Indoor Plants That Could Improve Your Health
8 Indoor Plants Good For Your Health
Of course, it matters what you eat and how often you exercise, but your personal health can also be affected by other factors, such as your sensitivity to allergens, the quality of the water and air where you live, and strangely, indoor plants! Choosing the right plants to put in your house can actually help improve the quality of your sleep, stress level, and even mood. It is also quite therapeutic to be surrounded by beautiful looking natural foliage; there’s just something so real and earthy about it. Here are a few plants for you to consider, all of which have slightly different benefits.
1. Spider Plant
The spider plant is known for removing formaldehyde from indoor air. You might think you don’t have an issue with formaldehyde, but it is unfortunately found in such things as facial tissues, napkins, synthetic fabrics, plywood panels, and even paper bags. The good news is that spider plants are pretty easy to maintain and don’t require much sunlight; in fact, they don’t like it! It can grow in a whole range of different soils and only needs occasional watering – low maintenance, a great addition to your home.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, despite not very much scientific research existing on it, has been used for many centuries to treat irritated and dry skin. Inside its leaf, you may find a translucent, gelatinous substance which can directly be lathered on to your skin. It can help to relieve the pain suffered from frostbite, sunburn, cold sores, and even psoriasis. Unlike spider plants, they need to be watered thoroughly, faring best in indirect rather than direct sunlight.
3. Lavender
Lavender has a distinct smell that can relieve stress; it is often found in candles, soaps, salts, and skincare creams. A literal lavender plant is ideally placed in your bedroom and has been known to help with insomnia and restlessness. It needs to be planted in well-drained soil and receive plenty of direct sunlight. It needs thorough but not regular watering. You should plant it in partially damp rather than soaked soil.
4. English Ivy
An English ivy plant can work wonders in combating mold; it purifies around 94% of airborne mold particles which is very good news, especially with those who suffer from allergies. It is also worth putting in your bedroom, especially if you suffer from asthma. It is a poisonous plant, though, so should be kept a little higher up so that children (your own or others) don’t touch it. Oddly, it grows better in fluorescent light rather than direct sunlight so is an ideal indoor plant. The soil should be kept moist and not too wet.
5. Snake Plant
This strangely named plant also goes by the name of “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” and does a superb job at changing carbon dioxide into oxygen while you sleep. More good news is that it takes out many other toxins such as xylene, benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Having multiple plants is even better; half a dozen should do the job. Indirect sunlight and moderate watering work best.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb which can improve memory and concentration. Apparently, this is due to a compound called 1,8-cineole, which empowers a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. It can thrive in a little pot and requires bright sunlight. It needs regular watering but less during winter. Be sure to give it a little trim from time to time, especially when it flowers.
7. Peace Lily
Peace lilies can soak up trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene; toxins that you simply don’t want in your home. It isn’t for those who suffer from pollen-related allergies, due to it being a flowering plant; however, if you don’t suffer from them it can look good on a side table or in a dining room. All-purpose soil is best used with this plant; it shouldn’t be overwatered but kept slightly moist, away from direct sunlight.
8. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is believed to be a natural humidifier and also a natural absorber of unwanted toxins such as xylene and formaldehyde. It can also alleviate problems with dry skin which can sometimes be exacerbated by air-conditioning. Indirect sunlight is best, and a room which is on the cool side, with a humidity level somewhere between 50% – 80%.
Overall, indoor plants can have tangible health benefits. They look great on plant stands or coffee tables. As well as expensive electric dehumidifiers and humidifiers, natural plants can complement them and give out pleasant, healthful scents as well as adorning your home’s appearance. Why not harness the power of nature as well as the power of manmade technology? They’re also a way of introducing your children to the natural world, wrenching them off their electronic devices, and preparing them to appreciate the outside world. They could even become involved in planting some seeds in a pot as a vacation project.