Benefits Of Having Houseplants
House plants deserve so much more than being resigned to wilt on windowsills, as owning your very own leafy companion is in actuality very good for your health and wellbeing. Here are five reasons why being a plant parent is the best thing for you right now.
Purify the Air
Plants are known to absorb the carbon dioxide that we breathe out to photosynthesise, and in turn they release oxygen into the air.
But, did you also know that houseplants like peace lilies, spider plants and philodendrons also have the ability to increase the humidity, absorb airborne mould spores and toxins in the air? Philodendrons specialise in filtering out xylene and formaldehyde, while spider plants also rid the air of carbon monoxide.
So, if you’re living in a flat that has a dodgy boiler waiting to be fixed, filling each room with a spider plan could potentially save your life.
Good For Hair and Skin
Succulents are seen as very low maintenance plants, but some of them, such as aloe vera can help with the maintenance of your beauty routine.
Known for moisturisation and sunburn relief, the gel-like substance inside the aloe leaves are great at adding hydration and shine to dehydrated, irritated skin and damaged hair. Blending the gel with water also makes for a great detangler, especially for those with curly or kinky strands.
Hibiscus could also be an addition to your window sill and beauty regime, as the leaves and flowers can be ground up to treat dandruff and alopecia. Great hair and great natural fragrance in one!
Herbal Remedies FTW
Now let’s get to the benefits that come with growing your own herbs and edible plants at home.
For one, drinking ginger or peppermint tea is proven to be beneficial for nausea and blood detoxifying, while drinking thyme in a tea has an inflammatory reaction and could relieve respiratory ailments such as coughing, sore throats and even arthritis.
Adding home grown rosemary to your recipes could boost concentration levels, immunity and combat memory loss. Similarly, the basil plant is not only tasty in pizza and pestos, but is effective in reducing the discomfort of constipation, wind and bellyaches. Superfoods and stylish accessories!
Boost Mental Wellbeing
Caring for your houseplants can reduce stress and anxiety levels by providing an outlet to help ground yourself. It can be very easy to get swept away with the ins and outs of everyday life, but tending houseplants allows a moment of pause and self reflection.
If you’re looking for a more soothing effect in the evening, chamomile tea and lavender are both commonly cited for their relaxation and calming properties.
Gerberas are reportedly good at helping insomnia and sleep apnea sufferers, as well as absorbing benzene in the air, which is found in inks and can affect the production of red blood cells and the immune system.
Gerberas: indoor mini sunflowers during the day and natural sleep aids during the night.
Brightening Spaces
The most obvious one on this list: rooms with plants just feel more welcoming.
They have the wonderful ability to turn cold white walls into tropical hideaways with just a few additions. Experimenting with different plant textures, heights and colour options has the potential to add vibrancy to rooms, especially when you’re already fighting for space.
Not just that, having plants indoors can potentially reduce outdoor noise from filtering in as their leaves, stems and branches absorb sound and they also have elements of soundproofing. Great for blocking out road works or listening to your favourite song on the highest speaker setting.
Overall, house plants are wonderful additions for both wellbeing and decoration, so if you needed an excuse to get one, hopefully this has now convinced you to do it.