Health Benefits of Houseplants

We often see these types of plants in offices, thinking that they might have been placed there just to add more green in the aura or just for beauty purposes. But the truth is, these plants have more purpose than just a decoration.

These plants can also be placed inside our homes and in our rooms. And they can be a very big help in your life.

1. They Can Improve Breathing

During a plant’s photosynthesis, it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which is very vital and a necessity for humans. Keeping a plant at home can filter all those carbon dioxide from pollution and smoke, and even the carbon dioxide that we exhale, giving us fresher oxygen to breathe in to.

However, when photosynthesis starts at night, most plants tend to reverse the process–inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. However, some recommended plants such as orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads maintains the same process even during nighttime. These plants are safe to keep in bedrooms to keep the oxygen flowing while sleeping.

2. They Help Deter Illness

Have you seen plant leaves with sweat-like water on their leaves? This is known as transpiration. According to studies, this accounts for about 10{cee2002f739e7296570a1535f296f4aba2d6d38c2e845de34f2a289022b9ebe8} of the moisture in the atmosphere! This will increase the humidity when kept indoors. Though this is not so good during hot months, this is good in drier months, even in cold seasons.

According to Bayer Advanced, 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. And other research reveals that higher absolute humidity is conducive for decreased survival and transmission of the flu virus.

3. They Clean the Air

Plant leaves and roots are the best filtering agent when it comes to pollution and plays a main role in our environment when it comes to maintaining its health. Since it also absorbs carbon dioxide, it can also absorb the toxic vapors released in the air.

Here re some house plants that are great air filters:

• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
• Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
• Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
• Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
• Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
• Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
• Red-edge dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The NASA researchers recommend one potted plant per 100 square feet of indoor space.

4. They Boost Healing

Bringing flowers for patients isn’t just a gesture or a “get well soon” message. According to a study conducting at Kansas State University, viewing plants during recovery from surgery led to a significant improvement in physiologic responses as evidenced by lower systolic blood pressure, and lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue as compared to patients without plants in their rooms.

Also in a discovery by Texas A&M University shows that patients who physically interact with plants experience a significantly reduced recovery time after medical procedures.

5. They Help You Work Better

Plants in business buildings aren’t just for decorations. Studies reveal that studying or working in the presence of plants can improve concentration, memory and productivity. It  gives then that “close to nature” feeling which also decreases stress and pressure.







Stay healthy and positive! Share and make your loved ones aware!

Source: Tree Hugger