys in a creative and unique way using watercolor and mixed media. Students will explore ways to make their watercolor travel journal interesting and reflective of their experiences through painting the Greek landscape and the essence of the Greek lifestyle. Open to students, faculty, alumni, and the general public. Registration deadline is April 1! For more information and to register, visit http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=207&id=61

ACHS Mediterranean Herbs and Essential Oils in Greece runs June 4-9, 2011 in Syros, Greece. Led by ACHS President and Wellness Expert Dorene Petersen, Guerilla Distiller Robert Seidel and Aromatherapist Mindy Green, this program provides hands-on experience working with Mediterranean herbs and essential oils for therapeutic use, including: making preparations, harvesting cultivated and wildcrafted botanicals, essential oil distillation, and therapeutic blending of essential oils. Open to students, faculty, alumni, and the general public. Registration deadline is April 1! For more information and to register, visit http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=208&id=61

How to Use a Stress Journal and 5 Tips for Stress Management

We all know that stress can be a negative influence. But sometimes it can feel like there is nothing we can do about our stress level. Not true! There will always be more to do, more decisions to make, and more situations to mediate, but---how we manage our stress is something we can control.

The trick is to be proactive. To be proactive we have to take charge of what we can control (our environment, our attitude, our thoughts, our choices) and stop worrying about what is out of our control. In other words, balance. The long-term goal is to create balance in our life (balance between work, home, and relaxation) so that when stressful situations arise, we are better equipped to mediate and neutralize them.

To create balance, we must first know what causes us stress. Simple, we know. Yet, many people know what it feels like when they are already stressed out but cannot identify how they got stressed out, the actual trigger. One tool you can use to identify what causes you to stress out and why is a stress journal.

Like a food journal, a stress journal helps you to look at your habits and your choices. It does not need to be fancy. A simple notebook will work. Every time you feel stressed, write it down in your journal. Include the date, what you feel caused the stress, how you felt, how you responded, and whether or not you felt better.

Then at the end of every week or month (whatever time period you set for yourself), review your journal. Over time patterns will emerge: patterns in your stress triggers and in your response. If how you are dealing with stress no longer works for you, it is time to try some healthier strategies. Document these in your stress journal, too, and take note of when you start to feel better.

Here are 5 tips for stress management:

1. Simplify your to-do list.
2. Express your feelings as they arise.
3. Adjust your expectations and focus on the positive.
4. Let go of what you cannot control.
5. Relax—take an aromatherapy bath, enjoy a fresh mug of herbal tea, go for a walk, laugh.

For more health and wellness tips, download the ACHS Wellness Guide HERE.

For current studies on the use of complementary alternative medicine (such as herbs) with stress, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website HERE.

Horseradish Named IHA Herb of the Year for 2011

The International Herb Association (IHA) has named horseradish Herb of the Year for 2011!

You may be familiar with horseradish's characteristic pungent aroma and spicy flavor, but did you know that horseradish is high in vitamin C and attributed with antimicrobial properties?

Here are some more horseradish FAQs you may not know:

• In the United States, an estimated 24 million pounds of horseradish roots are ground and processed annually to produce approximately 6 million gallons of prepared horseradish.
• Horseradish root is harvested in the spring and fall and the ground horseradish is mixed with distilled vinegar and may also contain salt, sugar, cream, vegetable oil, or ground beets or mustards.
• The Egyptians knew about horseradish as far back as 1500 BC. and early Greeks used it as a rub for low back pain and as an aphrodisiac.
• It is said the Oracle at Delphi told Apollo, that "the radish was worth its weight in lead, the beet its weight in silver, and the horseradish its weight in gold."
  

Learn more about the history of horseradish, its traditional uses, and medicinal properties in the article "Sea-Radish (aka Horseradish)" available for free download in the January edition of the ACHS holistic health newsletter, The Reporter, online HERE.

If you're interested in growing, harvesting, and preparing your own horseradish, this is a very useful video from the City Farmer.

