Photo by Leonardo Iheme on Unsplash
If you’re a health conscious person, you likely eat plants every day. Maybe you’re vegan or vegetarian and in that case, plants are a huge part of your life. While we often know that plants can be incredibly beneficial to eat for nutrients, they also can be extremely helpful in purifying the air.
Research shows that plants can act as natural air filters, can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure (and in my opinion boost your energy too!). One of my favorite experts, Dave Asprey, tweeted about how house plants can make us smarter! How cool is that?!
Similarly to how a walk in nature, in the midst of a work day, relaxes you; having this exposure to nature inside your home combats the negative effects of the stress of life and over stimulation from screens.
The best part about all of this is, the plants I’m about to share with you do not require that you be an expert gardener or have the greenest of thumbs. I bet even my five year old could plant and nurture them. 😉
1. Garden Mum
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
From research, garden Mums seem to be the victor in air purification. The NASA study shows that it can remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from the air, and now’s a perfect time to add these to your fall decor. I just did!
2. Spider Plants
Photo by Abel Y Costa on Unsplash
Spider plants also remove chemicals from the air and are one of the easiest plants to grow.
3. English Ivy
Photo by Jerry Wang on Unsplash
When I think of English Ivy, I think of really smart people in old college buildings. Maybe that’s how they got so smart! Just kidding. While English Ivy is not the strongest air purifier, it can help out! If you put this one in your bedroom it might help you with nighttime asthma, if that’s something you suffer from. This plant responds well to a lot of light so make sure you place it in an area of your home with lots of light exposure.
4. Bamboo Plant
Photo by Mirko Blicke on Unsplash
While this plant is much larger and might be more of an undertaking, its large surface area means that there is more of it to purify the air! Plus, few things look more ~zen~ than bamboo!
5. Peace Lily
Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
This one doesn’t do well in sunlight but it is known for attacking chemicals like ammonia (in a peaceful way of course).
6. Snake Plant
Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash
Don’t worry, this isn’t a plant that grows snakes. This plant replaces CO2 in the air with oxygen. One Green Planet recommends placing this plant in your bedroom so it can better the air quality and enhance your sleep.
7. Azalea
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Not only are these gorgeous, they also improve your air by absorbing formaldehyde.
8. Aloe Vera
Photo by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash
These guys are awesome for relieving sunburns and their presence in your home might even have healing properties. And they’ll purify your air while they’re stopping your skin from peeling which makes them quite a productive plant!
9. Rosemary
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
Rosemary is said to improve memory and concentration. This could be a fantastic choice for a plant to put in your home office or workspace (as long as there is some sunlight).
10. Lavender
Photo by Léonard Cotte on Unsplash
Smelling lavender can relax you. Why spend money on (toxic) lavender air fresheners when you can grow it yourself? It might be a great idea to put this plant in the area of your house you most frequently meditate in, or even your bedroom.
Whether you’re looking for a plant to enhance the air quality of your home (and in turn, your physical health), or a plant that can enhance your mental health, I hope you find what you’re looking for in this list.
Happy planting!
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