Let It Grow—8 Health Benefits to Having Indoor Plants

Nothing adds to your home or workspace quite like a plant. It’s an instant way to jazz up your space without burning a hole in your pocket.

Recently, on social media, indoor plants have been having a moment. One hypothesis for why this may be is that, with the pandemic, plants can become a kind of company. You take care of them, and they take care of you, because it’s true what they say about plants, “if you talk to them, they’ll listen,” and we all need a listening… leaf? These days. Even the act of caring for a living thing can make you feel more connected to the world.

Studies have proven that houseplants improve concentration and productivity by 15%, as well, they reduce stress levels, and can boost your mood. But, if you are still looking for reasons, and need to be convinced before you bring home a new leafy friend, here are 8 fantastic health benefits of having indoor plants:

1. They Support Allergy Relief

 

Honestly, if you’re like me and you're allergic to dust and other air particulates, consider buying yourself a plant. They may help you ease up on those allergy medications. According to research, spaces with plants have less mold and dust. Plants act as natural filters and catch allergens and airborne particles. Just be mindful to avoid plants with pollen or spores.

 

 

2. They Provide Humidity

 

Furnaces and air conditioners can sap humidity doors, making your place too dry in the winter and summer. Dryness is a huge skin irritant. It’s a good idea to have houseplants that add moisture to your space. Spider plants are an excellent pick for the bedroom as they boost humidity up to 20% to 30%.

 

 

3. They Purify and Oxygenate 

We're all trying to be careful, which may mean using all kinds of chemical cleaners in our home because we want to disinfect our spaces. But with all those cleaners and disinfectants come with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It’s probably a good idea to bring home some natural air-scrubbers like English ivy, asparagus fern, or even a dragon tree as they can soak up these VOCs.

 

4. They are Sometimes Delicious 

At Which Doctor, we work with many nutritionists and herbalists who share their recipes, and remedies with us. Plants like mint and basil are delicious, nutritious, and sometimes medicinal. Try growing some herbs indoors using a hydroponics set, or by taking advantage of some of the living herbs recently showing up in grocery stores. Also consider growing sweet neem, often referred to as curry leaves. It is easy to grow, it helps with digestion, and adds a lovely flavour to your Indian dishes!

5. They can Encourage Relaxation

 

At this point, we’ve all been in quarantine for… just forever. It’s pretty anxiety provoking. That’s why I’ve learned how to grow lavender in my house. Plants like lavender have been around for centuries, acting as herbal medicine to calm and soothe your nerves, release stress, and help with anxiety. Fresh lavender is best.

 

   

6. They Provide Natural First Aid

We all know about the health benefits of aloe vera. It is easy to grow indoors, and it’s highly medicinal. In India, we use aloe vera all the time. I use it on my scalp to better the quality of my hair, but also to relieve irritation. This plant is also a home remedy for sunburns and other minor burns, because the gel is so cooling on the skin. Lastly, aloe juice helps with constipation! Grow some aloe, and thank me later.

 

7. They can Help With Better Sleep

Our generation suffers from too much FOMO to sleep, or something. We’re just pretty bad at it. Like everyone in my generation, I’ve suffered from a lack of sleep for a long time, and I decided to look into natural remedies to support my insomnia. I’ve invested in natural remedies like essential oils, sometimes scented candles, and now three succulent. A few cheerful pots in your bedroom increases oxygen, makes the space more relaxing, and possibly, helps you sleep more soundly.

 

8. They can Support Faster Healing

Why do people bring flowers to people in the hospital? Turns out it’s more than a thoughtful gesture. Plants and flowers are actually said to help you recover faster. People heal faster if they look at nature, something green and soothing. So if I were you, I’d bring an orchid home just to look at it every day. We’re all overwhelmed by challenges at the moment, and we could all use some mental clarity, and dare I say, healing. 

 

Indoor plants are a reminder of the natural world, and provide use with so many benefits. However, if the challenges in your life go beyond the abilities of an aloe plant, book with one of Which Doctor’s talented practitioners for broader support.

Sakshi Singh

Social Media and Brand Strategist

Sakshi Singh is an enthusiastic digital marketing manager and an influencer. She lives and breathes advertising and ideas. She is obsessed with social media trends and loves to stay on-point with her campaigns. She is a marketing graduate from London and has lived in many beautiful cities including Coventry, Dubai, and Mumbai. She is often found quoting dad jokes. In fact, the best way to get her attention is by sending memes. She loves dogs, movies, books, and music, not in any particular order - she'll always share the best music playlists! Currently, managing Which Doctor's online presence, campaigns, and marketing, she is extremely passionate about wellness.