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Bay Leaf: That green headband around Ceasar's head was bay, and it has a long and glorious culinary history in Mediterranean countries.
Bay can be bitter when fresh, so let it dry for a few days if you pluck it green from the tree. After drying, it keeps nicely in an airtight jar. It gives up its flavor slowly, which is why you add it to the beginning of slow-cooked soups and stews. It has a slightly musty aroma with shades of nutmeg that can overpower a dish, so only use half a leaf for each serving. Don't forget to pull them out before serving!

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

Parsley: This refreshing herb is good for your breath and is apparently refreshing to the rest of your body. Like all green herbs, it is loaded with chlorophyll, which is just good for people. It helps you build tissue and fight inflammation. It has even been shown to help manage blood sugars and helps to keep your weight in check. More studies are needed, but it may even help to fight cancer. All that, and a breath freshener too? Who could ask for more?
helps prevent inflammation

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

Traditional Southern Red Beans

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 90

ingredients

1 lb. red kidney beans
2 qt. water
1 large onion (chopped)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 lb. smoked ham (cubed)
1 lb. smoked sausages (in 0.5 inch slices)
1 cup water
1 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 tsp. whole thyme leaves
2 level tbsp. salt

directions

Pick through beans, removing all bad beans or any other particles. Wash beans well. Place beans in a 1 1/4 gallons pot. Add the 2 quarts of water. Add onions, bring to a boil. Lower heat and let beans boil slowly for 1 hour. When beans are soft, stir well, mashing some against the side of the pot.

Heat oil in frying pan, add ham and sausage. Sauté, in oil for 5 mintues. Then add the sausage, ham, and oil to beans. Deglaze pan with the cup of water, then pour into beans. Add all other ingredients. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Beans should be nice and creamy. Serve over rice.

Leah Chase shares her tips with Epicurious:

Red beans are a perfect low-maintenance but hearty choice. 'They practically cook themselves,' Chase says. Just be sure to stir them occasionally to make sure they don't burn. You can also prepare them in a slow-cooker.

If you'd like to cut down on the cooking time, many cooks choose to soak their beans in water beforehand, Chase says. Clean and sort the beans as directed, then leave them in a bowl, just covered with water, overnight or several hours ahead.

If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, add the garlic more toward the end of the cooking. 'It will have a more powerful taste that way,' Chase says.