4 House Plants that Clean the Air

That pretty plant perched atop your windowsill may be doing more than just decorating your home. While they brighten up your living space, potted plants can also combat indoor pollution and boost your creativity. Read on to discover which plants will improve both your home and your wellbeing!

To add some zing to your living room décor, consider hanging a potted plant instead of a Picasso! A two-year study conducted by NASA scientists and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) researched about a dozen plants for their added health benefits. The results demonstrated that certain leafy greens can absorb hazardous contaminants and produce clean air.

1. Cleanse with Chrysanthemums

Originally cultivated in China in fifteenth century BC, this plant boasts multiple medicinal and culinary uses. Its yellow and white flowers are enjoyed as a sweet drink in some parts of Asia, while the greens are boiled and served as a delicious meal in China. In addition to being a tasty treat, the NASA study found that chrysanthemums were effective at removing benzene from the air. Benzene is one of the most common odorless pollutants found in inks, paints, plastic, dyes, detergents, gasoline, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. The flowers last about six weeks and thrive in bright, indirect light.

2. Purify with Peace Lily

Native to tropical regions, this beautiful perennial plant contains large leaves that vacuum formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and other hard-to-pronounce pollutants. Peace-lilies thrive in low and bright light with a slightly moist soil. The next time you need an air freshener don’t reach for the chemical spray, breath in the bloom and serenity of a peace—lily!

3. Dispel Dryness with Bamboo Palm

Growing between 3 to 6 feet tall, the long, elegant leaves of this sturdy palm sweep away toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and chloroform. In addition to helping you breathe fresh air, it is an excellent spider mite repellant. During the cold winter months when air is very dry, the bamboo palm emits some much-needed moisture. It is best kept out of direct sunlight and feeds on all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the summer months.

4. Doze off with Gerbera Daisies

If getting a good night’s rest is not on your agenda this evening, you may want to add some gerbera daisies on your night stand. While most plants release oxygen during the day, their respiratory cycle decreases in the evening hours. However, gerbera daisies continue releasing oxygen all through the night to help you breath and sleep better. Gerbera daisies are especially helpful for those suffering from sleep apnea or breathing disorders. These daisies will have you dozing off in no time!

Bonus Tip: To help you calm the mind and ease insomnia consider trying the power of Chinese herbs. Calm-fort is a specialized blend of herbs that helps soothe the emotions and promote better sleep.

I hope that these beautiful plants will brighten your home and health all year long!

You can find more ways to sleep well and live a long life in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. You can also find tips for insomnia in The Natural Health Dictionary, a comprehensive guide that answers all your questions about natural remedies, healing herbs, healthy foods, vitamins, and supplements.

I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.

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