Want to keep your home clear of toxic trace chemicals? Consider the common mum. NASA studies analyzed a variety of houseplants and determined that mums have a stellar ability to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene, all of which are found in many household products.
7 Houseplants with Secret Health Benefits
Nature is restorative: A walk in the woods or on the beach can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. Even the tiniest dose of greenery—in the form of a houseplant, for example—can bestow special benefits on the beholder. Read on to learn which houseplants contain hidden healing power.
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Chrysanthemums: The Superstar Air Purifier
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Aloe Vera: The Amazing Healer
2/8Aloe gel has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, shortens wound healing time, soothes burns, and moisturizes skin. Be sure to use this beneficial houseplant for external first aid only—and keep it away from pets!
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Mint: The Instant Energizer
3/8There are more than 600 varieties of mint, many of which do well in a pot on the windowsill. Mint is easy to grow, and because studies suggest that its peppy scent may boost memory and mood, it's doubly worthwhile to cultivate this hardy plant at home.
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Gardenia: Nature’s Sleep Aid
4/8If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from insomnia, take a whiff of your gardenia plant before turning in. Researchers in Germany discovered that compounds in gardenia's fragrance have the same effect as prescription-strength drugs—without the side effects.
Related: 8 Plants Never to Grow Indoors
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Lemon: Proven Mood Booster
5/8flickr.com via Jessie Hirsch
Does aromatherapy really work? Researchers at Ohio State found that lemon had a stronger measurable effect on mood than lavender oil. For houseplants that bring a lemony scent indoors, consider lemon trees, lemon verbena, and lemon balm.
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Spider Plant: The Kid- and Pet-Friendly Choice
6/8Do you want to purify your air but not have to worry about your houseplant being mistaken for salad? Try a spider plant! It's easy to grow and nontoxic if ingested. Spider plants have the additional benefit of removing trace levels of carbon monoxide from your home environment.
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Golden Pothos: The Garage Purifier
7/8Detoxify your garage and other low-light rooms the natural way with houseplants that thrive in low light, such as golden pothos, ZZ plants, and areca palms. These varieties scrub the air of pollutants, a trait that's especially important in areas of your home that are exposed to car exhaust, paint fumes, cleaning agents, and other chemicals.
Related: Here’s What Your Favorite Houseplants Look Like in the Wild
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Healthy Houseplants
8/8These houseplants will only be beneficial for you if you can manage to keep them alive. Take note of their appearances if they look like they’re starting to suffer. A lot of times, houseplants are trying to tell you what’s wrong and what they really need!
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