Bring the Green Into Your Home

Beyond the aesthetics, plants provide a multitude of benefits when brought into your home.

A study done at Virginia Tech found that the water vapor transpired by plants makes for a great natural humidifier and reduces dust by up to 20 percent.

The study also found that plants emit substances that can reduce airborne bacteria by 50 to 60 percent. Here are some other reasons to consider putting plants in your home:

Plants Improve Your Mood

Numerous studies done by the American Horticultural Therapy association have found that being around plants lifts your spirits. Many of the studies have shown that plants have the power to increase your well-being. Some health benefits include:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Increased productivity
• Increased relaxation
• Higher self-esteem
• Improved memory and concentration
• Healthy skin

All these benefits assist in not only increasing and improving brain function but also improving your overall health. If you are less stressed, your heart and other vital organs will have improved functions. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and increase oxygen levels, which can also assist in your lung and heart health. The extra moisture in the air can help people with dry or sensitive skin, and the increased humidity can improve lung function as well as helping you avoid colds and dry coughs. Overall, a better, stress-free environment in your home also is sure to increase the stability and strength of your family.

Plants Knock Out Toxins

Adding plants to your home, in combination with other tactics, will assist in removing all the airborne toxins that sneak into your home. Unfortunately, adding plants alone will not completely remove bacteria, so consider purchasing odor removers to take out any stenches left by cats or cigarettes. Clearing out these smells will assist in reducing bacteria and set the stage for the new, healthy plants that will cover your home.

Plants will also aid in cleaning the air by removing toxins from your home including the three main culprits: benzene, formaldehyde and trichloethylene. The plants use their foliage and soil to suck the toxins out of the air and, more importantly, out of the lungs of you and your family.

Plants That Clean Your Air

Many of these plants can be purchased online and delivered directly to your home. Here are some of the top plants to bring into your home:

• English Ivy: Perfect for small places, this hearty vine is great for climbing around in rooms of little light. The ivy is known for absorbing formaldehyde.

• Lady Palm: The beautiful palm brings the scenery of a beach to your home while eliminating ammonia, used in many cleaners around the home.

• Wax Begonia: A beautiful plant that yields red flowers in the summer, and helps in eliminating toluene used in many paints and adhesives.

These are just a few of the plants you can put into your home. There are so many great options, all you have to do is find a plant that fits your tastes and needs!