House plants are good for your environment and your wellbeing. They improve air quality by absorbing the carbon dioxide we breathe out and emitting oxygen for us to breathe in. This has the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint and refreshing the air in your home or office. More oxygen also leads to increased concentration and productivity, so adding a plant to your office environment can be especially advantageous.
Plants can also help to control humidity; If the humidity is too low we are vulnerable to viral infections, and if it’s too high, our chances of developing other diseases increases. Plants help keep your environment at optimum humidity levels.
Plants are also aesthetically pleasing and most of all, they help us feel good. We all know being outdoors can reduce stress levels and make us feel better, so why not bring some of their anti-anxiety benefits indoors? Smells from aromatic plants such as lavender can work wonders on your mood, calm your nervous system, and put your mind at ease too.
Not green fingered? Don’t worry, all of these plants are super easy to look after and low maintenance.
1. Aloe Vera – Healing properties.
This is a plant that soothes skins burns and cuts, and can help clear pollutants out of the air caused by cleaning products. It does this at night by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, so an ideal plant for the bedroom. It evens leaves little brown spots on the leaves when the harmful chemicals in your home become too excessive, reminding you to cut back on your use of chemicals. This plant is super low maintenance and likes a spot with lots of sun.
2. Lavender - Calms you down
Inhaling the lavender scent slows down the nervous system, letting you relax and fall asleep more easily. It can even improve your mood, concentration and reduce irritability. Tests have shown that its scent helps people perform maths faster and more accurately than those who don’t inhale the scent before tests! Additionally, it’s great for relieving headaches, and also keeps flies, fleas and moths at bay.
3. Rosemary – Improves your memory
So stressed you can’t think? The Rosemary aroma enhances memory and concentration, making it great for anxious moments. It also supports the nervous system, just like lavender. Rosemary is a great plant for the kitchen as it has antibacterial properties which can prevent stomach ulcers when consumed, and works wonders as a breath freshener.
4. Clary sage – Acts as a stress buster
The essential oil has been shown to help with pain, fear and anxiety during labour, the oil is often used to treat depression, and is recommended when stress and pressures from outside become too much. Create your own nurturing and supporting sanctuary with a flowering Clary sage in your home. The flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish to balance hormones, relieve headaches and reduce muscular cramps.
5. Gerbera daisies – Can lighten up your day
If you love bright colours, these will make you smile. The vibrant petals will instantly cheer up your space, and they also purify the air. On a cold, sunny winter day, place your Gerbera Daisy in a sunny room to give you the feeling of outdoors without having to go outside. Gerbera daisies continue releasing oxygen all through the night to help you breath and sleep better. Gerbera daisies are especially helpful for those suffering from sleep apnoea or breathing disorders. These daisies will have you dozing off in no time!
6. Rubber plants – Clear out toxins
Specifically it great for clearing formaldehyde (strong, clear chemical found in many household products). It’s one of the easiest plants to grow and can thrive in dim conditions and cooler climates, making it a great indoor plant you can put anywhere. It’s also anti-bacterial; bacteria and mould spores float through the air, looking for places to grow. Part of the Rubber plants defence is to kill these organisms whilst they are airborne. This will not harm people or pets, but can reduce mould and bacteria in a room as much as 50-60%.
7. Peace Lily – Creates a relaxing atmosphere
All thanks to its lovely, scented white flowers. Great low maintenance flower which does well in shade and cooler temperatures. It will even tell you when it’s thirsty by starting to droop! They are also thought to clear the air of acetone (a colourless solvent found in nail polish, inks, oils, dyes, detergents and synthetic materials) and benzene (another carcinogenic solvent used in plastics).
8. Spider plants – Best air purifying plant
According to NASA’s list. One of the most common house plants for several reasons, firstly its decorative, secondly, it’s easy to grow, and finally, its effective at fighting pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. They like cooler spots, don’t place it on a window above a radiator. In some communities, people eat this plant as it contains high levels of nutrients such as beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and iron. The leaves are boiled in sour milk for 2-3 days and used to improve eyesight, provide energy, is good for pregnant women, and used to cure migraine, vomiting, vertigo, headaches, pneumonia, and stomach ailments.
So there you have it, 8 great reasons to get yourself a house plant, whether you want better air quality, medicinal benefits or a better nights sleep, plants have many benefits and uses in the home.
Water Your Roots so Your Soul can Blossom
Sharon Cole
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