While buying indoor plants, you mostly make your decision based on two things – the beauty of the plant and the maintenance required to keep the plant healthy. We often forget the fact that indoor plants can greatly contribute to healthy living. These beautiful gifts of Mother Nature are not just visual treats, they are healers too. Do you know the fact that the polish on the furniture and paint on your walls emit chemical substances that deprive the air quality inside our house? All of us would not feel the difference. However, people with sensitive noses and eyes get up in the morning with headaches, irritation in eyes, sneezing, etc. just because the quality of the air inside the room has chemical substances. Did you know that the pollen in the air you breathe at night, affects the quality of your sleep? Many reputed research centers including NASA has proved that indoor plants can filter the air and reduce the chemical substances in it. Here are 5 plants that can improve the overall health and promote wellness.


Spider plants

Spider plants can reduce the amount of formaldehyde from the air. ‘Formaldehyde’ is a harmful chemical emitted by stuff like plywood panels, synthetic fabrics, particleboard, etc. You will be surprised to know that this chemical even comes out of commonly used items such as facial tissues, paper bags, and napkins, etc. In short, it would be near to impossible to refrain from using items that produce formaldehyde. However, you can remove it from the air by bringing home “spider plants”. It can also reduce the amount of carbon monoxide. Though it comes out with several health benefits, it is not at all difficult to take care of spider plants. It does not require too much sunlight and water to grow.

Aloe Vera

It’s not fair to skip ‘Aloe Vera’ from the list of plants with health benefits as it’s healing power is known to the world for centuries. The gel obtained from the inner part of aloe vera leaves are used by people around the world for skin treatments and as a quick remedy for frostbites, cold scores, sunburn, etc. Aloe vera needs bright sunlight and deep watering. However, the leaves turn brown, if they are exposed to direct sunlight. So, plant aloe vera at a place where it can get enough indirect sunlight. 

Lavender 

You certainly would have used many skin products with the fragrance of lavender. The pleasant aroma is a stress reliever. It looks great and adds glam to your interior along with offering mental refreshment. The plant grows at its best in well-drained soil and enjoys a good amount of sunlight. You need to deep water the plant when the soil is close to dry. 

English Ivy

If you are asthmatic or allergic to air impurities, English Ivy is an indoor plant that can help you sleep better at night. It can remove airborne particles and drastically improve air quality. Its leaves are poisonous. So, keep the plant away from kids and pets. This house plant grows well in fluorescent light and needs less amount of water. 

Snake Plants

Snake Plants also are known as “mother-in-law's tongue” is a great house plant that acts as a perfect air purifier. It converts carbon dioxide into oxygen at night and also eliminates chemicals like xylene, toluene, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, etc. If you plant 7 to 8 snake plants of waist height, 94% of such chemicals are removed from the air. So, consider this house plant, next time when you buy indoor plants. 

So, along with a healthy diet and exercise include house plants in your list, if you are looking to live a healthy and fit life.