Introduce a house plant for a healthier home

Having a house plant doesn’t have to be just for decorative purposes there are many health benefits too! Here are just some of the reasons why keeping plants in the house can help your health:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Most of us will already know that being close to greenery makes us feel more at ease with our surroundings. Having plants around us makes us feel less stressed. Buildings can feel more relaxed and quieter but also they become more stimulating and interesting.

2. Improve Air Quality

Add plants to an interior space can increase the oxygen levels as, during photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This makes plants and people natural partners.

At night, photosynthesis ceases, and plants typically respire like humans, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. A few plants “orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads” do just the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Place these plants in bedrooms to refresh air during the night.

3. Purifying Air

Did you know Plants can remove toxins from air according to NASA research. They can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint).

As well as these benefits the presence of indoor plants has also been shown to have many other beneficial effects such as:

• Reduction of sound levels
• Control of humidity to the within the optimum levels for human health
• Cooling effect
• Improved concentration levels leading to improved productivity particularly with those working with computers
• Faster recovery from mental tiredness