Indoor Plants and Their Health Benefits
It’s the undoubted truth that some of the greatest mental and physical remedies come from nature. Whether you’re taking a peaceful walk through the woods, or applying the restorative gels of plants such as Aloe Vera, the natural world truly has plenty to offer. Though we mostly associate nature with the great outdoors, there is absolutely no reason why we can’t fill our homes with a bunch of glorious green delights – and reap the benefits. Indoor plants can bring to your home live atmosphere as well as great mood and plenty of benefits to your health. Moreover, houseplants are irreplaceable element of home decoration.
Let’s look, what plants are the best to keep at home and how you can enjoy their health benefits.
Health benefits of plants, you say?
Absolutely! Plenty of research has been carried out to explore the health benefits of indoor plants. Studies have shown that indoor plants can:
Reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue
Soothe sore throats and alleviate colds
Boost mood and productivity
Enhance concentration and creativity
Remove indoor air pollution
Let’s talk about pollution. As we all know, the world is rife with it. Pollution doesn’t just plague the outdoor air of big cities; it can form just as maliciously within our homes and workplaces. Synthetic building materials, mold, airborne viruses, and pollutants all emit nasty emissions into the very air we breathe. The construction of buildings to make them as air-tight and energy efficient as possible doesn’t help, either – air circulation is reduced, and all the bad stuff gets trapped inside. You can’t believe, but one small plant can improve the air quality in the room.
Air quality has a significant impact on our health, and one little plant can easily transform a toxic space into a prosperous haven. Just as some of the world’s major cities, such as Singapore, have made a conscious effort to plant more trees in order to combat pollution. You too can employ some greenery in your home to keep indoor pollution at bay.
Benefits of indoor plants at workplace
Very often office workers complain about fatigue, lack of concentration, discomfort or headache. This creates a phenomenon that has come to be known as Sick Building Syndrome, an affliction which causes otherwise healthy people to experience allergies, headaches, nausea, and other nasty symptoms whenever they are exposed to indoor air toxins. Though mostly attributed to corporate workers in big commercial buildings, Sick Building Syndrome can occur in pretty much any indoor space.
Fortunately, there is an easy and elegant solution. Indoor plants absorb toxins in the air and produce oxygen. In fact, NASA found that indoor plants can remove up to 87 per cent of air toxins in 24 hours. Other studies have found that plants can make a big difference to the health of a workplace. Offices with indoor plants saw an increase in staff well-being, work performance, and a reduction in sick days.
And… Aesthetic pleasure
The simple beauty of a plant can’t be denied. Seeing, smelling, or touching them can have an instant effect on your mood. They are a calming presence, and make for a superb aesthetic in practically any indoor space.
And then there’s the joy of caring for plants. Similar to pets, they require maintenance (although they require far less attention than your average lap dog!). Caring for them becomes very therapeutic, and this simple responsibility brings a sense of fulfillment to many.
Furthermore, your home design won’t be complete without houseplants. Depending on the room and the place you put you can choose flowers of any shape, size and color. They will add to your room some bright colors and of course, elegant notes.
Which Plant, and Where?
There’s plenty of glorious greenery to choose from, all of which will provide you with desired benefits of indoor plants. Having said that, we’ve got some favorites…
Living room/ Children’s room
These plants better to put in rooms where you spend most of your time. For many families it is common to be most of their time in the living and as for children, in their own room. All the plants in this list have an ability to improve air quality and provide you with more oxygen.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is an excellent choice for first-time plant parents. They don’t need much watering, and can survive in less than ideal conditions. The spiky leaves are etched with yellow, creating a color combination that is sure to brighten any room of the house.
Pothos
Pothos, also known as ‘Devil’s Ivy’, is another plant that is very easy to care for. Its nickname comes from its ability to thrive in darker locals; it doesn’t do too well with direct sunlight. The higher you can place a Pothos plant, the better, as their vines grow long and gracefully towards the floor.
