Tansy
The name derives from the Greek for 'immortal' perhaps because the flowers last so long, There are two very differing views for this plant as it is thought that (1) when eaten in a salad by women that conception possibilities would be enhanced, or (2) eating the plant would encourage a miscarriage. It is a hardy perennial with aromatic leaves which would explain why Sussex people believed that placing leaves in the shoe would prevent ague. It has clusters of yellow flowers and is commonly known as 'buttons'. Traditionally the juice of the leaves was extracted to flavour puddings and cakes for Easter. During Lent the young leaves were eaten to sweeten body odours caused by the limited food intake. It has a hot, bitter though not unpleasant taste. Horses and goats will not eat it, but sheep and cows are more than happy to tuck in. Most of the recipes for this plant refer back to Elizabethan times but it is now mainly used for decorative purposes.

Tarragon
Just the sort of thing you needed for a bite received from a mad dog it was once believed, and would also help with the stings of venomous bees. The root was also believed to have healing powers and was used for toothache. A perennial herb it has slender aromatic green leaves and produces small white flowers in the summer.

Thyme
The Order of Oddfellows still throw thyme into a grave, hence its continued association with death. Originally cultivated from the Mediterranean this aromatic spreading evergreen produces small mauve flowers in the summer. Its essential oil is highly valued in culinary circles but can also be used for medicinal purposes. The oil has been used to treat rheumatism, leprosy, whooping cough, and in tea to help a fever. Romans prescribed it for relieving depression to lift the spirits, and in the 16-century it was believed to cure sciatica and headaches. Also once used as a disinfectant.