@ACHSedu Top Tweets from 2010

Over the last year, Twitter reportedly grew by more than 100 million users. That's a whole lot of 140-character-long thoughts and ideas sharing about.

We know there are a lot of health resources to choose from, and we want to thank you for loyally following ACHS tweets to learn what's new in health and wellness.

As part of our year in review, here are 10 of our top tweets shared by @ACHSedu in 2010! (They're in no particular order.) Some got the most clicks. Some reflect important world developments. Some sparked sentiments and sharing with you. For your 2011 wellness stories, health tips, and lifestyle suggestions, follow us at @ACHSedu!

1. Reading about New York's effort to seek a national reduction of salt in food. Average American consumes 3,400-3,500 mg/day http://ow.ly/W59B

2. Obama's Statement on the earthquake in Haiti has been posted to YouTube. Find out what U.S. relief efforts are planned http://ow.ly/W4tC

3. Haiti earthquake relief: How to help. Here's a list of organizations working to provide basic needs and health care http://ow.ly/WsW4

4. Good tips from Massage Today about how to use essential oils to go green for a healthier office http://ow.ly/Wu2Q and http://ow.ly/Wu2R

5. Added new article to wikiHow, "How to Make a Decoction." Learn how to make your own herbal teas to support optimal health http://ow.ly/W5kr

6. 20 ways to get healthier for free (or pretty cheap). Download free holistic health info http://ow.ly/WRjv Get tips here http://ow.ly/WRjw

7. Great article on growing $700 worth of produce in a small garden: http://ow.ly/1aXxl Free gardening classes at ACHS start next month!

8. The ACHS Holistic Kitchen .... recipe for how to make baked kale, dandelion coffee, fresh tomato sauce from the garden http://ow.ly/30XuM

9. Posted new Photo of the Week. Can you identify the herb? Thank you Shelli Johnson for sharing your pic with us all! http://ow.ly/2KucX #herb

10. Have you seen Numen?It's the first feature-length film to explore traditional herbal medicine use in the US http://ow.ly/2GVXa #herbs#health

Recording of Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions Now Available

Our December 14, 2010, teleconference with Dr. Mario Roxas--Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions--was action packed! Dr. Roxas shared an insightful, personal snapshot of the current state of our society's health followed by a stellar introduction to the complex world of drug-herb and drug-nutrient interactions. We welcome you to download the recording for your personal reference library. You may also want to download a copy of the presentation's accompanying PDF to follow along!

Download Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions HERE.

For those who were able to attend, we sincerely hope you enjoyed the teleconference. Our teleconferences have limited space and are, therefore, only open to ACHS students and graduates. However, we know there are many of you who would like to attend and to learn more about integrating holistic health and wellness into your everyday life. So, we are very happy to be able to post a recording of Select Drug-Herb & Drug-Nutrient Interactions for your enjoyment.

If there is a specific teleconference topic you would like to hear in the future, please let us know. You can email it to communications@achs.edu or post it as a comment to ACHS Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/ACHSedu

For a schedule of upcoming ACHS teleconferences, click on Community Wellness classes or use this link: http://www.achs.edu/wellness/community-wellness.aspx?id=6

ACHS Graduates Its First Masters in CAM Student: Congratulations Roma!

Congratulations Roma-Dakini Alexander, our first Masters of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) graduate!

“I always had a passion for herbal medicine,” Roma says. “I come from Europe and my grandmother was a Shamanic medicine woman. I was very happy to find a college that offers an MS in CAM and is also accredited by [a body approved by] the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation.”

Roma is a licensed radiation therapist and is Radiation Therapy Program Director for the Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences in Richmond, California. She plans to use her ACHS CAM education to organize seminars and meetings, such as the interaction of drugs with herbs and supplements, and to share her knowledge with other medical professionals.

Post a comment for Roma! Share this news with your friends and family via Twitter. Post the link to your Facebook. Help us get the word out about Roma's accomplishment. And ... thanks!

