The Power of Plants Reprinted from January, 2013 YBS,
By Cindy Brooks
We all know houseplants are pretty to look at, but did you know they offer health and wellness benefits as well? Having houseplants can help you live a more healthy and happy life. Plants can be calming and provide a lovely distraction during times of stress or tension. Studies show that plants are effective in helping recover from illness and actually can speed recovery time. Plants contribute to a feeling of well-being and comfort that benefit everyone’s daily life.
Houseplants have the power to make us feel better just by the simple act of enjoying the sight of something beautiful. Plants have a positive influence on people. We respond positively to green plants and colorful flowers. Caring for plants inspires hope. People caring for plants learn responsibility and experience hopeful and nurturing feelings. Because we spend so much time indoors, due to work, taking care of children, etc., we often miss out on the serenity that greenery and colorful flowers can bring to our lives. By having plants indoors, we can access the relaxing benefits of the outdoors brought inside. Caring for a living thing can help when you’re depressed and lonely, giving you a purpose in life. House plants can contribute to a feeling of well being, making you calmer and more optimistic. Having plants to love and nurture gives us something to take care of (that can’t talk back), which can enrich our lives.
People with plants in their homes have less stress, and plants have been known to contribute to lower blood pressure. Indoor plants have been shown to reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30%. This is due to their effect of increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen as part of the photosynthesis process. They can help clean the air by filtering out gases and other household pollutants. In a 1989 NASA Clean Air Study it was determined that approximately 15 to 18 houseplants (planted in six- to eight-inch containers) would improve the air quality in an average 1,800-square-foot home.
Enhance your brain power with African violets. Gazing at flowering plants in the purple family, like African violets, stimulates the release of adrenaline. This energizing hormone improves creativity. Purple also triggers the release of endorphins, which ease stress and improve mood. Another perk: The body responds to flowering plants of any color by boosting oxygen flow to the brain, resulting in relaxation.
African violets - promote spirituality and peaceful vibrations.
