Is having indoor plants good for health?
Raise your hand if someone has questioned why you have so many plants…?? I’m here to tell you why you need each and every one of them!!
Not only do they make your home look more beautiful, they put you in a better mood, increase creativity, reduce stress and help clean harmful toxins out of the air.
Yes, I know it all sounds too good to be true. Before you run to your nearest nursery and snag a few more plant babies, let’s dive deeper into what the benefits of plants are and which plants would be most helpful to add to your collection.
What are the benefits of plants?
- Reduced stress, better mood, increased productivity, more concentration and creativity.
When we get in touch with nature, we reduce stress and feel more relaxed. Studies show that plants increase levels of positive energy, help people feel secure and cooperative. Think about the last time you went for a walk outside. You probably felt better afterwards! The same goes for bringing plants indoors. They stimulate our creativity and make us more productive.
- Plants increase humidity and reduce sore throats and colds.
Plants release moisture vapor, which increases humidity of the air around them. Plants release roughly 97% of the water they take in. Place several plants together, and you can increase the humidity of a room, which helps keep respiratory distress away. Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway document that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs.
- Plants add life to a sterile space and reduce noise levels
Probably the first reason we think of adding plants to our home is how they can add life and beauty! We’ve all scrolled instagram or pinterest and saved a gorgeous home interior or two. Well look back at that photo and I bet there’s a least a few plants in the picture!! When it comes to good interior design – whether at home or in the office – the consensus is clear that plants are an important visual element. Clearly plants have a lot of benefits. One of the lesser known advantages is that they can absorb sound and make your space more peaceful and quiet.
- Plants help clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity & producing oxygen.
When you breathe, your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This opposite pattern of gas use makes plants and people natural partners.
Plants remove toxins from air –up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours, according to NASA research. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint). Benzene is commonly found in high concentrations in study settings, where books and printed papers abound.
Modern climate-controlled, air-tight buildings trap VOCs inside. The NASA research discovered that plants purify that trapped air by pulling contaminants into soil, where root zone microorganisms convert VOCs into food for the plant.
- Plants make you happy as you care for them!
Who else feels like plant care IS their self care?? It’s true–you can increase happy feelings even more through gardening. Through caring for plants, we’re reminded of our connection to nature, and can alleviate symptoms of depression.
I was blown away by this study from the “Journal of Physiological Anthropology.” One group of participants worked on computer tasks, while another group transplanted indoor plants. After completing their assignments, the groups switched. The researchers found the subjects felt more comfortable and relaxed after the transplanting task, rather than the computer task. The study concluded individuals could reduce psychological and psychological stress by interacting with plants.
Another study, published in the “Journal of Health Psychology,” compared the effects of outdoor gardening to indoor reading. The study reveals both gardening and reading decrease cortisol levels. However, stress levels decrease significantly more with gardening. Likewise, the study participants enjoyed a fully restored positive mood after gardening.
Which plants have health benefits?
Here’s the short answer–ALL of them!! But in terms of air purifying plants, there are some that are known for removing toxins from the air!
Here are some of the best plants for purifying air!
- English Ivy
- Rubber Tree Plant
- Snake Plants
- Aloe Vera
- Spider Plant
To learn more about each of these plants, head to my blog post: “5 best air purifying houseplants!”
Where do I start with houseplants?
Well obviously the plant store. (wink, wink) But in all seriousness, the more plants you own…the more care they’ll need!! So make sure you’re subscribed to my weekly plant tips here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/642484f9ce6085fb867fcb0b
Xo,
Dana