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	S T O R I E S The heightened flavor of gourmet salt Salt lovers are finding ways to make their daily allowance count. They're getting choosy about the kind of salt they use. Prescriptions for herbs? New technology could make it possible Herbs sold as dietary supplements are put through the same rigorous testing required of drugs, and brands vary widely in the amount of active ingredients they contain. Now, researchers have come up with a way to give consumers more confidence in herbs. Is salt bad or not? As the American Heart Association announces that a new review of studies supports the government's to eat less salt, the salt industry says that with the exception of a minority of patients with high blood pressure, there is no clear proof that eating less salt helps lower blood pressure in the general population. San Fran salt harvest has long history The Gold Rush of 1849 helped create what may be the San Francisco Bay's oldest industry: 49ers heading for the foothills paid $50 a ton for salt. By 1849 standards, salt seemed just about worth its weight in gold, and quite a bit easier to find. Herbs popular for many reasons Some believe the plants have mystical powers. Some say they can heal. And others simply love the fragrance, taste and history of herbs. Ragna Goddard of Sundial Herb Gardens has been tending to her herbal gardens in Higganum for 25 years. "When I walk through the gardens, each plant has a story that takes me back thousands of years, so plants have personalities," she said. From the kitchen to fragrance, herbs have many uses A walk through an herbal garden can provide a tranquil retreat from an often loud and hectic world. From fragrant herbs preserved and ready for recipes any time of the year to the beauty and bounty of a small herb garden, growing herbs has become all the rage in America. GO! L I N K S Note: Pages will open in a new browser window Herban Revival An article from the National Restaurant Association about the resurgence of herbs in fine dining. Herbs & Spices Virtually endless site includes historical and geographical information, as well as reference sources and tips on growing your own herbs. Spices and Herbs for the Home Garden Some tips are solely for those in New Mexico, but offers an informative guide to herbs and how to grow them wherever you may be. External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive

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