And it is not only the aesthetic benefits of indoor plants but also the mental health implications that have grown to be recognised. The physical and psychological aspects of planting and caring for plants, as well as their interior decoration, are very good for the soul. Mental health, especially in the contemporary world, is a huge problem, and indoor plants can help to make your home stress, anxiety and depression free, and calm and comfortable. We’ll discuss the best indoor plants for mental health, the science behind it, and how you can make them better for your health in this essay.
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Indoor Plants and Mental Health The Relationship Between Home Plants and Mental Health.
It isn’t just the scientific community and wellbeing circles that have paid attention to the relationship between plants and mental health. Researchers have shown that being near plants or just in the presence of greenery can improve mood, stress levels and cognition. There was one report that found indoor plants reduced stress and enhanced relaxation and calm. Specifically, individuals who are actively involved in tending their plants or even just in a room with plants report being calmer, happier and more focused.
Indoor plants can be of help in several ways. For one, plants clean air by absorbing and exhaling oxygen, thus making the environment cleaner. Further, maintaining a plant – whether through watering or by watching it develop – can make people feel meaningful and successful. It’s soothing to be tended to by another organism and take a slowing moment away from the modern bustle. Finally, indoor plants make a room feel a lot nicer, more peaceful, and it takes the mental load off your shoulders.
1. Lavender
Lavender is the popular plant that is thought to help with tension and relax. It is used widely in aromatherapy for its calming aroma that has been found to ease anxiety and bring you to a state of calm. Not only is the lavender plant gorgeous with its purple flowers, but it is very easy to maintain, so this is a fantastic plant for anyone seeking something to bring some elegance into their interiors. Lavender has the soothing effects to reduce blood pressure and heart rate so you will feel calm in your house. In fact, lavender scent appears to directly lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. You can have a lavender plant in your house or office to relieve stress and relax in an energizing setting.
2. Aloe Vera
You will find that Aloe Vera has healing properties, in case of skin issues. But there is a lot more to it than skincare. The plant of Aloe Vera is also a great air purifier as it absorbs the toxic chemicals formaldehyde and benzene found in cleaning materials and furniture. As Aloe Vera purifies the air, the air will be fresher and healthier. This ability of the plant to clean the air also increases allergy and respiratory problems, and is therefore also good for health on a physical and psychological level. It’s minimal maintenance needs and anti-inflammatory properties make Aloe Vera a fantastic plant for anyone who wants to take care of their mind with just a clean, peaceful room.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Another indoor plant, which is very resistant and sanitizing, is the Snake Plant. It’s especially good at scrubbing air of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene that can damage both the mind and body. It is also unique that Snake Plant does not produce oxygen the night time as most plants do, so it is a good plant to place in bedrooms for a good night’s sleep. Mental health is a result of sleep and, the healthier air of the Snake Plant can support that. Moreover, Snake Plant has the upright and pleasing leaves to make a room more serene and beautiful with order and stability. It is easy to maintain and so ideal for busy individuals that still wish to keep indoor plants.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plant: Spider Plant is a perennial houseplant that can make any room smell fresh and healthy. Particularly effective at eliminating pollutants such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde that can give you headaches and sting your throat. The spidery leaves of the plant bring a room to life and make you feel more energetic and positive. Also, Spider Plant is pretty simple to maintain and can do well in many indoor environments, it’s a perfect choice for beginners. Its look and air purifying power make it a better place in general, so it is a fantastic mental health supplement.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Not only is the Peace Lily beautiful, with its white, graceful flowers, but it is also one of the best plants for air purification. It cleans toxins like ammonia, benzene and formaldehyde that lead to anxiety and mental illnesses. Beyond the air-purifying power, Peace Lily is also known to calm stress and ensure a calm environment. You get the calm effect of its delicate blooms and shiny green leaves, and having the Peace Lily in your home or office will help you to relax and think clearly. The Peace Lily is light sensitive and would be a great choice for the office, the bedroom or anywhere that has little sunlight.
6. English Ivy
English Ivy is a very decorative and useful climbing plant, that can be cultivated anywhere in your home. It has the reputation of being air purifying and has been found to reduce indoor pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Also, researchers have observed that English Ivy also relieves anxiety and relaxation by cleaning the air and establishing a natural, green space. Because the plant removes poisons and makes the air oxygenated, it can go into every room you want to get rid of mental fatigue and feel calm. English Ivy is relatively simple to maintain and you can even train it to grow in a basket or trellis to bring some green into your home and improve your mood.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plant, money tree, Jade Plant — Jade Plant is a succulent that’s become very popular as an indoor plant for its shiny, velvety, green leaves and low maintenance needs. The word is usually equated with luck and prosperity which will help you feel optimistic and optimistic in the house. Although the Jade Plant is not an air purifier per se, its symbolism and aesthetics can be extremely helpful for mental health by creating a feeling of calm, stability and positive energy. The Jade Plant can be grown in low light and with very little water, which makes it the perfect plant for people who want indoor plants but don’t want to have to tend to them all the time.
- What houseplants are good for anxiety?
Houseplants like lavender, jasmine, aloe vera, and snake plants are great for reducing anxiety. They improve air quality and have calming effects due to their soothing scents or visual appeal. - What plant helps with anxiety and depression?
Lavender is highly effective for both anxiety and depression. Its calming scent can promote relaxation and improve sleep, helping to manage stress and low moods. - Are house plants good for mental health?
Yes, houseplants can significantly benefit mental health. They reduce stress, improve air quality, boost mood, and provide a sense of purpose through care and maintenance. - What are the most calming houseplants?
Calming houseplants include peace lilies, lavender, chamomile, jasmine, and bamboo palm. These plants enhance relaxation and create a serene environment.
