Consuming herbs may help to prevent and manage heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It may also help to reduce blood clots and provide anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Research is ongoing but studies have shown that: Garlic, linseed, fenugreek, and lemongrass may help lower cholesterol.

                                                                                         Healthy Herbs and How to Use Them

• Rosemary for Heart Health

Rosemary is an herb that may help prevent damage to blood vessels and aid with cardiovascular health, says Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, New York City-based author of The O2 Diet. The healing herb may also help with indigestion and memory function and reduce muscle and joint pain when applied topically. Rosemary's active ingredient, carnosic acid or carnosol, might also prevent the spread of cancer, a study published in the journal Cancer Treatment Reviews found. A very strongly flavored herb, rosemary goes great with hearty foods, such as meat and potatoes. Butterflied rosemary chicken with pan juices is a tasty recipe to help add rosemary to your diet.

• Parsley for Hypertension

Parsley is high in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and the chemical apigenin, which may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells several studies have found. It also has been shown to have heart-healthy effects, reducing high blood pressure. A quick way to put this healing herb in your diet is as a chopped garnish, but it can also play a starring role and add great flavor to dishes like this recipe for chicken creole, which cooks up in just minutes.

• Ginger for Gastrointestinal Health

Ginger appears to be effective for treating gastrointestinal disturbances, especially in relieving diarrhea or nausea caused by morning sickness during pregnancy and nausea and vomiting after surgery or after cancer patients' chemotherapy treatment. A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger has also been shown to reduce joint pain. In foods, ginger doesn't have to be reserved for sushi — consider adding this healing food to your dessert, such as this recipe for berry ginger shortcakes

• Cinnamon for Stable Blood Sugar

Cinnamon twig appears to have some antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This healing food may also help treat gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea and indigestion. Cinnamon seems to have antioxidant effects as well. Glassman says that cinnamon is excellent for controlling blood sugar levels and has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Jazzing up carrots is as simple as adding cinnamon, like with this apple-glazed baby carrots recipe.

• Garlic for Cancer Protection

Garlic is most well-known for the healing herb's potential anti-cancer effects, Glassman says, as well as its ability to slow other diseases, including hypertension and even the common cold. One of the most commonplace healing herbs, garlic is a great flavor enhancer in stews and soups, such as this quick-and-easy Asian pork soup.

• Stinging Nettle for Joint Pain

Stinging nettle, also known simply as nettle, appears to be effective in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis. According to Susun Weed, an herbalist with the Wise Woman Center in Woodstock, N. Y., stinging nettle is great for controlling dandruff, making hair glossy, and improving overall hair health. It may also be effective in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that involves enlargement of the prostate. Weed suggests infusing stinging nettle in tea, but this healing food may also be used in soup, pesto, or this creamy polenta recipe.

• Chives for Cancer Protection

That tasty green garnish on your baked potato is rich in vitamins A and C, known for their antioxidant effects. The healing herb has also been shown to reduce the risk for gastric cancer. Sprinkling chives on salads and pasta is great, but cooking with chives is equally as delicious. Check out this recipe for blue cheese and chive potato salad to add more of it to your diet.

• Coriander for Bad Cholesterol

"Coriander may aid in lowering 'bad' cholesterol and increasing 'good' cholesterol," Glassman says. "It can also help lower blood sugar levels as well." This healing food also appears to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Coriander is a staple in many cuisines, from Indian to Thai. For a light dinner or lunch option, add this healing herb to roasted vegetables or a nourishing stew.