Read more about Roma and the ACHS Masters of Science in CAM HERE!

September is Pain Awareness Month. Are You An Advocate?

September is Pain Awareness Month. This is an important awareness event for those suffering with chronic pain. Whether you are advocating for your own health, for family or friends, or for those suffering with chronic pain in general, Pain Awareness Month provides a good opportunity to get educated and get involved!

Pain Awareness Month is sponsored by the American Pain Foundation Action Network, self-described as "a grassroots network of people living with pain, caregivers and health care providers, working in collaboration with other advocates, professionals and organizations who share our belief that people in pain have a right to timely, appropriate and effective pain care."

Pain Awareness Month provides an opportunity to learn about the issues facing those who suffer with chronic pain, as well as to connect with other members of the community, and to share stories. You can find local ways to get involved in your community through the Foundation's list of events for Pain Awareness Month taking place in your community.

We'd also encourage those suffering with pain or pain-relief advocates to dedicate some time to researching natural, holistic approaches to pain relief*. There are many herbs that can be used to help support pain relief, such as ginger root (Zingiber officinale) and oregano (Origanum vulgare).

>> To jumpstart your research, check out this online article from The Herb Companion, "The Best Herbs for Pain Relief."

*Herbs can have more than one action in the body, as well as possible contraindications when used in combination or with prescription medications. It is always best to consult with your primary care physician before making any changes to your health routine. This information is intended for educational purposes only; it is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prescribe.

Where Do I Find Information About Using Medicinal Herbs?

The Web offers a lot of information about the use of medicinal herbs and supplements, but sometimes the information conflicts and it can be hard to determine what is accurate and what is marketing. If you are thinking about incorporating herbs into your daily diet, you may want to spend some time researching.*

Herbs are attributed with many health promoting properties. How you use herbs may depend on the health benefit you are seeking: Is it general wellness or something more specific? Like pharmaceutical drugs, herbs can have several actions in the body, as well as potential contraindications, so if you plan to combine herbs--or to combine herbs with pharmaceutical medications--you will want to research the specific properties of the medicinal herbs you are interested in.*

Here are some research-based resources you can start canvassing. Remember to bring any questions you have to your primary care physician and you may even want to bring copies of your research!

> The ACHS Wellness Guide includes more than 120 pages of health and wellness tips.

> "Herbal and natural health tips for women experiencing menopause" on the ACHS website includes natural health and herbal tips and recipes for easing the menopause transition and improving overall health.

> MedlinePlus is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine from the National Institutes of Health and posts new and developing studies daily.

> The American Botanical Council regularly posts new HerbClips on their website. HerbClips are summaries and critical research reviews of articles about the research, regulation, marketing, and responsible use of medicinal plants.

> The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) offers an A-Z Index of Health Topics, including profiles of specific medicinal herbs, supplements, and CAM modalities.

> The Apothecary Shoppe College Store carries a large selection of organic, sustainably wildcrafted herbs. Most herbs include a description of their traditional uses, medicinal uses, active constituents, and many have recipes too!

Herb spotlight: Coleus forskohlii in the News for Its Potential Effect on Reducing Body Fat

Coleus forskohlii is an herb with a long tradition of use in the Ayurvedic tradition. In fact, Coleus is the Ayurvedic name of the herb. Some of the common Western names for this herb are blue spur flower and false boldo. The Latin name is Plectranthus barbatus.

In the Western herbal tradition its claim to fame is in supporting healthy blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Recently there has been some interest in this herb’s effect on reducing body fat. A study in rats showed Coleus forskohlii extracts reduced body weight, food intake, and fat accumulation[1]. A small double-blind and randomized 12-week-long study concluded that Coleus forskolii mitigates weight gain but without causing any significant changes in fat mass or blood lipids. The Coleus group did report a decrease in fatigue and in hunger[2].