Peace Lilies
Peace Lilies are easy to care for, but it’s important to have the right growing conditions. They enjoy medium to low light, and are more tolerant of under-watering than over-watering. The pristine white leaves make for the perfect living room companion, though they have also found a comfortable spot in many offices.
Philodendron
Derived from the greek words Philo-, meaning ‘love’, and dendron, meaning ‘tree’, the Philodendron lives up to its name, with its heart-shaped leaves and adaptable nature. They thrive in bright locations with indirect sunlight, and require moderate watering. Moreover, philodendrons are excellent plant-care teachers: watch carefully for the signs, and it will tell you what it needs.
ZZ plant
The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, hails from the drought-ridden plains of East Africa. Having learnt to survive in the harshest of conditions, they are extraordinarily resilient and require little maintenance. They do best in moderate to low light, but will probably do fine with very little light at all. Its wand-like stems bear oval-shaped leaves, giving this plant a unique style admired by many.
Bedroom
For bedroom these plants suit the best as they help to improve your sleep. About 35% of Americans complain about insomnia and it creates several difficulties in daily life. So, instead of seeking for aid from drugs and remedies why not to try putting some plants in your bedroom.
Lavender
It is scientifically proved that lavender odor has a positive effect on sleep quality. This beautiful flower with its pleasant smell can be a natural remedy for better sleep and relaxation. Lavender influences the brain and reduces anxiety, aggression, anger and stress.
Orchids
Comparing with other plants orchids continue producing oxygen even when photosynthesis stops in the night time. It can improve the air quality for you during the night time which contributes to good sleep. Therefore, do not forget to put some orchid branches in your bedroom for aesthetic pleasure and pleasing night.
Gardenia
Like orchid, gardenia flowers also have calming effect. Researches show that this beautiful flower provides short-term relief from anxiety encouraging sleepiness. However, gardenia is one of the delicate flowers that require meticulous maintenance. They like bright places with indirect sunlight.
Succulent
Succulents work like natural air purifier. Removing toxins and volatile chemicals it leaves the indoor air clean and fresh. Also, succulent helps you to get better night rest as it works at night the same as during the day time. So, if you suffer from insomnia, having some succulents in your bedroom will help you to have better sleep.
Areca palm
Areca palm is one of the widely used indoor plants that treasured for its decorative look and health benefits. This greenery can release moisture bringing to your bedroom a breath of fresh air. In addition, areca palm is one of the best plants to remove air pollutants from air and encourage good sleep.
Kitchen
What is the specific feature of houseplants for kitchen? Of course, their assistance in the kitchen either as spice or the herb. Not only this, they can also improve the indoor air quality just like other plants.
Aloe vera
Aloe is also known as “lily of the desert” and “the plant of immortality”. No need to remind about the great health benefits of this plant. The gel inside aloe is good for using on some wounds and burns. Besides, it is easy to take care of it.
Nasturtium
If you want to see in your kitchen not only edible, but also beautiful flowers then nasturtium is the best choice for you. Its peppery yellow-orange flowers will give your kitchen a nice look. Besides, leaves you can add to salads as they are delicious. And if you have cats or dogs at home, don’t worry, nasturtium is absolutely non-toxic for home pets.
Cilantro
Cilantro is one of the widely used herbs in culinary. Its flowers and leaves are all edible, so if you grow cilantro in the pot you may use it whenever you want for different dishes and salads. Its seeds are called coriander, one of the spices. In addition, you may grow in your kitchen basil or mint if you like their flavor more.
Rosemary
With its strong distinct aroma rosemary is one of the favorite herbs in culinary world. Majority grow it in the kitchen not only for cooking, but also for air freshening purposes. Rosemary has also relaxing effect that helps to reduce anxiety and stress level. Therefore, make sure that rosemary pot has its own place in your kitchen.
Recommended article:
Plants & Herbs That Help Kill Bacteria In Your Organism
