“Plants love us. They help us reclaim our health and our whole selves. Plants are healers.” – Robin Rose Bennett.
The benefits of indoor plants and what they have to offer should make us consider them a necessity rather than an object of décor, because honestly, good health should never be out of style. Here are some of the ways we can benefit from bringing plants inside.
1. They assist in breathing
Inhaling brings oxygen into the body, exhaling releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis plants do the opposite. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making plants and people great partners! Plants help to increase oxygen levels and our bodies appreciate that.
2. They help deter illness
Plants transpire which increases the humidity indoors. While this may sound unappealing during humid months, it’s a gift during drier months. According to studies, using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs. Other research reveals that higher humidity also decreases transmission of the flu virus.
3. They clean the air
There are certain plants that ‘scrub’ the air of toxic chemicals and help clear the air of harmful substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and even ammonia from cleaning products.
4. They help you work better and reduce stress
What? How? As with simply being in nature, being around plants improves concentration, memory and productivity. Being “under the influence of plants” can increase memory retention up to 20 percent, according to recent studies.
Most of us know instinctively that being close to greenery makes us feel more at ease with our surroundings. We experience less stress when there are plants around us. Buildings are quieter and more relaxed. People in offices are more productive, take fewer sick days, make fewer mistakes and they are happier when surrounded by plant decor.
- Aloe plant
- Peace Lily
- Snake plant
- Philodendron
- Red-edged Dracaena
- Bamboo Palm
- Spider plant
- English ivy
- Dragon tree
- Chinese Evergreen
For pet owners, please be aware that some of these plants can be toxic to animals if ingested (for example, the Peace Lilly and Aloe plant). So please be careful if your pet is prone to eating your house plants!
So good health to you and enjoy the benefits of having plants indoors in so many ways…
Which is your favourite house plant?