House Plants; Clean Air, Clear Mind- by Sarah Hammond
We all have probably heard some casual conversation about the use of common house plants and the betterment of our immediate environment. However, this is definitely something worth taking seriously. Recent studies have shown that the psychological effects of house plants aren’t the only effects. Good news from a NASA study is that the common house plant improved the air quality of the test home. In fact, they reported that houseplants were able to remove up 87 percent of air toxins in 24 hours. Plants can remove a variety of toxic air emissions including carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene and xylem.
Not only do plants allow you to breathe more easily, but supporting studies say that they make you happier too. A Chicago cardiologist, Bruno Cortis says that in his experience house plants have made his patients calmer and more optimistic. He also stated that his patients seemed to recover more quickly with the view of a garden as opposed to a wall.
The University of Agriculture in Norway has been major a contributor to the most recent studies. One of the concluded theses is that indoor plants reduce fatigue, headaches, coughing and sore throats by more than 30 percent. This is done by the plants ability to increase the humidity and decreasing the dust in your environment. This is a study where the conclusion is supported separately by studies written by DR. Leona Rolgers in the “Comprehensive Office Series” in which she states that “complaints about headaches, stress, heart/circulation-symptoms and colds decrease when indoor plants are present but also richly decorated rooms help keep your air clean.” Further more, she has stated that plants increase productivity in an office space. Interestingly enough, many participants in a local panel attested to the outcomes of creativity, focus and over all increased sense of diligence when indoor plants were decorating their office or cubical space. Luther Burbank once states that “A flower is an educated weed waiting to inspire”. He may not be too far off.
There are many excellent resources out there for any one who wants to get serious about using plants for clean air and health advantages. For now, here are the 9 most common, easy maintenance house plants that are most effective in removing potentially harmful chemicals-including those in paints, varnishes, dry cleaning fluids, car exhaust fumes and tobacco smoke-from the air in your home. Dragon tree, Ivy, Ficus, Philodendrons, Spider plants, Peace lilies, Ferns, Chrysanthemums, and Palms. A great guide for looking up care of house plants is “A pocket Guide to House Plants” Written by Rob Herwig.
As always, make sure you research plants for any potential allergens, poisonous plants, especially in homes with children and pets.
It’s very important to take our environments seriously, especially since we are learning more now, the direct outcome they play with us mentally, and in this particular case, physically. House plants are a simple inexpensive way to improve the air in our homes and offices and our mental state. Of course, making our personal spaces beautiful doesn’t hurt either.
| Next > |
|---|