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Take your seats, fellas. We’re here to talk about plants. No, not the ones with names like Alaskan Thunderfuck and Purple Urkle that cause you to eat an entire bag of pizza rolls and watch two seasons of Planet Earth. The kind that fight against sicknesses and discomfort that comes with the changing seasons and falling temperatures.
Research from NASA and the American College found that the presence of plants reduces stress, anxiety and sucks up pollutants from the air, allowing you to sleep easier and breathe cleaner.
Elle Decor and The Joy of Plants used the research to determine the best plants to put near your bedside or in your bathroom to purify the air. Via Daily Mail:
1. Areca Palm: Madagascan areca palm leads the way in efficiency at ‘mopping up’ pollutants.
Researchers say that the palm is brilliant for anyone prone to colds and sinus problems because it releases moisture into the air. This, in turn, makes it much easier to breathe so will help you nod off quicker.
2. Aloe Vera: Easy to keep and aesthetically pleasing in any home, the aloe vera plant has been named as one of the best plants for air purification by NASA.
Why? It releases oxygen continuously throughout the night, making it an ideal bedroom addition. It also fights benzene (which is found in detergents and plastics) and formaldehyde (in varnishes and floor finishes) so helps keep the air super pure.
3. English Ivy: More commonly associated with Christmas, the ivy that grows up your house is actually perfect for your bedroom.
Indeed, researchers at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that English ivy in particular removes 78 per cent of airborne mould in just 12 hours.
4. Dwarf date palm: This plant is hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived and it’s brilliant at removing indoor air pollutants – especially xylene.
5. Boston Fern: This attractive plant has graced indoor landscapes since Victorian times – and for good reason. The plant ranks ninth in NASA’s list of 50 air-purifying plants, being particularly adept at removing formaldehyde.
Not only do plants purify the air, but evidence suggests that workers are more productive when their office is filled with greenery. Hospital patients are also thought to deal with pain more easily when their rooms have plants contained in them.
I officially just became a plant guy.
[h/t Daily Mail]