The Effects of Houseplants on Our Health

Bring plants into your home to improve air quality.

Indoor houseplants add more than just beauty to our homes. They take potentially harmful chemicals and pollutants from the air we breathe and give us back healthy air. Formaldehyde in paper products and household cleaners create respiratory and allergic problems. Benzene, found in plastics, detergents and paints cause neurological problems and are carcinogenic. Houseplants help remove these and other harmful toxins and assist us in maintaining our health.

Brain Function

Plants offer many health benefits to our brains, both physical and emotional. Plants help us to attain a relaxed mood by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain. The purple color of African violet flowers stimulates endorphins and adrenaline, relieving stress and promoting creativity. Benzene, found in paper products and electronic equipment, attacks the central nervous system and hinders concentration. English ivy neutralizes benzene, and a hanging spider plant removes carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, which can cause headaches and brain fog.

Respiratory Function

Stale, toxic indoor air can trigger breathing problems as simple as stuffy noses to a serious asthma attack. Plants aid our respiratory system by reducing mold spores and dust in the air. The peace lily absorbs these spores through its leaves and gives back oxygen, and the spider plant cleans the air of toxins that cause wheezing and sneezing. The increased humidity that plants release helps to reduce the symptoms of and number of common colds, sore throats and coughs. Formaldehyde, found in many household cleaning agents, is a known irritant to the mucous membranes, which Boston fern, English Ivy and spider plants help remove.

Physical Functions

Boston ferns and Areca palm are natural humidifiers, releasing water vapor in the process of absorbing toxins from the air. This natural humidity reduces dry skin and scalp. Houseplants like English ivy and snake plant remove molds that are the typical cause of many skin allergies. Exposure to houseplants at an early age helps young children build an immunity to typical allergens in nature, reducing the chances of developing allergies later. Aloe plants effectively treat mild burns and cuts, offering pain relief while promoting healing.

Sleep and Energy Functions

Benzene, found in household paints, plastic products, tobacco smoke and rubber products, is known to cause drowsiness and fatigue. The peace lily and English ivy plants help to neutralize benzene in the air. Indoor air that is free of toxic pollutants promotes creativity and increased energy levels. The healthy, toxin-free oxygen that plants produce in a bedroom helps reduce the effects of sleep disorders. Studies report that adding houseplants to work areas helps increase productivity.

References

• SixWise.com: The Health Benefits of House Plants, Including the Top Nine Healthiest Plants!
• Greenacy.org -- All Things Green, Organic, and Eco-Friendly: Top 10 Health Promoting House Plants
• Masters in Health Care: 15 Fabulous Health Benefits of House Plants
• "ScienceDaily"; Common Plants Can Eliminate Indoor Air Pollution; Nov. 5, 2009