Household plants can be a way to benefit your health, mind, and body. Plants do the opposite of what we do; they release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Not only do plants freshen up the air, but also eliminate harmful toxins. NASA has revealed that keeping household plants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxins in 24 hours. 

During the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in plant husbandry at home. many people are turning to plants as a hobby, but there are many benefits as well.

When working or studying at home it is good to have a plant, especially those with broad leaves, on your desk. They help regulate humidity and increase levels of positivity. Greenery and nature generally help us feel more relaxed and calm. Benefiting our everyday moods, indoor plants serve a practical and aesthetic purpose, enhancing our environment on several fronts. “A lot of people don’t have friends and family with them, a lot of people are quite alone. We’re in unusual circumstances and people are having a hard time feeling grounded. Plants are grounding” says therapist Rebecca Deighan in an article for NBC News.

Plants are a great stress reliever. Studies have shown that people who cultivate plants have less stress in their lives. A lot of people channel their stress into nurturing plants, this makes having plants a very soothing hobby. Plants boost people’s moods and help with concentration and creativity. Nurturing the plants also reduces fatigue, plants are overall good for the being of people. 

Plants also affect our environment. Plants are considered a critical resource and support life on earth in so many ways. They release and absorb so many chemicals into the air for humans and animals to be able to live. Plants relegate the water cycle and provide a habitat for many animals. If we did not have plants, life on earth would be impossible. 

Here are some plants that can improve your health according to UrbanStems.com.

Aloe Vera we all know can help with sunburns and skin irritations, but Aloe vera can also absorb airborne particles from paints, cleaning agents, and other chemicals. Ferns have been studied by NASA for the plants’ ability to purify the air. The Fern is a powerhouse for removing compounds like plastic, formaldehyde, and smoke from the air. The Orchid is an exotic tropical flower with deep symbolism and classic beauty. Aside from the Orchid can improve sleep, promote relaxation, and enhance feelings of calmness and peace. Rosemary is a beloved culinary herb and has been used in medicine for millennia, but Rosemary has been shown to improve your memory and concentration. It should be kept in a room where you could use a mental boost.

Even teachers at TWHS have started to keep more plants in their rooms. “I like the plants in the classroom,” says Cam King, a current senior. “It gives the room a cool ambiance and makes it feel more alive and bright.”