Debs Cook is the lady behind Herbal Haven, she is a trustee and council member of the Herb Society, its webmistress and librarian. A self confessed herbaholic, Debs has had a keen interest in herbs and flowers since she was a young girl. She wrote a regular Herb Of The Month article for the Herb Society between 2005/07 and now writes a variety of herb related articles for the society. In 2006/07 she was a regular contributor to Grow Your Own magazine on the subject of herbs. In early 2008 Debs was commissioned by The Guardian to write a piece on growing a selection of popular herbs.

Debs photos have featured in articles in Grow Your Own magazine, on the Herb Society website and also in promotional leaflets for Jan Greenland one of the Herb Society council members and for the 2007 Presidents Day event organised by the Herb Society.

The world of herbs was first discovered by Debs when she was just 9 years old, it was the spicy sweet scent of clove pinks that set her on her journey, they sat on her Nanna's window ledge releasing their wonderful aroma, "I admired them so much and asked so many questions that I got to take them home with me that evening, they lived on my bedroom window sill until they faded. I still have one of the flower heads that I pressed in a book. Clove pinks still rate amongst my favourite scented flowers as a result. From the moment I smelt that wonderful fragrance I was hooked on aromatic plants, by the age of 18, I'd discovered herbs in all their glory".

Debs first experiences growing herbs were basic she grew the easy herbs, the ones easiest to obtain such as sage, rosemary, chives and thyme to begin, "There wasn't much space for anything else, in the garden I had then". The love of herbs continued to blossom and Debs eagerly read any book she could get hold of on the subject, she began visiting herb farms and gardens and collected the less common herbs such as balm of gilead, arnica, wood sage, myrtle and many more herbs and medicinal plants that will feature in Herbal Haven as it develops.

A late bloomer to the Herb Society, Debs didn't become a member until 2004, since joining, Debs passion for using herbs in cooking and for making scented gifts and herbal remedies has intensified and her collection of books on the subject has grown as a result. Unlike some of the Herb Society officials Debs has no letters after her name or qualifications, she's a keen amateur, although she is currently taking a course entitled "Discovering Herbal Medicine". Her passion for herbs doesn't stop at growing and using them for culinary and medicinal purposes, she also collects anything with herbs on from china to cross stitch charts, her interest also crosses in to wild flowers, many of which are also herbs in their own right with medicinal and culinary properties.

Within the Herbal Haven website Debs hopes to share her passion for herbs in their many forms and convince those among you that don't already grow herbs to have a go, even if it's only a pot, tub or window box! She'll share recipes and tips, as well as show you how to make some household cleaning items eg homemade lavender and orange beeswax polish, and some ideas for gifts to make to treat yourself and give to others. She'll also be sharing culinary recipes and ideas for using herbs in a whole host of ways as well as some growing tips and the occasional piece of information and pictures from her own herb garden. You will also find information pages on herb nurseries and herb gardens to visit, and a links page of suppliers. Plus information on herbalism and the history of herbs as well as articles featuring the medicinal uses of herbs, so please keep dropping by.

Until the next time, may you find peace in your own Herbal Haven.

Debs Cook

Disclaimer - Herbal Haven is not qualified to give medical advice, if you need medical advice we strongly urge you to seek the advice of a qualified herbalist, natural healer, medical doctor, or other licensed health practitioner. Herbal Haven accept no liability for any harm, damage, or illness arising from the use of herbs and plants mentioned or described in articles that appear on this web site. Articles on this site are provided as an information service only, they are not a substitute for advice from qualified practitioners. Always consult a practitioner before using herbs medicinally or internally.