Houseplants will not only brighten up your home and make it seem more inviting, but they’re also great for your health.
There are various ways in which houseplants can benefit your health and many reasons why you should have more plants in your home or workplace, here are just a few of them…
They improve the air quality
Pollution levels are known to be higher indoors than outdoors. This is because paints, detergents, furniture, carpets and other items in your home can emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and once inside your home, they can be difficult to get out. Opening windows and ensuring natural ventilation is the recommended way of improving the air quality, however, during the colder months, this isn’t always easy or appealing.
A study by NASA concluded that houseplants can help to purify the air and remove VOCs. They will reduce the amount of dust, mould and bacteria and lower the CO2.
Another way in which they improve the air quality is they raise the humidity levels in a room. During the winter, the air can become very dry due to the number of heaters that are on, causing dry skin, eyes, sore throats and in some cases, it can aggregate conditions such as asthma and allergies. Plants produce humidity as they transpire, releasing the water added to the soil through the leaves once it’s travelled through the roots and stems, improving the air quality and your health.
They improve mood and reduce stress
Being in nature is proven to put people at ease and that is no different inside a home or office. Studies have shown that the presence of indoor plants, generally improves feelings of well-being and reduces stress and fatigue. They have the ability to make people for more relaxed, especially in the workplace and help to create a more tranquil environment.
They improve your health
Sick Building Syndrome is known as unpleasant symptoms that people experience when they spend a substantial amount of time in the same building. People can experience symptoms such as headaches, colds, irritable throat and sore eyes. With plants in the room, it immediately increases ventilation and reduces toxins in the air and in turn, boosts your health and reduces the symptoms that you may be feeling.
They increase productivity
Various studies have concluded that studying or working in the presence of plants can have a positive effect, and being around plants can improve concentration, productivity and memory.
The studies don’t explain why exactly that is, but the theory is that when attention shifts from the work in front of us to plant on our desk, it provides a small break from a screen or papers in front of us, boosting overall concentration.
Examples of plants that have health benefits:
- Aloe Vera – this plant has amazing healing properties and is naturally anti-bacterial making it ideal for treating minor cuts and burns, such as sunburns.
- Boston Fern – this plant is considered to be one of the best air purifying houseplants, ridding the home of harmful toxins as well as restoring moisture to the air naturally to improve humidity.
- Peace Lily - this plant has been proven to combat harmful chemicals, as well as known to be highly effective at removing mould spores from the air.
- Lavender – studies have shown that vapour from lavender can lead to a night of more restful sleep and the scent can help you to feel more relaxed.