4 Ways House Plants Could Help with Great Health

By Nikki Addison

4 Ways House Plants Could Help with Great Health
Plants prove they're more than just a pretty face with a range of health benefits.

Love plants? You’re in luck – leafy greens are more than just a sight for sore eyes, they’re actually good for your health, too. Here are just some of the perks to owning plants.

Cleaner air

Plants purify the air by removing toxic compounds from furnishings, fuel and clothing. According to NASA, plants remove close to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds every 24 hours. This severely reduces the risk of lung cancer, strokes and respiratory infections that indoor air pollution threatens. Adding plants to your indoor spaces also increases the oxygen in a room, as plants release oxygen during photosynthesis. All of this enables cleaner, easier and safer breathing.

Mood boosters

Being a plant owner can actually enhance your relationships and make you a more centred, compassionate person. A study from Texas Agriculture & Medicine University found that people who spent time nurturing plants were more likely to care for people. The mood is also naturally improved in the soothing company of plants, which help alleviate stress and fatigue.

Enhanced healing 

Plants help surgery patients recover more quickly, a study in PubMed reveals. Recording patients with and without plants in their hospital room, the study found that those surrounded by greenery had lower pain and fatigue ratings, lower blood pressure levels and improved moods. The proven therapeutic value of plants made them “a noninvasive, inexpensive, and effective complementary medicine for surgical patients,” the study reports. It also found that physically interacting with plants further hastens the recovery process.

Performance enhancers

Being in the presence of nature – even when indoors – is proven to have a calming effect on the human mind. The mind is able to focus more sharply thanks to the green in the room, increasing productivity and operating at a higher speed. “Keeping ornamental plants in the home and in the workplace increases memory retention and concentration,” Texas Agriculture and University’s study reports.

Not sure what plant to buy? Try one of these.

Peace Lily – these gorgeous flowering plants remove mould from the air.

Philodendron – a vibrant green plant, the Philodendron removes formaldehyde from its surroundings.

Devil’s Ivy – perfect for hanging from the roof, Devil’s Ivy is one of the best natural air cleansers.

Snake Plant – these spiky green plants absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, making them a great option for the bedroom.

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