House of Plants, Health Benefits

Plants, they are everywhere! The planet is filled with many wonderful species of plants. However, in most cities today, there seem to be fewer and fewer plants to be seen. Why is that? Human ‘progress’ in the realm of technology is not only reshaping the landscape with roads and buildings, but forcing out plants and trees. Of course, there are parks and a whole world outside the boundaries of cities where you can find plants and trees in abundance, but most people either don’t have the time or the means to travel to see them, or to benefit from them. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far if you have a full house of plants; health benefits from these are not to be underestimated. How do humans benefit from house plants?

A house of plants is a healthy home with cleaner air to breath

It’s true; house plants actually make the air in your home cleaner by removing airborne contaminants that are harmful. Unfortunately, inside most modern homes there can be up to 10 times more air pollution than found outside! It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. How is that possible? Well, there are many things inside a modern home that cause air pollution, and most people are unaware of this fact.

For example, air conditioners circulate the air within a home, because a majority of homes which use them are hermetically sealed, air contaminants can’t escape and build up. Over time, this can cause “sick building syndrome” from polluted air within a home. What produces air contaminants within a home? That is a great question!

Causes of home air pollution

Actually, there are many things in a home that produce harmful substances. And these substances become in-home air pollution. Things such as cleaning supplies, synthetic furnishings, electrical equipment and computers are some things that produce harmful substances that build-up over time. Polluted indoor air is nothing to neglect, it can cause headaches, itchy eyes, nausea and hinder the ability to concentrate. Volatile organic compounds, commonly known as VOCs, are the real culprits that cause “sick building syndrome,” and the best cure is to simply place house plants around your home.

House plants remove VOCs and reduce stress

Interior plants effectively filter the air you breathe in your home, removing VOCs and even carbon dioxide. And, house plants emit fresh oxygen, which can increase productivity and concentration by as much as 15%, according to many studies. This is refreshing news to many and has sparked a new interest in plants for many people. While plants are essential for filtering and cleaning the air inside and outside the home, they provide another benefit that is much needed today.

A house of plants reduces stress. There are ample independent studies which verify that indoor plants provide many health benefits, and they are one of the best ways to relieve stress. Genetically and instinctively, humans respond naturally to plants and nature. In fact, far beyond recorded human history, humans as a species have relied on plants for food, shelter and clothing. It can be said that humans need plants to be… human.

Scientists have studied for years to understand the psychological and cognitive effects on humans from plant exposure. One thing is for sure, people respond positively to plant exposure, especially daily exposure within the home. Some benefits are listed below:

• Increased feelings of well-being

• Reduction in stress and anxiety levels

• Increased feelings of calmness

• Increased self-esteem

Plants are a necessity for human well being. When placed in homes and offices, these can clean harmful VOCs from the air you breathe, and provide fresh oxygen to increase concentration and productivity in the workplace. And, that’s not all. There are a plethora of health benefits from having a house full of plants, especially in reducing stress caused by modern living. It seems blatantly clear that as humans get farther away from plants, physical and mental health deteriorate. So, it just makes health sense to place some plants in your home. You’ll feel better that you did.