The 12 Powerful Health Benefits Your Houseplants Have On You

From beautiful blooms to charming cacti, houseplants are an integral part of our home décor, adding a pop of color and life to our living spaces. Yet, they are more than just living ornaments. Houseplants can provide an array of health benefits, from purifying the air to reducing stress and boosting your mood. Read on to discover the twelve powerful health benefits that your houseplants can bring to your life.

1. Improving Air Quality

   Houseplants are natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful pollutants and gasses from the environment. According to a NASA study, certain plants can filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde, which are common in many homes due to everyday items like paints, plastics, and cleaning products.

   

   A monthly flowers subscription, for instance, can ensure that you consistently have blooming plants in your home that will contribute to cleaner, fresher air.

2. Increasing Humidity

   Plants release moisture vapor into the air, which can increase the humidity of a room. This is particularly helpful in dry climates or during winter when indoor air can become very dry. Increased humidity can help with dry skin, dry coughs, and even prevent dry eyes.

3. Reducing Carbon Dioxide Levels

   During the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Having plants in your home can help to lower carbon dioxide levels, which is particularly beneficial for enclosed spaces where the gas can build up.

4. Encouraging Better Sleep

   Some plants, like lavender and jasmine, are known for their sleep-promoting benefits. Their scent has a calming effect that can help induce sleep and improve sleep quality. Placing these plants in your bedroom may help you get a better night’s rest.

5. Reducing Stress And Anxiety

   Being around nature, even in the form of houseplants, can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s known as biophilia: our innate desire to connect with nature. Studies have shown that even the simple act of taking care of plants can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

6. Boosting Mood And Productivity

   Research suggests that indoor plants can boost your mood and productivity. The color green has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect, and taking care of plants can give a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, a greener environment can stimulate creativity and improve concentration.

7. Enhancing Memory And Focus

   Several studies have shown that being in the presence of plants can improve memory retention and concentration. The calming influence of an indoor plant can make you more comfortable and focused in your surroundings.

8. Promoting Healing

   The role of plants in promoting a speedy recovery is truly fascinating. In various medical studies, the presence of plants in hospital rooms demonstrated a positive effect on patients’ healing process. This healing effect can be attributed to multiple factors.

   Firstly, plants help purify the air and increase the level of oxygen, thereby creating a healthier environment for recovery.

   Secondly, the calming, green hues of plants contribute to a peaceful and serene atmosphere that can soothe patients’ stress and anxiety. This tranquility can help reduce perceived pain and encourage an overall positive outlook, thus aiding the healing process. A simple plant or a blooming flower can serve as a symbol of life and growth, providing a psychological boost that enhances physical healing.

9. Offering Therapeutic Effects

   Horticultural therapy – the practice of interacting with plants – is a recognized therapeutic modality. It can help people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions by giving them a sense of purpose and achievement.

10. Boosting Immune System

    One of the lesser-known yet powerful benefits of houseplants is their ability to contribute to a stronger immune system. The increased humidity produced by plants can alleviate dry skin and decrease the susceptibility to colds, sore throats, and dry coughs. Moreover, certain indoor plants emit substances called phytoncides.

    These organic compounds are part of a plant’s defense mechanism against bacteria, fungi, and insects. When humans breathe in these phytoncides, it can lead to an increase in the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells.

    These cells play a crucial role in our body’s defense against viruses and the cells that have the potential to become tumors, thereby giving our immune system a significant boost.

11. Reducing Noise Levels

    While not instantly apparent, one of the undervalued benefits of houseplants is their noise-dampening capacity. Plants can absorb, deflect, and refract sound waves, thus decreasing background noise levels in your space. This property makes them especially beneficial in rooms with hard surfaces, where sounds tend to echo and can become distracting or even distressing.

    Large plants with thick, rough leaves are particularly effective at reducing noise as they can interrupt the path of sound waves. By integrating houseplants in your living or workspace, you can create a quieter, more peaceful environment that promotes concentration and relaxation,

12. Offering Aesthetic Benefits

    Last but not least, the aesthetic value of houseplants cannot be overstated. Beyond their diverse health benefits, houseplants offer visual pleasure and can greatly enhance the look and feel of your home. Their vibrant green leaves and occasional blossoms bring a touch of nature indoors, adding life, texture, and color to any room. Their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors can complement any design style, from rustic to modern.

    Furthermore, plants can be used as a design element to highlight a particular area of a room or to add a sense of depth and richness. Plus, the act of arranging your plants, whether on a shelf, a table, or hanging from the ceiling, allows you to engage with your space creatively. Through the dynamic interplay of pots, plants, and placement, you can create your indoor oasis, a haven of comfort, and tranquility.

The benefits of houseplants extend far beyond their visual appeal. They can purify the air, promote good health, enhance your mood, and even stimulate productivity and creativity. So why not bring a bit of the outdoors into your home? Consider starting with a monthly flowers subscription or adopting a couple of low-maintenance houseplants to harness these benefits. Remember, caring for your houseplants does not only mean watering and providing sunlight; it also means absorbing the wellspring of health benefits they bring to your life.