Every now and then, you just have more stressful moments than others. You can soothe and calm yourself when anxiety knocks at your door by choosing the correct houseplants. The fact that plants can purge toxic gasses from the air is not a secret. Some make every room smell good just by being in it. There’s a new benefit we’re hearing about: plants can reduce your stress levels and calm your household.
Many Aspects of Calm
There may not be one definition of calm for everybody. You might notice a slow heartbeat and an uncluttered mind as signs of calm. Someone else might describe it as a relaxed body that falls into deep sleep at bedtime.
In general, plants can help you achieve this by reducing blood pressure, slowing your heart rate, clearing gasses from the air, and facilitating sleep. Despite the fact that this information is currently trending, the knowledge is far from fresh. From time immemorial, it has been part of traditional medicine. Some plants fall into the “calming” category, but here are a few that should be at the top of your list.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Plants with bright, cheerful foliage are called lemon balms. The leafy stems are slender and have dense toothed leaves. Yellow blossom clusters appear during the spring and summer. Try crushing one and you will experience a lemony smell that is both sharp and pleasant.
Citrus balm leaves have been used as stress relievers and anxiety relievers since the Middle Ages. The leaves from lemon balm are said to soothe the symptoms of stress. In fact, research on lemon balm has demonstrated that the herb reduces stress and promotes serenity.
The best way to care for your lemon balm houseplant is to place it in a bright spot, provide great drainage, and water it regularly. You don’t have to think twice about snipping leaves for tea: this fast-growing herb can keep up with whatever pace you set.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Jasmine is an easy-to-grow plant that blooms with fragrant, frothy white flowers. As the name suggests, Yasmin refers to the incredible aroma that gives it its name. There is long-standing information that this plant is able to treat insomnia and anxiety. It is considered by some researchers to be a natural alternative to Valium. There has been an increase in its effectiveness in calming nerves and improving sleep quality compared to anti-anxiety medications. According to some, it prevents viruses from spreading.Jasmine plants are often grown as garden shrubs, but they are lovely indoors as well. The jasmine plant should be placed close to a window with a south-facing orientation. Moisture the soil without letting it become soggy.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)
When one does not get enough quality sleep, they are going to be distressed the following day. Chronic anxiety is caused by insomnia on a regular basis. Snake plants can help restore calm. A good night’s sleep depends on the ability of this West African native to release oxygen at night.
However, that’s not all. Also, the snake plant has the ability to relieve eye irritation, headaches, and breathing problems. Benzene and trichloroethylene among other toxic gasses can be removed by its powerful purification system.
Snake plants are one of the few houseplants that require no special care. Low light is fine, but bright light is better. All you need to do is water every few weeks.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
French lavender fields in Provence are famous for their bright purple color, as well as their strong fragrance. You may not know it, but scientists have shown that the beautiful fragrance lowers stress levels and anxiety?
It is a member of the enormous mint family, and it was considered a “holy herb” that was used for insomnia and stress 2000 years ago. Studies confirm that the powerful fragrance calms anxiety, lowers heart rate, and improves sleep quality in stressed people.
Although it would be nice to have fields of lavender plants extending into the horizon, even one potted lavender plant can provide a sense of calm. When the soil and container offer good drainage and the plant receives plenty of sunlight, lavender is an easy houseplant that does not require much maintenance.
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
With its blood-red and purple edges on its palm-like leaves, the Madagascar dragon tree naturally attracts attention. This plant reaches the height of you and serves as the centerpiece of any room. However, it is also known for promoting a clean, relaxing atmosphere.
It is truly remarkable how effective this houseplant is at purifying the air. The system removes toxic chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons, xylene, and formaldehyde from the air. In this context, nasties like varnish, lacquer, and gasoline may make their way into your home, and are known to increase anxiety, stress levels, and decrease concentration.
A Madagascar dragon tree needs bright indirect sunlight to thrive, but can cope with low light, although its leaves may get thinner and its foliage a darker green. Nevertheless, keep the soil surface dry between waterings and ensure the drainage is good. Dragon trees like to drink regular water.
