Goals: healing

A high-altitude Himalayan herb — only worth trying in the hills, and only from nursery stock.

The spikenard of the high Himalaya, aromatic-rooted and strictly a mountain plant.

A slight winter annual of dry western fields, grown for the husk of its seed.

A dry-country shrub with yellow flowers, tough enough for a Rajasthan roof.

A winter annual of the north-west, grown for the thyme-scented seed.

Plant a knob of market haldi in June; harvest your own in February.

The dark-leaved tulsi, sharper in scent and a little slower to grow than the green.

The wild tulsi — taller, camphor-scented and perennial where winters are mild.

Thick scented leaves on a succulent stem; one plant fills a windowsill pot for years.

The pennywort of damp corners; spreads by runners and asks for shade and moisture.