Houseplants are great natural decoration pieces for occupying corners, a window sill, table or shelf, but they also provide many health benefits that can enhance your physical well-being. Michele Harmon Team has three compelling reasons for why you need to add a houseplant to your home!
Increased Air Quality
In the late 1970s, multiple homes and buildings were constructed with limited fresh air exchange and ‘superinsulation’ in an attempt to minimize energy costs. However, people began to report various health problems. This phenomenon, known as sick building syndrome, was caused by the lack of fresh air entering and emissions of various organic compounds from synthetic insulations. In 1989, NASA conducted a study to counteract sick building syndrome and their results were quite remarkable. They discovered that certain houseplants can dramatically improve air quality and absorb pollutants in the air through their soil!
According to NASA’s study, the following plants do a great job at compatting indoor air pollution:
- Chrysanthemums
- Peace Lilies
- English Ivy
- Ficuses
- Devil’s Ivy
- Chinese Evergreen
- Bamboo Palm
Decreased Stress
According to a 2015 study conducted by scientists at Chungnam National University, interacting with plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. During the study, half of the participants completed a task on a computer while the other half repotted a plant. It was found that working with plants inspired comfortable feelings and reduced more stress compared to completing a computer task.
In addition, particular plants possess specific stress relieving characteristics.
- Basil Plant: You might be surprised to know that this common household plant holds anti-stress properties that can help relieve stress and anxiety. The basil plant acts as an adaptogen (a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress).
- Jasmine Plant: This plant is not simply pleasing to the eyes. It is also a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety at work and home. According to Solara Mental Health, the scent of jasmine has therapeutic benefits that can be used as a medicinal alternative for depression, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Lavender: Lavender is found in a ton of different products, from pillow sprays to bubble baths. It is no wonder that the actual plant has similarly calming properties. The plant’s fragrance is believed to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain.
- Rosemary: This plant is not just a cooking aid! Rosemary can help lower levels cortisol, the stress hormone found in your blood. According to psychiatry research, the aroma of rosemary can improve cognitive function, which may help reduce anxiety.
Improved Sleep
The 1989 NASA study discovered that certain plants have the ability to remove pollutants from the air and this natural process could also improve your sleep. We release a lot of carbon dioxide while sleeping and plants, like aloe vera or snake plants, can absorb that carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen.
The Planteria Group reported that the following plants can help improve your sleep:
- Lavender
- Snake Plant
- Peace Lily
- Aloe Vera
- Areca Palm
- English Ivy
If you have found that your home has become a burden, it may be time to make a move. Whether you are looking to upsize, downsize, or anything in between, Michele Harmon Team can help you secure and negotiate the home of your dreams! Give us a call at 713-818-1330 to get in touch with us today! Our team is composed of local Real Estate professionals who are passionate and dedicated to providing an exceptional client experience by always going above and beyond for every transaction. At Michele Harmon Team, your home truly is our business!