The active constituent in Coleus is forskolin, which increases the levels of the secondary messenger cAMP. The wide ranging effects of this include: bronchodilation, vasodilation, decreased platelet aggregation, lipolysis, a decrease in histamine release, and increased thyroid hormone secretion[3].

Coleus may be a helpful botanical addition to a diet and lifestyle plan to support health weight. However, it should be used in caution in those taking blood pressure or blood thinning medications, or with high stomach acid. Coleus should not be used in those that are pregnant or nursing.

References
[1] Han LK, Morimoto C, Yu RH, Okuda H. (2005). Effects of Coleus forskohlii on fat storage in ovariectomized rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. May;125(5):449-53.
[2] Henderson S, Magu B, Rasmussen C, Lancaster S, Kerksick C, Smith P, et al. (2005). Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. Dec 9;2:54-62.
[3] Coleus forskohlii. Monograph. [No authors listed] Altern Med Rev. 2006 Mar;11(1):47-51.

Image (c) http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauroguanandi/3197358136/sizes/z/in/photostream/

More Great News about Strawberries

Back in March, we posted about how great strawberries are, including their unique flavor and nutrient-rich health properties. Here's the link for a quick review: http://achsnews.blogspot.com/2010/03/strawberries-sweet-vitamin-rich-health.html

Well, there's more great news about strawberries...

Turns out you don't have to waste over-ripe berries (though we know you never would!), nor do you have to become an expert canner if you don't want to. According to The Oregonian, over-ripe strawberries can be roasted in the oven like heartier fruits and veggies.

"The method is simple," Oregonian writer Danielle Centoni says. " Toss the berries with some sugar and slowly roast at moderate heat until much of the juices have been released and thickened, about one hour. The berries will shrink down considerably -- 2 pounds of berries (about 3 or 4 pints) will give you just 2 cups of roasted fruit. [...] It's a great way to turn berries past their prime, or a bumper crop, into something more versatile than jam that won't take up much real estate in your fridge or freezer.

You can also change up the flavors of your roasted berries in countless ways. Try adding the seeds of a vanilla bean and maybe a crushed cardamom pod to the roasting pan. Or add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, maybe even some peppercorns or a cinnamon stick. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds brightness and dimension, too."

Give it a try and let us know how your strawberries turn out. We'd love for you to share your recipes with the ACHS Holistic Kitchen too! It just takes a moment to post here: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=99091122240&topic=13172

Planting Your Herbs and Lemon Balm Recipes

Once you have chosen the site of your garden and planned where your herbs will go, you are ready to prepare your soil! Preparing your soil, or amending soil, often involves drainage. To improve drainage, you can add compost or gravel as needed. The type of soil in your garden will help determine what needs to be added. One thing to keep in mind: good drainage is essential!

A few additional things to keep in mind when planting your herb garden:

• Do not put fertilizer in your planting hole.
• Dig the hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot your herb came in.
• Before you place your plant in the ground, break up the root ball to help the roots spread into the surrounding soil.
• Once you fill the hole, do not mound soil around the stem of the herb, which can cause rot.
• Water the herb gently once planted, and then determine a regular watering schedule.

For specific questions about amending the soil in your area and watering schedules, contact the local Master Gardeners' group in your area. Here's a link to search from the American Horticulture Society: http://www.ahs.org/master_gardeners/

Now use your herbs daily! Herbs included in the daily diet have been shown to support optimal health and wellness, and improve the color, flavor, and variety of dishes! Lemon balm, for example, has a somewhat sweet, honeylike, citrus flavor that can easily be added to a tea blend. Its lemon-like scent also makes a good addition to fruit salads, deserts (like sorbet), and as a flavoring for grains. Traditionally, lemon balm has been used as a digestive aid and is very easy to incorporate into the diet. It's fresh, young leaves can even be added to a salad raw!

Don't have a full-sized garden? No problem. Check out "Growing Herbs in Pots" for great tips from ACHS SVP and Master Gardener Erika Yigzaw.