Plants play a powerful role on this beautiful, spinning, ocean planet we call earth. Do plants improve air quality? One of the first research findings that support plants being natural air purifiers goes back to September 15th, 1989, by an American scientist named Bill Wolverton.
One of the ways plants purify the air is through a process called photosynthesis, carbon dioxide that we exhale is converted into fresh oxygen. It further states that plants can scrub the air of cancer-causing volatile organic compounds, like formaldehyde and benzene.
You can find many articles and books supporting the idea of plants being natural air purifiers, but some say the verdict on the efficacy of plants improving air quality is not as conclusive as many have asserted.
The fact that a lot of these studies have been conducted in controlled, laboratory-type settings has raised the question of how accurate the outcome of these studies is. The way air circulates in a room with outside conditions affecting all that goes on in the room, may bring about different outcomes in the test conducted, according to some.
What both sides of the plant argument do agree on, is that house plants are one of those reciprocities in life that enhance the quality. Plants release water vapor into the air, which increases humidity, and this can help improve respiratory and skin health by offsetting the drying effects of heating systems. This can be an incredible benefit to those with respiratory issues, headaches, and allergies.
House plants have been scientifically proven to be beneficial to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. They engage the senses, especially touch and smell, thereby improving mood. Being engaged in the moment helps prevent anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
Here is a list of house plants that are suggested to operate as natural air purifiers and mood enhancers.
1. Spider plants (Chlororphytum comosum)
2. Lavender
3. Golden pathos (Epipremnum)
4. Aloe
5. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
6. Bamboo palms
7. English Ivy
8. Rubber plants
9. Eucalyptus
10. Peace lilies
*Be mindful of potential allergic reactions, as some plants especially flowers may trigger allergies in humans and pets alike.
Indoor plants are said to also nurture creativity, build memory retention and improve overall productivity.
Lavender is a big favorite on the list.
It’s one of those flowering plants that has many medicinal properties and fits into many categories; it belongs to the mint family. You can drink it, cook it, and bathe in it. Helps to calm nerves, and alleviates anxiety. You may have seen or used Lavender oil for hair, or aromatherapy candles. It’s also been used to relieve stress and enhance sleep.
We hope we’ve planted enough seeds for you to see the potential growth in health, purified air, and overall well-being by investing in a few plants.
Words by Kaba Abdul-Fattaah
