A recent study conducted by researchers from Washington State University has revealed that the presence of indoor plants has a positive effect on blood pressure levels. The participants of the study also felt more attentive in rooms where they had plants. In addition to lowering blood pressure, multiple studies have also shown that the presence of plants in offices can improve office workers’ productivity. These studies provide evidence that indoor plants have numerous benefits for both mental and emotional health. But how can we benefit from these benefits?
Improves mental and emotional health
Research shows that indoor plants are beneficial for our mental and emotional health. They have subliminal effects, improving our mood and self-worth by interacting with them. Regardless of your profession or personal circumstances, you should have a few indoor plants in your home. The psychological benefits of indoor plants are immense. In fact, interacting with plants can help improve your mood and your concentration. Whether you’re studying, working, or just wishing to relax, you’ll benefit from connecting with a plant.
The study also showed a growing interest in houseplants. During the lockdown, over half of participants increased their time spent caring for indoor plants. In fact, nearly 63% of participants said they would like to spend more time caring for their plants once the pandemic was over. These findings could also signal a general trend of more houseplants in homes when the pandemic is over. Psychiatry and plant research are increasingly recognized as beneficial to mental and emotional health.
People who are suffering from mental illness often experience depression. Plants can reduce the symptoms of depression and improve the ability to tolerate pain. Plants have also been linked to better self-esteem, higher creativity, and improved memory retention. They can be the perfect companions for journaling. Lastly, plants help to remove negative thoughts, which can make it difficult to concentrate. Having a houseplant in your home can help you relax and reduce stress levels.
Improves air quality
The benefits of plants are numerous, but the question that remains is whether indoor plants can improve the air we breathe. According to Professor Luz Claudio of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, they can. Several studies show that plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The results from these studies indicate that plants have a positive effect on indoor air quality. Here are some examples of the ways that plants can improve air quality.
Gerbera jamesonii, commonly known as the Barberton Daisy, is a plant that improves air quality. It is native to Eastern Africa and is used in the wild for this purpose. Its blooms can improve indoor air quality by filtering out benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and carbon dioxide. These plants also increase humidity and control respiratory distress.
The researchers studied three common houseplants in a controlled chamber, which released elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Within an hour of exposure, the authors measured the percentage of pollutant removed by the plants. The plants removed between 47 and 62 percent of the NO2 from the air within the hour. Those results were similar in older studies conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These findings have led scientists to advocate the use of plants in indoor air quality.
Aids in sleep
The most popular types of plants that aid in sleep include lavender and chamomile. Both have positive impact on sleep patterns in people of all ages. Lavender has a soothing aroma, which is known to increase sleepiness and calm others nearby. Lavender has also been shown to calm fussy infants and induce general calm. Lavender is also widely used in sleep aid products, which make it a good choice for anyone who is prone to insomnia or has trouble falling asleep.
The benefits of indoor plants to sleep also extend to their ability to purify the air. Houseplants release carbon dioxide and oxygen during the day, but these processes reverse at night, when they are inactive. This makes plants the perfect bedside companions, as they purify the air and reduce irritants in the air. Plants can also improve the air quality, which can help those with respiratory issues breathe more deeply and comfortably.
Other plants that help people sleep include jasmine, which has a calming effect and helps reduce anxiety. Snake plants are also excellent indoor plants, as they produce oxygen while removing air pollutants. They also help with respiratory problems and allergies. The valerian plant, for example, has been used for centuries to treat insomnia, but requires a lot of sunlight to be effective. Its aroma also reassures sleep.
Purifies the air
You can purify the air in your home by growing a variety of indoor plants. Some of the best air purifiers include snake plants, English ivy, and gerbera daisies. Any large indoor plant can act as an air purifier. Plants that need indirect light and water occasionally should be considered. You can also choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions such as spider plants. In order to grow a spider plant, you must provide indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist all year long.
Palm trees are the best air-purifiers in your home, not only because they look attractive but also because they filter out common pollutants, including formaldehyde. Bamboo palms and pygmy date palms are particularly effective. However, you should keep in mind that these plants need regular pruning. You can’t expect an immediate impact, and you may have to prune them as they grow. But they are well worth the effort.
Chinese money plant is a good choice for anyone with allergies and respiratory problems. Its flat leaves grow up to five inches (15 cm) in diameter. It is a powerful air purifier, so it’s an excellent choice for a small room. It’s part of the stinging nettle family, but the plant needs bright light and moisture to thrive. Ideally, you should give it a monthly liquid feed to keep it healthy and strong.
Soothes skin irritations
You may be surprised to find out that common indoor plants can soothe skin irritations. If you’ve ever suffered from stinging nettle or poison ivy, you know that the sap on these plants can soothe itching and inflammation. Thankfully, there are several herbs you can use to reduce the symptoms of these conditions. These herbs can even help to heal minor wounds. But be sure to note that herbal remedies and natural plants are not meant for treating serious injuries. They can only give you temporary relief.
There are many types of plants that can cause rashes, which makes it important to understand what to look for. Some plants can even cause a rash, especially if you have sensitive skin. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are common plants that can cause a rash. Some other plants that may cause a rash include giant hogweed and ragweed. If you’re unsure of which plants are right for you, consult a doctor or visit your local apothecary.
Reduces stress
A recent study found that modern technology causes an increased level of stress, and it’s not always easy to deal with this issue. One study examined the physiological and psychological benefits of indoor plants to address this issue. It found that having plants in your home or office reduces stress levels and decreases the feeling of anxiety. One type of indoor plant is the pothos, which does well in any light and requires only minimal watering. Pothos prefer higher humidity, so they should be placed near a humidifier to keep their leaves moist.
Another plant that is known for its beneficial effects on human health is the chamomile plant. Chamomile has a number of benefits, including relieving stress. It’s also a popular flavour in tea, making it a popular drink in other countries. Chamomile is great for soothing upset stomachs and calming anxiety. It detoxifies the body, increases metabolism, and improves digestion. It can even help with sleep problems.
Plants can also improve air quality. Some plants purify the air in your home, which improves your mood. They also reduce stress by reducing levels of certain genes. For additional stress relief, try the chrysanthemum. This plant controls the genes that cause the body to produce more stress. Chrysanthemum can also be brewed into a tea. Ferns, on the other hand, can purify the air in your home and improve your mental state. Ferns are also natural humidifiers.