Rheumatologist’s Passion for Gardening Keeps Plants, Patients Healthy

“It’s also fun to grow some plants that have medicinal value, like foxglove, which is where digitalis comes from and is used to create digoxin, which is used to treat congestive heart failure,” she says. “I grow these types of plants as a nod to ancient chemists or alchemists.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Desir says living with her growing green family makes her happy, even though no one ever pays rent or does the dishes.

“I like waking up in the morning and seeing a new flower blooming or plant that has grown,” she says. “They’re a welcome surprise every morning.”

Carol Patton is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas.

Editor’s note: Listen to Dr. Desir talk about her secrets to successful gardening.