Coriander, red clover, chamomile and puha – you've probably already heard of them before.

But do you know the unique medicinal or cosmetic talents they hold? March 6-12 is Herb Awareness Week – offering people the opportunity to learn more about these four chosen herbs for 2017.

Katikati Herb Society president Jenny Ager-Pratt says her club is a hosting a presentation to learn more about the four herbs above, which are featured this awareness week.

'Karina Hilterman is a founding member of our club and is returning to town to talk about the herbs because she wrote the fact sheet on them,” says Jenny.

The society will meet 7pm next Wednesday, March 8, at St Pauls' Presbyterian Church in Katikati.

Jenny says visitors are invited – and they might learn something new about the herbs from Karina.

To give those interested a taste, Jenny says puha is easy to find – growing freely on most land – and is really high in minerals.

'I use it in salads, soups and stews,” says Jenny. 'It mines the lands for minerals – and is often one of the first plants to pop up when you clear land.

'And it's more of a traditional herb – Maori would put in it their boil-up because it helps the body process the fat.”

'But it's a nice green herb you don't necessarily have to cultivate yourself.”

Jenny says red clover is considered stronger medicinally than white clover. 'It's a blood purifier and is also good for the skin, among other things.”

Meanwhile coriander is considered a ‘safe herb' as it it's commonly used in food preparation already.

'It is a digestive stimulant and a blood sugar and cholesterol modulator. The seeds help with indigestion, bloating and diarrhoea.”

'But the thing with coriander is – people either love it or hate it. It's a really strong herb.”

And Jenny says there are various forms of chamomile. 'We are talking about the annual one known as the German chamomile, matricaria chamomilla or recutita.

'It's the flower you use – and most people know it's a calmative for the brain and stomach or bowel upsets.

'It's also good for sleep. And people think about it for teething and calming babies when distressed.”

Jenny says Herb Awareness Week is about finding what uses herbs have – whether it be therapeutic, medicinal or culinary.

'So Karina will show some of the herbs in action – such as puha pesto and clover tea, for example.

'That's the idea – not just to learn about the herbs but try them in ways people might not have thought of before.”

Katikati Herb Society's night with Karina Hilterman is on Wednesday, March 8, at St Pauls' Presbyterian Church in Katikati from 7pm. All are welcome, visitors cost $4 with supper included. 'They can just rock up at 7pm.”

For more information on herbs, see: www.herbs.org.nz/hawdata.html