Do you feel more calm and relaxed when you’re surrounded by greenery? It’s not your imagination. Scientific studies show certain houseplants reduce stress and anxiety, elevate moods, improve air quality and even promote healing.
- Aloe Vera
You’re probably familiar with aloe vera as an ingredient in many skincare and medicinal products. Aloe vera also removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it the most powerful natural air purifier in the world. The minimal amount of required maintenance has earned aloe vera the nickname of “plant of immortality.” - Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums offer a dual benefit. In addition to providing a vibrant touch of color to your home, the dried blossoms can be steeped in boiling water to make tea. Its healing, anti-inflammatory powers are often used to treat high blood pressure, fever, swelling and type 2 diabetes. - Jasmine
Do you find yourself tossing and turning the night away? Keep a jasmine plant on your nightstand for better quality sleep. Instead of feeling groggy in the morning, you’ll be alert and clear-headed. Jasmine’s soothing scent transmits messages to the body’s limbic system, which regulates emotions. Be sure to give a jasmine plant plenty of sunshine. - Lavender
Commonly used in aromatherapy, lavender is another fragrant plant with a beautiful hue. Use the dried buds to make sachets, potpourri, bath salts or infused oil. While there’s no hard scientific evidence, many grateful moms swear by lavender’s calming effects on fussy babies. - Areca Palm
Known as the “butterfly palm” due to the graceful sweep of its fronds, the Areca palm produces yellow flowers in the summertime. If the air in your home tends to be dry, Areca palms serve as natural humidifiers through water vapor emitted from the fronds. Areca palms are also good air purifiers, and with proper care, they can live up to 10 years. - Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
Photogenic fiddle-leaf fig trees have gained popular status from frequent appearances in magazine photos, but it’s not just a pretty face. The tree’s broad leaves are efficient air purifiers and they also help control humidity. - English Ivy
As its name implies, English ivy is literally a “transplant” brought over by European colonists. This attractive plant reduces airborne toxins, particularly ones that may cause mold infestations. English ivy’s purifying properties are so strong that it benefits people with respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. - Snake Plant
The visually striking snake plant has a sleek look that blends well in most decors. Snake plants produce oxygen at a higher rate than other plants while controlling carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in stress-free days and restful nights along with an overall energy boost. - Peppermint
Peppermint’s fresh taste and scent make it a popular ingredient in chewing gum, mints and dental hygiene products. Proximity to peppermint has been found to reduce frustration and improve alertness. Menthol, a substance in peppermint, helps relax the muscles, so chop up a few fresh peppermint leaves and toss them in your bathwater. - Tillandsia
Tillandsia, more commonly known as an air plant, is uniquely adaptable to various displays because of its propensity to cling to a wide range of surfaces. Like snake plants, air plants keep air quality high by producing oxygen and controlling carbon dioxide. Their light, airy aesthetic also creates a calm and relaxing ambiance.
“Go Green” is a widespread initiative promoting eco-awareness. Embrace nature and improve your well-being by “going green” at home as well.
As a bonus, many of these houseplants are low-maintenance. Reduce stress and beautify your decor by adding these popular houseplants to your home.
