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Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!
heart healthy, lowers blood pressure, prevents stroke, lowers bad cholesterol

Oregano: This tasty herb finds itself in much Mediterranean cooking, and is just loaded with nutrients. It is good for the digestion, and has many powerful anti-oxidants (even more than blueberries) and anti-carcinogens. It also has antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. As if that weren't enough, is also an antifungal, even taking on the notorious candida yeast. You want to use fresh oregano, as the dried herb loses the volatile oils that are responsible for its many benefits.
helps prevent tumors and cancer

Sage: This delightful herb is a key player in some terrific recipes, but it is also a great purifier, fighting both bacteria and viruses. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and is used by many to ease the symptoms of arthritis. It also helps to lower blood pressure and control blood sugar. Like rosemary, it has been used since ancient times as a memory enhancer. Although it is just fine in foods, you should avoid excessive quantities of sage if you are pregnant.
helps prevent inflammation and soothe arthritis

Thyme: This aromatic herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and contains thymol, a well-known antiseptic (you might be gargling with it). It's good for the digestion and is supposed to have some aphrodisiac qualities, although that just may be be due to the well-known connection between love and good food.
helps prevent inflammation

Recipe

Pigeon-Pea Soup

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 64

ingredients

2 (1 3/4 cups) packages frozen pigeon peas, thawed
lb smoked ham, boned ham hock, or Spanish chorizo links (spicy dried pork sausage), diced
3 cups water
sofrito
1 large fresh jalape�o chile, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
6 ají, dulce chiles, finely chopped, including seeds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme or oregano leaves
3/4 cup calabaza or winter squash, peeled and cut into 0.25 inch dice (3/4 cup)
1 garlic clove
4 fresh cilantro sprigs
1/2 green plantain, peeled

directions

Simmer peas, ham, water, and broth in a 1 gallon heavy pot, uncovered, 30 minutes. Make sofrito while peas simmer: Cook jalape�o, bell pepper, ají, dulce chiles, onion, and garlic in oil in a skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add cilantro, tomato, and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season sofrito with salt and pepper.

Simmer and season stew:

Stir sofrito and squash into pea mixture and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender and liquid is reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Mash garlic clove and cilantro to a paste with a mortar and pestle, then season with salt and pepper and add to stew. Grate plantain on large holes of a grater directly into stew and season stew with salt and pepper.