Are herbs actually good for anything?

[screeg]

Other than making stew.

[casualPhilosoph]

Herbs give you additional options in some sickness or poison related events in your town, also there is an event with your party where you can trade herbs, though I forgot what for.
Probably there are also other events I am just not remembering where herbs help.

[76561188078797539]

They reduce the challenge difficulty of a sickness event. One that has very negative consequences when lost.

I think I had another demon-related one where using herbs was an option, but that was just once and I don't recall the details.

[ap.trash]

I usually stack up on them. Some for the sickness events, because those can really suck without.
And when I find I have an abundant amount, I use them for cooking, since they give (new) food recepies. More food, more power to me (and getting lots of different dishes is one of the fun activities for me in this game).

[screeg]

Should I be taking them on the road then, for sickness challenges?

[chickenfeatherz]

I take about 20 herbs with any expedition I make. I then leave the rest at the outpost. Most herb related quests are in town.

Finally, you can cook with herbs. They made for a good additional type of lightweight food to bring on expeditions.

[Itkovian]

@chickenfeatherz I love your avatar! Dexter's Lab was such a fun show!

I think your questions have been answered, but I'll add my two cents for what it's worth. :)
Having some herbs in the village along with a medic can prevent a potentially nasty random event from inflicting sickness on your villagers. Regular illness isn't bad, but I've had deadly illness kill some of my people.