3 Proven Natural Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

While most of us have heard that house plants offer all kinds of benefits, we might understandably wonder if these claims are really true or if they are old wives’ tales?

It turns out, research has confirmed that adding houseplants to our homes and offices does much more than make the spaces look more attractive—they really can help to improve our quality of life.

Here are just a few of the health benefits of indoor plants:

1. Plants Remove Pollutants

The Clean Air Study conducted by NASA found that certain kinds of houseplants can remove nasty substances from the air.

These include pollutants such as:

• Formaldehyde
• Benzene
• Trichloroethylene.

While lots of plants can absorb these pollutants, NASA scientists were especially impressed by the chrysanthemum. For the best results, the researchers suggest having around 15 chrysanthemums in six-inch pots around the home or office. Some other plants for purifying the air include the lady palm, areca palm, rubber plant and English ivy, according to Critical Cactus.

2. They Humidify the Air

If the air in your home or office seems especially dry, Bayer Advanced suggests adding some houseplants. When plants undergo photosynthesis, they naturally emit moisture into the air, which in turn boosts the humidity of the room. And, if you place a few houseplants together, this effect will be especially impressive.

Besides making the room more comfortable, the humidity plants emit can have health benefits.

Bayer Advanced refers to research conducted at the Agricultural University of Norway, which found that houseplants help:

• Inhabitants have less dry skin
• Fewer sore throats and fewer colds and coughs

Additionally, the Dutch Product Board for Horticulture agrees with the health benefits, and claims that plants help prevent:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Coughs and sore throats

For adding humidity, the Boston fern does a great job of making the interior air more moist, and they are also quite adept at removing formaldehyde from the air.

3. They Improve Your Concentration

Interestingly, houseplants also can help to improve our ability to concentrate. A study conducted at The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England, concluded that students are 70 percent more attentive when they are taught in classrooms with plants. Just as going outside to read or study can help us to concentrate, being around Mother Nature in the home or office may allow us to be relaxed, which in turn allows us to focus on the task at hand.

Where to Buy Plants

In order to improve your health, add one large plant in an 8-inch or larger pot for every 129 square feet of space, and be sure to place them where you can see them. To clean the air, an average 1,800-square foot home needs about 15 to 18 plants in 7-inch pots placed throughout the interior. In terms of where to buy houseplants, you can check out a local nursery, hardware store or order them online so they are delivered right to your home or office.

The holiday season is just around the corner and houseplants can be a thoughtful, simple, healthy gift for almost anyone. Many types of plants such as those mentioned above, herbs, or even cactus all have their own appeal to each individual and your can pick the best choice for your friend or loved one. Plants can add many years of enjoyment and pleasure to their lives.  Plants not only add beauty to any decor but they help lift your mood especially through the cold winter months when we tend to feel the effects of the winter blues. I know I love nurturing my flowers through the summer but when winter hits and the summer flower garden has went to sleep for the winter I love seeing the green and flowering colors of my houseplants that puts a smile on my face and lifts my spirits.

Shared On TUESDAY WITH A TWIST!

Shared On HOME ACRE BLOG HOP!

About the author

Marla

Website

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!