The Surprising Benefits of Houseplants

Throughout the course of history, houseplants have made their way in and out of the home renovation spotlight, dating back to its early origins in Ancient China where they were seen as a symbol of wealth and virtue. Houseplants then sprouted throughout Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome in due time, began expressing a chic lifestyle. Fast forward to today, houseplants are still most commonly used as structured details of decor and home fashion. Although people might not know, there are more benefits to owning houseplants than just for decorative purposes. This article will provide a few reasons as to why houseplants are an amazing benefit to both mental and physical health, and why you should incorporate them into your everyday life.

1. Create Cleaner Air

According to NASA, having indoor plants can help reduce the level of toxic vapors that might be within one area. Toxic vapors can be contained in small spaces such as houses or apartments that are usually undetectable by humans alone. “Both plant leaves and roots are utilized in removing trace levels of toxic vapors from inside tightly sealed buildings. Low levels of chemicals such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde can be removed from indoor environments by plant leaves alone.” Regardless of toxic vapors, since plants produce oxygen themselves, it can also be useful to have plants in your home in order to create an automatically filtered and clean source of oxygen. 

2. Allergy Relief

Researchers have found that certain types of houseplants are perfect for getting rid of allergy inducing chemicals such as formaldehyde and reduce benzene levels in the air around you that can allow for a more allergy prone atmosphere. 

3.Mood Boosters

Plants are usually an amazing way to introduce a bit of color into our daily lives, but it has been proven that they can  boost moods as well. According to WebMD, “Employees who work in offices with plants tend to feel better about their jobs, worry less, and take fewer sick days.” Plants can make people feel surrounded by nature, bringing us back to our simple roots, and allowing for greater appreciation of smaller pleasures.

4.A Sharpened Focus 

Many studies have shown that plants can serve as concentration boosters, and allow for  better focus when studying or working. According to TreeHugger, “Being under the influence of plants can increase memory retention up to 20 percent” and this phenomenon doesn’t only occur within the presence of houseplants, but also within nature. Being around these elements allows for greater concentration, stronger memory, and better work productivity.

5.Healthier Immune System

Plants carry phytoncides and other airborne chemicals that help to reduce stress levels one may develop working through a busy day. The feeling of having less stress on your shoulders automatically helps give your immune system a natural boost and creates a soothing effect throughout your body since it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain health. “When you feel less stressed, your immune system gets a natural boost.” states Karen Reed from EcoWatch. “Most of the time you won’t physically feel the positive effects, except when you realize that you haven’t had a cold that your friends have had!”

Focusing on what you specifically need or want from plants all depends on you as an individual. Keep your ultimate goals in mind as you buy plants to add around your house and always do research as to which plants will have certain effects on your well being. Most importantly, don’t forget to mix it up and have fun with these little decorations!