Stock Up on House Plants and Gain Many Health Benefits

 In my house, I keep an indoor plant in every room. Besides bringing the outside in, I believe that doing so brightens up each room all the more. And while they certainly do catch the eye, I have also discovered that house plants provide even more benefits, which is great news!

The Breathtaking Benefits of Indoor Plants

For starters, house plants have a number of breathtaking benefits. This process works through photosynthesis whereby plants convert light into energy, and carbon dioxide into oxygen (in contrast, humans breathe in oxygen and breath out carbon dioxide). This image will provide you with a clearer picture:

But besides absorbing the Carbon Dioxide we exhale, they also get rid of indoor air's nasty elements called 'Volatile Organic Compounds' (VOC's) - chemicals that are found in everyday items such as paper, electronics and furniture. Without a shadow of a doubt, plants are nature's own air purifiers. To prove this, NASA conducted a study on various house plants and their effectiveness at filtering out hazardous chemicals from the air. They discovered that many plants were indeed highly effective at removing toxicity from the air, and they were also able to regulate humidity as well.

This list features some plants that are particularly good at cleaning the air in your home.

10 Most Notable Health Benefits of House Plants

Besides being good for your lungs, house plants offer numerous benefits to nearly every organ in your body, offering a wealth of health benefits, both on a physiological and psychological level. Here's what you stand to gain from greening up your home:

1. Increased happiness

Studies have shown that the presence of plants reduces stress, anxiety and enhances feelings of calm - encouraging an improvement in mood and self esteem, as well as increased feelings of optimism and control. They also have the ability to ease depression and promote an overall sense of well-being.

2. Lower blood pressure

Research has also discovered that patients in hospitals with plants in their room had lower blood pressure and healthier heart rates than those whose rooms did not contain plants.

3. Faster recovery from illness

It was also discovered that patients in hospital rooms with plants recovered faster, and on average, tended to be released from the hospital earlier.

4. Counteracts cigarette smoke

Besides having the ability to purify the air, plants can also remove the pollutants contained in cigarette smoke. In this regard, the Peace Lily is, in particular, an excellent choice in reducing the effects of cigarette smoke in the house.

5. Humidifies the air

Plants breathe moisture into the air, making them natural humidifiers. This helpful trait prevents dryness of the skin, throat, nose and lips - which can help ward off cold and flu symptoms.

6. Improved sleep

By giving off oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, plants can help promote deep sleep. The Gerbera Daisy is an excellent oxygen producer and will make for a great addition to your bedroom.

7. Improved mental health

When combating feelings of depression or loneliness, caring for something living is a great way to alleviate the symptoms, and plants are a great alternative to pets. Plants also contribute to a feeling of well-being , making you calmer and optimistic.

8. Sharper focus and mental activity

Due to the increased oxygen in the air you breathe, plants help improve concentration and memory. They also heighten your attention and improve your creativity.

9. Treatment of ailments

Plants are a great first aid for a variety of ailments, and can be used in a number of ways. Aloe Vera, for example, is a great first aid for burns (click here to read up on the health benefits of Aloe Vera). While Comfrey and Arnica can help with bruises and sprains. Calendula heals wounds and soothes skin, while Chamomile is perfect for an upset stomach.

10. Prevention of allergies

For a custom, natural, allergy shot, exposing children to allergens, such as plants, early in life can help them build a tolerance and a stronger immunity to the allergen.