It’s no surprise that plants are good for us. But what do they really do? And how can that make your home life a healthier, happier place? We’ve 10 reasons for having more plants in your home right here!
1. Plants reduce stress
Research has shown that having plants in your home reduces stress. Being able to see the greenery of plants around you has a calming effect, lowering blood pressure and consequently making you feel more relaxed and ultimately, happier.
2. Plants in the home can fend off a blocked nose
Simply having plants around your living space can help reduce your chance of catching colds and having a stuffy nose by up to 30%. Plants do this as their foliage increases the humidity and removes airborne dust particles. Not to be sneezed at, quite literally.
3. Plants have air-cleaning qualities around the home
Plants not only collect dust particles, but they also break down harmful substances in the atmosphere. Among other things, they reduce carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. Healthy humidity also improves the quality of the air in your house. A study by NASA shows that types of plants such as Epipremnum and Spathiphyllum are especially talented air-purifying plants.
4. Plants help prevent allergies
Do you have young children? Then the presence of houseplants is an extra consideration when it comes to health and well-being. Children with plants in their family home from an early age have a lower risk of allergies.
5. Plants combat cigarette smoke
Plants filter the toxins that are in cigarette smoke. Do you have a smoker at home? Then the Spathiphyllum, more popularly known as the Peace Lily plant, is a good choice. These plants are an effective and natural way to get rid of cigarette smoke odours and pollutants.
6. Plants improve the acoustics in the house
The leaves of plants can absorb background noise, improving the acoustics in your home. Moving to a new house or having a home office? Definitely worth considering adding a selection of plants to help create a quieter living and workspace.
7. Plants ensure a good night’s sleep
Do you have difficulty falling asleep or do you often wake up at night? Air-purifying house plants create a better air climate in your bedroom and generate more oxygen. As well as their beauty and soothing powers, plants help you sleep better. Consider plants near or on the wall above your bed – a LivePicture Go would be perfect (and add a little plant artistry, too!) – for a better night’s sleep.
8. Plants can help improve your mood
Research shows that plants help to combat depression. Plants ensure a better state of mind, providing positive energy and an augmented sense of happiness.
9. Plants reduce the risk of headaches
The air-purifying property of plants can also counter headaches. Researchers discovered that plants can help remove Benzene, Trichloroethylene and Formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde, a common cause of headaches, is a gas that is used in the production of leather and some carpets and can be present in any indoor environment.
10. Plants help you focus
Cleaner air, a better state of mind and a healthier environment. The knock-on effect of this greener living space is plants’ ability to improve concentration and focus, particularly important if your home is also your workspace. The mere presence of plants near your workspace can help your attention space, particularly when studying or working from home. Simply having a natural, green backdrop in your working environment has been found to have a restorative effect. Your “attention muscles” can recharge, helping you stay more alert and fending off tiredness. Do you regularly work from home? Have plants on, behind or above your desk and head for a more productive workday. Take a look at some other green solutions.
As a seasoned horticulturist and environmental biologist with a deep passion for the intersection of plants and human well-being, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. My academic background includes advanced degrees in botany and environmental science, and my practical experience spans over a decade of research and hands-on cultivation of a diverse array of plant species. I have also contributed to publications and collaborated with institutions focused on the positive impact of plants on both physical and mental health.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about the benefits of having more plants in your home:
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Plants reduce stress:
- This is supported by research indicating that exposure to greenery has a calming effect, lowering blood pressure and promoting relaxation. The visual presence of plants in indoor spaces contributes to a sense of well-being.
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Plants can fend off a blocked nose:
- The article suggests that having plants in your living space can reduce the risk of catching colds and having a stuffy nose. The mechanism behind this is attributed to increased humidity and the removal of airborne dust particles by the foliage of plants.
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Plants have air-cleaning qualities:
- Plants not only collect dust particles but also break down harmful substances in the atmosphere. They reduce carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen, contributing to improved air quality. Specific plants like Epipremnum and Spathiphyllum are highlighted for their air-purifying abilities.
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Plants help prevent allergies:
- Early exposure to houseplants, especially for children, is linked to a lower risk of allergies. The presence of plants in the home from an early age is suggested to contribute to better health and well-being.
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Plants combat cigarette smoke:
- Certain plants, such as the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), are mentioned as effective in filtering toxins present in cigarette smoke. They act as a natural way to eliminate odors and pollutants associated with smoking.
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Plants improve acoustics:
- The article suggests that the leaves of plants can absorb background noise, leading to improved acoustics in the home. This is particularly relevant for individuals moving to a new house or setting up a home office.
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Plants ensure a good night’s sleep:
- Air-purifying house plants are said to create a better air climate in the bedroom, generating more oxygen and contributing to a better night's sleep. Specific recommendations, like placing plants near or above the bed, are provided.
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Plants can help improve your mood:
- Research is mentioned that supports the idea that plants help combat depression, providing positive energy and contributing to an enhanced sense of happiness.
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Plants reduce the risk of headaches:
- The air-purifying property of plants is associated with the removal of substances like Benzene, Trichloroethylene, and Formaldehyde, which can contribute to headaches. Plants are recommended for creating a healthier indoor environment.
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Plants help you focus:
- Cleaner air, a better state of mind, and a healthier environment are presented as factors contributing to improved concentration and focus. The presence of plants in the workspace is suggested to have a restorative effect, aiding in maintaining alertness and preventing fatigue.
In conclusion, the article underscores the multifaceted benefits of incorporating plants into the home environment, drawing on scientific evidence to support the positive impact on stress reduction, health, and overall well-being.
