REMARKABLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF HOUSEPLANTS

When a person moves into their home, the gift of choice is commonly a plant, but this simple household decoration has much more to offer. There are numerous health benefits to some house plants that will make those who have none green with envy.

TOP HEALTH BENEFITS OF HOUSEPLANTS

Easier Breathing

Plants and people are meant to be together as the breathing process confirms. People take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus making our breathing easier and healthier. At night, however, the plants change course due to photosynthesis ceasing. With this in mind, it is best to have certain types of plants in the bedroom areas such as orchids, succulents, and epiphytic bromeliads since these plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night.

“Houseplants can perform these essential functions in your home or office with the same efficiency as a rainforest in our biosphere…”

Releasing Water

House plants can be great humidifiers due to the release of moisture vapor. Properly moist air can decrease the occurrence of dry skin, dry coughs, sore throats, and colds.

Air Purifier

There are many various kinds of toxins in our homes. VOCs include substances such as formaldehyde, found in rugs, vinyl, and cigarette smoke or benzene, found in study areas where there are books and printed papers. Trichloroethylene is another substance, found in inks and paint. Plants have been shown to remove up to 87% of those VOCs every 24 hours. According to NASA research, plants pull the contaminants into the soil where the microorganisms convert the VOCs into food for the plant.

Improves Mental Health

Studies have shown that hospital patients who have plants in their room recover more quickly. Caring for a living thing such as a plant gives us a purpose and the gratification to see the plant blossom further aids in our overall wellbeing.

Restful Sleep

The vapors of some plants such as the lavender and jasmine plant may induce a state of tranquility allowing for a more restful sleep.

Decreased Stress

Having plants in your home or workspace may help reduce stress and fatigue.

BEST PLANTS FOR INDOOR USE

Spider Plant

This plant quickly purifies air and removes formaldehyde and can be placed anywhere in the home.

Boston Fern

This plant humidifies the air but dry winter rooms can kill the Boston Fern so misting each day is a must.

Peace Lily

This plant removes mold in the air, so the best place for this plant is in the bathroom or damp areas of the home.

English Ivy

Benzene can be removed from the air with this plant so placing it in office areas or dorm rooms is best.

Philodendron

This plant purifies the air and removes formaldehyde and should be an added benefit in newly renovated homes.

Dragon Tree

This plant purifies the air, removes formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene. The Dragon Tree can be in any location in the house.

Gerbera Daisy

This unique plant releases oxygen at night and removes benzene and trichloroethylene to purify the air, so this plant’s best location would be in the bedroom area.

Snake Plant

This plant purifies the air, removes formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide which is produced by fuel-burning appliances, so this plant’s best location would be in the kitchen and rooms with wood stoves.

The health benefits of having plants in your home are remarkable, so don’t wait until a friend has a housewarming party to go green. Breathe easy, sleep better, and improve your state of mind while decreasing stress. Let these living organisms bring health and tranquility to your mind, body, and home.