Blog #11: Why Everyone Should Have A Plant

By: Tara Mckearnin

I am a firm believer that everyone should have at least one plant in their room, which scientists actually recommend. Now me? I currently have 24 plants in my room so I would consider myself a plant lover. There are so many reasons as to why we should all have a plant. 

To start off, houseplants are the best air purifiers you can buy! They have the ability to cleanse the air from toxic chemicals such, as formaldehyde and benzene, which are usually found in paint, cigarettes, vinyl and solvents. You also won’t need to buy an air humidifier because plants do that too! Certain plants release moisture into the air through water vapor. This can protect us from getting respiratory problems, dry coughs and sore throat. Not to mention the obvious reason, plants release oxygen into the air making the air in your room very fresh and easy to breathe. 

There have been numerous studies that demonstrate how plants can significantly reduce your stress levels. Some studies have found that people’s heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory problems have decreased. This is why it is a great idea to keep a plant in your office or at your desk to reduce stress and anxiety leading to better productivity. 

There are also certain plants like Jasmine, Lavender, Aloe Vera and Gardenia  that can increase the quality of one’s sleep when kept in a bedroom or on your nightstand. Similar to reducing stress, these plants have a gentle soothing effect on one's body and mind which can lower your heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels, while also reducing anxiety levels leading to better mood and quality of sleep. Because plants can humidify the air and decrease dust, they lessen your chances of getting a cold, cough, or virus. To that end, various studies in horticulture discovered how adding plants to office and hospital settings decreased cold, fatigue, headaches and sore throats. Some plants, like the eucalyptus, have the ability to clear congestion from one’s system.

      Lavender Aloe

Lastly, perhaps the most important benefit that plants give us is increasing our mood and improving our well being. Plants are very therapeutic to care for and can give you a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Aside from how its beauty can make you feel happy, culturally, plants are known to have a strong spiritual link with us. Plants are even part of some of our major life events, like weddings and funerals. Studies have also found that patients in hospitals who face garden views had greater chances of recovering more than those who were facing a wall. The presence of plants contributes to the general feeling of wellbeing, making people more happy and optimistic about life. 

With all the great benefits plants have to offer, I encourage everyone to please go buy a plant!