Best houseplants to ‘improve sleep’ and ‘reduce stress’ ranked by garden expert

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Best houseplants to ‘improve sleep’ and ‘reduce stress’ ranked by garden expert

Now that winter weather is mostly behind us, our spring time green thumb may be starting to itch.

Especially for non-homeowners, houseplants are an excellent alternative to satisify that urge. 

Gardening is known to offer an array of benefits, from purifying the air inside – which has been found to be two-five times dirtier than the air outside – to boosting mood and improving mental health.

Jack Stooks, a senior gardener who has worked in the Royal gardens at Highgrove for over two decades, shared with Alt Index his 10 favourite houseplants to « feel energised, fully rested and calm inside, » as well as « improve sleep, reduce stress levels and even remove mould. » 

“Having plants in your house does make you feel calmer, » he says. « It’s a pleasant thing to be surrounded by, and I think for a lot of people, they like having that routine of making sure they’re watered, in good sunlight, having the right compost and care. »

He adds: « It’s almost like having a pet for some people. It gives them a sense of purpose. People have a caring nature towards pets, and that applies to house plants too. »

READ MORE: What to plant in March and April – crucial flowers, herbs and vegetables to sow

Best houseplants to boost mental health

1. Spider plants

The cult favourite house plant is billed as easy to grow while boosting all typical benefits of plants, from improving air quality to boosting mood.

« Spider plants come up as a good house plant to have and that’s down to them being easy to grow, » he says. « It’s known to be a plant that is uplifting, as they’re good at purifying the air, which will make you feel more energised and fresh. »

2. Peace lilies

Due to its ability to purify the air and soak up mould spores, Stooks recommends putting this plant in your bathroom.

3. Monstera

Due to its ability to lift your mood, he recommends placing this plant in your bedroom to improve your quality of sleep.

“When it comes to plants that are known for being mentally uplifting, monstera deliciosas do the job and are good to have indoors, » he says, adding, however, « They grow quite big, so it would only work for larger spaces. »

4. Sansevieria

Due to its ability to produce a ton of oxygen in a room, this is another plant he recommends adding to your bedroom because « it will help with your breathing and quality of sleep, as well as « add moisture to the air and get rid of toxins. »

5. Pothos

Known to lower ozone levels, this is a particularly good plant for those who struggle respiratory problems such as asthma. It is also « very easy to grow,” he adds.

6. Lemon balm

Not only will this plant reduce anxiety and ease pain, it can also be used to make an herbal tea. To do so, he advises adding two leaves in a cup of boiling water. 

7. Gerraniums

Similar to lemon balm, gerraniums can survive indoors while helping to reduce anxiety and ease pain while also giving off a wonderful aroma.

8. Lavender 

Lavender is a stunning plant that emits a wonderful aroma known to help Keep reduce stress.

“There are a lot of plants that are known to help with stress as you’ll see from essential oils using a lot of natural plants,” he says. “Lavender is a really good plant to help with stress.”

He adds: “It’s calming and helps you feel at ease. That’s why lavender is used so much in aromatherapy. You could definitely have your own plant of lavender as long as it’s in a place with lots of light.”

9. Aloe vera

Best placed on a kitchen window sill, the gel produced from this plant notoriously can cure burns and sores such as sunburns.

10. Garden ivy

Similar to pothos, garden ivy also lowers carbon dioxide, which can help those who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Cet article est apparu en premier sur https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/1886269/best-plants-sleep-stress-explained


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