As science progressed, the distance between us and nature increased with time and we slowly lost and forgot the age old wisdom we derived from nature. The ways in which plants heal us and aid us in day to day functioning. Sometimes, just having plants around you is enough for them to work their magic.
Here are a list of houseplants that can have a huge beneficial impact on our day to day lives and why having them around is a good idea for anyone.
-
Aloe Vera: Famously known as the plant of immortality in ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, the Indian text of Ayurveda also waxes eloquent about the benefits of the mystical ghritakumari. It contains powerful antioxidants and fights bacterial infections, heart diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes, gastric ulcers, and so much more. It is also famed for its ability to promote healthy hair and skin. This wonder plant is also an air purifying succulent that will help you sleep better at night in exchange for very little care and time.
-
Areca Palm: This stately, but highly undervalued beauty, will not only turn you home into an instant coastal getaway. But also eliminates a majority of indoor pollutants, NASA ranks areca palm as one of the best air purifiers for indoor spaces. It also reduces chances of skin irritation, cancer, and asthma linked to formaldehyde pollution. It will also be an excellent addition to your bedroom to improve your sleeping pattern.
-
Basil: Famed as the holy herb, not only in India but across civilisations for its medicinal properties and health benefits, the basil has been loved for centuries. Basil is rich in polyphenols that fight inflammation, promote gastrointestinal health, has anti-microbial, and antibacterial properties. It is also known to have positive effects in fighting depression and reducing stress.
-
Fern: Amongst some of the oldest plants on the planet, the ferns are prized for their air purifying and humidifying properties. They work effectively against formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene that are found very commonly in all homes. These toxins are known to lead to several health issues such as headaches, breathing issues, and also growth of cancerous cells. Ferns are a great fit for homes with kids and pets, as they are non-toxic and make for magnificent hanging plants.
-
Holy Basil: From seeds to leaf extracts, every part of the Holy Basil is filled with healing compounds. Famously known in India as Tulsi, almost every home is required to have it as per traditions. Its essential oil is known to completely stop the growth of staph bacteria (MRSA) and E.coli. It helps fight bacterial infection, reduces cold and flu symptoms, promotes gastrointestinal health, improves respiratory issues, promotes healthy skin, and so much more.
-
Rubber Plant: This stunner is famed for its leathery ornamental leaves, but its air purifying qualities are often forgotten. One of the best air-purifiers for a range of indoor air-pollutants, especially formaldehyde that causes respiratory and skin issues and is also carcinogenic. With proper care a rubber plant can grow up to 7 to 10 feet.
-
The spider plant and the snake plant: With no relation to the reptile and insect kingdom, these plants are one of the best air purifiers you can have in your home. Famed for removing a wide range of airborne toxins, they are extremely easy to maintain. The snake plant is great at filtering pollutants emerging from manufactured goods and cleaning products that increase the risk of cancer. While, spider plants are excellent at trapping particulate matter (dust, mould, and smoke), they are one of the most efficient eliminators of benzenes that cause cancer, impact blood health, and so on. Both these plants produce oxygen at night.
-
ZZ Plant: This excellent low-care indoor plant is famous for removing toxins that contribute to “the sick building syndrome” a collection of symptoms that include headache, dizziness, respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, and other issues connected to chronic exposure to indoor air pollutants. The plant requires minimal water, light, and care while performing its best to improve indoor environment.
-
Philodendron: Philodendrons have many family members and no one is lesser than the other. They are notoriously tough and at the same time beautiful and lush. They are excellent at filtering out a number of air toxins that impact our health severely. It also increases indoor oxygen saturation due to its fast metabolism.
-
Dracaena: They enjoy a pedestal in several cultures for their symbolic value, but we believe that it stems from the innumerable benefits these plants bring. A superior air-purifying plant that eliminates air-borne toxins that cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of cancer. It also boosts oxygen levels in indoor spaces during say time.
Scientific studies have proven that plants promote mental well being with studies showing a clear decline in anxiety levels and ADHD symptoms. Gardening as a hobby also helps calm our nervous system and caters to our affinity to nature and grounds us and our thoughts, science now terms this affinity as biophilia.
Plants improve humidity, reduce indoor temperature, and also help with sound absorption. Both ornamental and food gardening are excellent habits to inculcate in the younger generation and also lead to more rounded physical and psychological development.
The myth that plants need extra care and attention and that home gardening is an uphill task need to be busted to make way for a better and greener future. Select plants to suit your space (light availability) and how much time you can spare. There is not plant that’s bad, some are just more suitable; and if you have any doubts, our plant experts are just a call away.
Happy gardening!
