Home is usually our safe space. Our one place where we can disconnect from the chaos and troubles of the world. Where you walk in the door to be greeted by loved ones, stories of success from the day, and feel at peace. However, in today’s world that doesn’t ring so true anymore. With technology always a chime away to notify you of things that need your attention, it’s difficult to find that sense of peace at home.
There’s also a significant rise in poor child behavior and health concerns that can add to the stress of the home and create tension, anxiety, and overwhelming feelings. These stresses on the body create high blood pressure, negative feelings and decreased mood, sickness, and even anxiety. If you’re life could use some harmony, you might consider adding some houseplants to your home.
What’s A Plant Going To Do?
It’s common knowledge to most that plants and trees of all kinds give oxygen and purify the air. Yet you may surprised to learn that there are many houseplants that can lower stress levels, promote healing, boost immunity, enhance concentration, lower the risk of illness and disease, and enhance mood.
The increased oxygen houseplants provide, helps to reduce anxiety levels by purifying the air of pollutants and toxins. All potted indoor plants contain microbes in the soil called M.Vaccae which is a non-pathonogenic bacteria that produces serotonin. Serotonin is an important hormone responsible for feelings of well-being, happiness, memory, regulate digestion, maintain bone health and libido. They also emit Phytonicides which are organic compounds used by the plant to defend itself against disease and can boost human immunity. There are many studies showing hospital patients that have a plant in their room require less medication and recover more quickly. I always thought it was a just a nice gesture! Next time you go visit someone in the hospital or nursing home, bring a plant to purify the air and know you’ve done something to help them get well soon!
Re-Introduce Old Favorites
Spider Plant-I don’t know about you, but we always had this plant in our home growing up. Spider plants hanging in baskets, crawling along cabinet tops, and draping over end tables. The job of the Spider Plant is to remove carbon monoxide from the air which creates more oxygen. More oxygen means reduced blood pressure and anxiety in the humans that live where this plant is kept.
Fun Fact: There are two types of flowers produced by the Spider Plant. Some flowers have stamen which means they are male and some have a pistil which means they are female. On the male flower anthers produce pollen that spreads to the female flowers. Pollination can occur in the same plant, but not in the same flower.
Snake Plant- I’m deathly afraid of snakes so I’ve never given this plant a fair chance just based on it’s name! However, the benefits of having this plant in your home are undeniable! Snake Plants help reduce eye irritation and headaches, aid in breathing and restful sleep. Perfect for a bedroom!
Fun Fact: Nasa conducted a study sealing a single Snake Plant in an enclosed chamber for 24 hours while releasing a number of toxic gasses. The results showed the plant reduced Benzene levels by 53% and Trichloroethylene by 13.4%. Pretty impressive for a single plant!
**This plant is poisonous to pets so keep it well out of reach!**
Succulent– This is my type of plant. Needs little care yet is interesting to look at and packs a punch. Placed on a desk, it can help relieve anxiety, stress, and reduce headaches. Aloe is probably the most commonly known succulent.
Fun Fact: There are more than 250 species of Aloe Plants in the world! Aloe is known for it’s soothing properties for burns and scrapes, but did you know it can be used for health in various forms? It’s high antibacterial content makes it great for treating acne and psoriasis, as well as promoting good oral health preventing cavities and treatment of gingivitis. Aloe juice is excellent for treating gerd, constipation, and can even lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
**Check with your medical professional to ensure there are no contraindications with using aloe or aloe juice in your diet.**
American Skullcap– With a name like this, one might think it would promote death rather than life! Contrary to it’s name, it’s quite beautiful and extremely powerful. This antioxidant plant protects against stress, tension, nervousness, anxiety, and depression. If you suffer from one or more of those that cause sleeplessness, put one of these marvelous plants in your bedroom!
Fun Fact: American Skullcap is part of the mint family. European settlers learned how to use Skullcap from Native American tribes who had traditionally consumed it as a tea to soothe nerves. The Traditional Medicinals line of tea created Stress Ease Cinnamon tea with Skullcap as the main ingredient! I’m an avid tea drinker and will be adding this one to my collection!
Valerian– This plant is so powerful and best known for reducing stress levels, promoting sleep, and stabilizing heart rates. It’s excellent for helping relieve feelings of depression, post pardon depression symptoms, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, epilepsy, and anger.
Fun Fact: We use Valerian essential oil at night in a diffuser with orange and lavender to promote deeper sleep. It’s also highly antiseptic for wound healing when applied topically and has been treasured since medieval times as a heal all plant.
One Step At A Time
I sure learned a lot about houseplants! What I once thought were ordinary, are now extraordinary! I hope you learned a thing or two about plants and link to mental health! What will you incorporate into your home to help bring health & harmony?
Stress and anxiety can be a debilitating cycle of emotions and diminished physical wellbeing and should be treated by a professional doctor. If you’re prescribed medication, it’s important not to deviate from that, but to incorporate some healthy habits to bring more harmony and peace to your life one step at a time.
Health & Harmony 