Planting an herb garden can be fun.  Not only can the plants themselves benefit your body, but the actual gardening can be good for you as well.  It’s an opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air.

Many people plant herb gardens to complement their cooking.  Some of the most popular herbs for this reason are basil, by, chives, dill, garlic, parsley and sage.  If you are interested in growing herbs that can help calm an upset stomach or add elasticity to your skin, however, you may want to consider planting the following:

• Anise – also referred to as star anise or sweet cumin, it grows to approximately 18 inches tall, with small white flowers and feathery green leaves.  It is often used to make cough lozenges, but you can also brew its seeds in a tea.
• Barberry – is a bushy plant that has round, red berries.  The root bark has been used to stimulate the liver and boost the immune system.
• Chervil – with large yet delicate leaves, chervil looks similar to parsley.  It has a light flavor and has been used to treat an upset stomach and soothe morning sickness in pregnant women.
• Jasmine – known for its sweet-smelling flowers, is widely used in aromatherapy and in lotions to moisturize and rejuvenate dry skin.
• Ylang Ylang – is a small tree or compact shrub with glossy leaves and curly yellow flowers.  It is thought to balance hormones and ease the symptoms of PMS.

Brian Ripp, CRS, GRI, Broker – your Bay Area Realtor

www.BrianRipp.com  serving Fremont, Newark, Union City & surrounding communities. Real Estate & Property Management.

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