We all love a dose of home inspo. There’s just something about pinning photos of your dream home in hope of one day actually living out your décor fantasies, right? Chances are, some of our dream home photos have one thing in common: house plants.

Most people enjoy having beautiful plants around. But is there more to it?

For sure. A NASA study explains that even a small plant in your home can help to remove at least 3 household toxins (think benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene; all carcinogenic chemicals found in stagnant indoor environments). So yes, turns out that sharing your living space with a living “breathing” plant can make your environment a happier, healthier place to be.

Here are a few science backed benefits that indoor plants may provide:

• Plants increase oxygen levels and help you to breathe easier. When you breathe your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This opposite pattern of gas use makes plants and people natural partners.
• Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway documented that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs. Plants release roughly 97% of the water they take in, thereby increasing the humidity in the air.
• Plants aid in recovery. According to researchers at Kansas State University, adding plants to hospital rooms speeds up recovery rates of surgical patients.
• A study at the Royal College of Agriculture in England found that students demonstrate 70% greater attentiveness when they’re taught in rooms containing plants. In the same study, attendance was also higher for lectures given in classrooms with plants.

Plants show us that our actions have power. Taking care of them provide us with some perspective that we do have some control, and that our actions matter.

They remind us that we also need care. It may sound crazy, but seeing a plant wilt because you may have not given it enough water, is a good reminder to also take care of yourself. You might not physically wilt away, but it will definitely feel as if something’s lacking when you neglect to nurture yourself. Plants remind us that we have “seasons” too, but that we also need the right conditions to thrive.

Houseplant ownership doesn’t simply beautify your space, tending to them can have an immensely calming effect as you get lost in the moments of providing them care. In fact, medical clinics in Manchester, England are now “prescribing” potted plants to patients with depression and anxiety.

Also, having so called “green fingers” is a great icebreaker. If you’re a super awkward conversationalist with people you’re not close to, a chit-chat about plants could get you going. Oh, and if you’ve never had one before; there are plenty of hard-to-kill indoor plant species out there. Give it a go!

Hopefully, we’ve inspired the indoor gardener in you.

Source: farmfoodfamily.com, mommymoment.ca, lifestyle.co.za, rethinkbreastcancer.com, healthline.com, ellisonchair.tamu.edu, bioadvanced.com, greatest.com, struttandparker.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.