Whether things are going well or you're going through a rough patch, self-care is incredibly important. And you might be surprised to learn that your environment can play a major role in your mood — especially when plants are involved. These flowers and herbs are perfect for clearing your mind (and the air around you!) and may even bring you joy.
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1
Basil
This favorite culinary herb improves a mood (much like it improves a recipe). The positive effects come from linalool, a compound found in the plant that contributes to its delicious scent.
Basil Seed Starter Kit, $2.99, Amazon
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2
English Ivy
You can breathe easier around this simple-to-care-for English Ivy — it's rated as one of the top plants that naturally clean the air.
English Ivy Plant, $19.85, Amazon
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3
Geraniums
Their rich hue is cheerful as it is, but the mild scent of the geranium plant (which is similar to that of roses) has been thought to promote peace of mind.
Geranium Plant, $13.47, Amazon
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4
Lavender
Lavender's aroma has long been thought to ease anxious feelings. You could light a scented candle, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Lavender Plant, $12.45, Amazon
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5
Boston Fern
Like ivy, this plant is excellent at filtering the air, removing up to 1863 toxins per hour. That's definitely something that can help give you peace of mind.
Boston Fern Plant, $30.35, Amazon
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6
Roses
It's not necessarily about stopping to smell the roses — really, it's about stopping to see them. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that office workers who looked at roses felt more relaxed and comfortable.
Cherry Parfait Rose Plant, $12.88, Amazon
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7
Peace Lily
Spend lots of time indoors? Bring this elegant plant in with you. Peace lilies remove mold from the air, acting as an organic air purifier.
Peace Lily Plant, $15.95, Amazon
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8
Orchids
Orchids bloom year-round, bringing you a touch of mood-enhancing color even during winter's gloomiest days. Plus, Feng Shui practitioners love to use orchids when increasing positive energy in a room.
Purple Phalaenopsis Orchid, $34.99, Amazon
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9
Rosemary
Historically, rosemary has symbolized everything from remembrance to inner peace, which might have something to do with the enchanting aroma of its needles.
Rosemary Plant, $12.88, Amazon
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10
Lilly of the Valley
A study by garden expert David Domoney found that people overwhelmingly favored Lily of the Valley as a mood-boosting plant, mostly because they associated the fragrant blooms with happy memories.
Lily Of The Valley Bulbs, $6.99, Amazon
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11
Sweet Pea
These gorgeous flowers also ranked highly in Domoney's survey for a similar reason to the Lily of the Valley. Respondents said that seeing sweet peas triggered good memories from childhood.
Sweet Pea Flower Seeds, $6.19, Amazon
As a passionate enthusiast with a deep understanding of the positive impacts of plants on well-being, I've delved into extensive research and practical experiences that underscore the profound connection between our environment and our mood. I've explored the therapeutic effects of various plants, their aromatic compounds, and the tangible benefits they bring to our mental and emotional states.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about the mood-enhancing qualities of specific plants:
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Basil:
- Concept: Linalool, a compound found in basil, contributes to its pleasant scent and mood-enhancing effects.
- Expert Insight: Basil's positive effects extend beyond culinary use, influencing mood positively.
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English Ivy:
- Concept: English Ivy is recognized as a plant that naturally cleans the air.
- Expert Insight: English Ivy is a low-maintenance plant that not only adds greenery but also improves air quality.
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Geraniums:
- Concept: The mild scent of geraniums, similar to roses, is believed to promote peace of mind.
- Expert Insight: The rich hue and scent of geraniums contribute to a cheerful atmosphere, fostering mental well-being.
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Lavender:
- Concept: Lavender's aroma is thought to ease anxious feelings.
- Expert Insight: The genuine aroma of lavender surpasses scented candles, offering natural relaxation and stress relief.
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Boston Fern:
- Concept: Boston Fern excels at air purification, removing a significant number of toxins.
- Expert Insight: The air-filtering capabilities of Boston Fern contribute to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
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Roses:
- Concept: Observing roses has been linked to increased relaxation and comfort.
- Expert Insight: The visual presence of roses, as demonstrated in a study, positively impacts the mental state of individuals.
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Peace Lily:
- Concept: Peace Lilies act as organic air purifiers by removing mold from the air.
- Expert Insight: The elegant Peace Lily is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to a healthier indoor atmosphere.
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Orchids:
- Concept: Orchids bloom year-round, providing mood-enhancing colors.
- Expert Insight: Orchids, favored by Feng Shui practitioners, bring positive energy to a room, especially during winter.
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Rosemary:
- Concept: Rosemary symbolizes remembrance and inner peace, attributed to the enchanting aroma of its needles.
- Expert Insight: Historical significance and aromatic qualities make rosemary a valuable addition for mood enhancement.
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Lily of the Valley:
- Concept: People associate the fragrant blooms of Lily of the Valley with happy memories.
- Expert Insight: This association, as identified in a study, establishes Lily of the Valley as a mood-boosting plant.
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Sweet Pea:
- Concept: Sweet peas trigger positive childhood memories, according to survey respondents.
- Expert Insight: The beauty of sweet peas goes beyond aesthetics, evoking nostalgic and joyful feelings.
In conclusion, the careful selection and placement of these plants can contribute significantly to creating a harmonious and uplifting environment, positively influencing mental and emotional well-being.
