Nothing brings life into a space like a houseplant! With so many varieties, there is one for every spot in your home. Just add light and water to create a thriving oasis! We typically consider ourselves to be the ones taking care of the plants, but maybe the plants are taking care of us as well. Adding plants to your home not only enlivens the space, but can also provide health benefits!
From physical to mental health, plant can help ease the burden and provide relief! Many studies have been done to prove the positive physical and mental health benefits that plants bring into our lives including:
1. Improving Air Quality and Allergy Relief
Results from NASA's Clean Air Study showed that plants can be effective at absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen into the air, and removing pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. The study suggests at least one plant per 100 square feet in a home can effectively clean the air. The leaves of plants also act as natural filters, removing dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air, giving relief from allergies
Top picks: Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera
2. Lowering Anxiety and Stress
Incorporating plants into your home and been shown to help reduce stress levels. Humans have a strong connection to nature and bringing nature into your everyday life makes you calmer and more relaxed. Research has shown that having living plants in your home can reduce stress and anxiety by almost 40% because plants can remind you of nature, the outdoors, and a calmer life.
Top Picks: Parlor Palm, ZZ Plant, Philodendron
3. Improving Mood and Focus
Adding houseplants to your work or study space can actually result in better focus and performance! Houseplant have oxygenating abilities, meaning they release oxygen into the air. This oxygen counters the carbon dioxide in the air and in our bodies. Having the right amount of oxygen is crucial to brain function! Plants can literally give our brains a 'breath of fresh air' which helps to reset our mood and regain our focus.
Top Picks: Satin Pothos, Prayer Plant, Button Fern
4. Increasing Humidity
Dry air can lead to an array of health problems including respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and dry skin. Houseplants are natural humidifiers! They use a process called transpiration to release water molecules into the air, similar to the process of sweating. The more plants you have, the higher your humidity will be!
Top Picks: Victoria Fern, Silver Bay Aglaonema, Calathea
5. Promoting Positive Energy
Plants come from the earth, carrying the grounding energy of the earth with them. This energy promotes kindness, gentleness and compassion. Plants are an essential part of the practice of Feng Shui, due to their calming and mood boosting qualities. Many plants are even believed to bring good fortune to those who care for them!
Top Picks: Money Plant, Jade Plant, Lucky Bamboo
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