Herbs are the quintessential plant: they look good, smell good and do you good. They have been used ever since humans have been on the earth, as medicines, perfumes, insect repellents and, of course, in food and flavouring. This huge group of plants includes trees, shrubs, annuals and even cacti, to name but a few.

The most important thing to remember when growing herbs is that they are the foundation of all modern medicine. They are not the gentle namby-pamby things some would like you to think. They are healers, therefore they should be treated with respect, and if you are considering them for specific medicinal use always consult a doctor or qualified herbalist. If you are growing herbs for use in the kitchen then you need to learn about their flavour and how they can aid digestion.

Herbs, in most cases, are tough wild plants which, when spoilt by the lush conditions of a garden, will thrive and romp away. It's a myth that all herbs like full sun, even good old basil likes partial shade at midday. So when planning your garden, you can divide your plants into two sections, those like thyme, sage, rosemary, french tarragon and oregano that like full sun; and those that like partial shade, such as rocket, sorrel, mizuna, mustard, parsley and chervil.

Here are some 'must haves' to put in a window box on the sunny side of the house; chives, oregano, lemon thyme and a creeping rosemary to drape over the edge. However, on the shady side of the house choose a salad herb window box which would include wild rocket, chervil, French parsley and red mustard.

When growing herbs in containers there are two important tips. The first is to use a soil-based compost, either organic or potting compost. This is because there are very few herbs that grow in peat, and a soil-based compost retains moisture which is a must to stop containers drying out. Many would also advise watering in the morning rather than the evening because this gives the plants a chance if the temperatures are hot during the day, especially for containers grown in full sun. The second tip is to feed container plants weekly from March until September. This keeps the plants healthy, helps them produce leaves, especially on cut and come again salads. Also, use a seaweed-based feed, however you can use any proprietary feeds that boost leaf production.

We perhaps don`t realize just how many herbs often go into the making of a tasty dish. i can`t imagine too many indian or thai or chinese meals without the use of herbs.

As well Herbs are being used for skin products and much more, I usually use a herbal shampoo, I am always on the look out for herbal tea aswell.

I wouldn`t think it`d be too difficult to find herbal teas in Thailand is it, thailand-search?

Here in the UK we have them more in the larger supermarkets, or specialist shops, but certainly not everywhere.