Flowers and plants are staples in many American homes, adding to the style and aesthetic of virtually any space. While the visual benefits of plants are widely embraced, many people are unaware of the ways plants can support mental and physical well-being, too.

“From improving air quality to having calming and healing benefits, plants are such an important component to keep in your home,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers.com.

Palomares lends insight into the top benefits of plants and which species you should consider placing in your favorite spaces.

STRESS REDUCTION

Have you ever noticed that when you visit a garden or park, you instantly feel at ease? Greenery has the innate ability to calm and reduce stress. Work is a top source of stress for many people, so it makes sense that plants are a smart addition to work-spaces. The study “The positive effects of office plants” by Nursery Papers Technical researched plants in the workplace and found employees had many beneficial experiences, including:

• Depression/dejection reduced by 58 percent

• Anger/hostility reduced by 44 percent

• Tension/anxiety reduced by 37 percent

• Confusion reduced by 30 percent.

Plant to consider: Lavender has delicate purple buds that offer a splash of color to the space and a scent that fills a room with its calm-invoking characteristics.

A HOME OFFICE THAT NURTURES

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For your home office in particular, choose furnishings and decor that improve your comfort, functionality and focus.

Make sure your chair is ergonomic and adjusted at the right height for your desk, and that the space has adequate lighting and ventilation.

Plants suitable for a home office should be easy to maintain, and will not take over the space.

Plant to consider: English ivy can beautifully spruce up your work area.

IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

Plants can improve air quality by decreasing the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air by up to 89 percent, according to a report by NASA Stennis Space Center.

Many green houseplants have the ability to:

• Reduce carbon dioxide levels in a home

• Control humidity levels

• Reduce indoor pollution levels

• Reduce airborne dust levels

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• Add oxygen to the air. Plant to consider: Peace lillies can remove pollutants and absorb harmful substances like ammonia and xylene that may be present in your home, plus it has a pleasant scent when in bloom.

HEALING AND HEALTH-PROMOTING

Plants are believed to calm and promote healing. In fact, just looking at pictures of plants can have a positive impact. The reason? Scientists believe that the calming effects of nature images can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood, effectively speeding up the healing process.

Of course live plants are the ideal. A Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine article found that patients recovering from surgery with plants and flowers in their room have experienced:

• Lower blood pressure and heart rate

• Lower ratings of pain, anxiety and fatigue

• Fewer intakes of pain medication

Plant to consider: Aloe Vera is an ancient natural remedy that not only adds visual appeal, but the clear gel from the plant’s leaves also soothes the skin.

“Whether you bring plants into your own home to promote calm and wellness, or you gift to a loved one as a special surprise, greenery is a wonderful way to elevate a space in numerous ways,” says Palomares.

Learn more at 1800flowers.com/blog/plants.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

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