Contrary to popular belief that plants give out nitrogen during nighttime and should be kept out of bedrooms at night, it has now been proved that keeping plants inside the house has some great health benefits, particularly their ability to help you sleep. This is of course, in addition to their aesthetic value that makes interiors look so much better. The following plants are known for their therapeutic properties and may safely be kept indoors.
Jasmine: Jasmine flowers are small, white and very pretty. Their sweet scent and plant extracts are often used to manufacture essential oils that aid relaxation. Jasmine reduces anxiety levels and works wonders for insomnia by improving sleep quality. They can be easily grown in pots and place on bedroom windowsills. Regular watering during its flowering periods is good enough maintenance.
Snake Plant: Also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake plant purifies the natural air. It emits oxygen at nighttime and improves air purity and circulation, enabling you to sleep deeply. It also eliminates harmful air chemicals like trichloroethylene, xylene, benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is generally found in hairsprays and may cause respiratory trouble. Thus, this is a useful plant to keep in your bedroom.
Lavender: Lavender scent is officially accepted and acknowledged as a great relaxation aid. It cures headaches, lowers heart rate, stress levels, and blood pressure, making it perfect for keeping in the bedroom. Extensive research has shown that Lavender oil calms down irritable and cranky babies and induces deeper sleep in them. Similarly, sniffing lavender oil cures headaches and is widely used in aromatherapy. The Lavender plant enjoys sunlight and warmth, so place it on a windowsill that receives ample sunlight. Water sparingly.
Peace Lily: As the name suggests, the Peace Lily brings about atmospheric peace by cleaning the air, according to NASA. Moreover, it increases room humidity by up to 5%, which is great for breathing as you are asleep. Thus, it works as an antidote for low humidity, which causes dry skin & hair, static electricity, increases chances of colds and other respiratory illnesses and allows viruses to thrive. These plants come with beautiful white flowers, needing a little light. A weekly watering is enough.
Aloe Vera: NASA calls it one of the topmost air improving plants. This plant has some magical and multiple medicinal qualities and may be kept in any home. An oxygen producer at night, the Aloe Vera improves the bedroom’s air quality. Succulent by nature, it maintains substantial moisture within its thick leaves and requires minimal watering. The gel extracted from its leaves has antiseptic properties and is used widely to treat minor cuts, burns, insect bites and to moisturize dry skin. Ample sunlight keeps it healthy. The ancient Egyptians called Aloe Vera the ‘immortal plant’ as it reproduces easily and you can soon have an Aloe plant for all rooms in your house. Gift it to your family members and friends! A must have in the house.
Gardenia: Known for its unique fragrance, the Gardenia with its glossy leaves and beautiful blossoms is a popular choice for bedrooms. Studies show that it improves sleep quality and has the power of tranquilizers like Valium for relieving anxiety. However, gardenias are fragile plants and need a lot of care and attention to thrive. Gardenias kept indoors should be exposed to ample light but not to direct sunlight. The watering should also be in measured doses.
Spider Plant: This is yet another NASA favorite and champion air cleaner. Tests conducted by NASA showed that it removed about 90% of formaldehyde – a potentially cancer-causing chemical — from the air. Since formaldehyde is commonly found in household items like adhesives, fillers, and grout, it would certainly be a good idea to keep one around as it also absorbs fumes and odors and sustains the required oxygen levels in rooms to promote better sleep.
Valerian: The Valerian flowers throughout the year and has white or pink flowers with a uniquely sweetly scent. Its extracts were regularly used to make perfumes in the 16th century while its root has been used as a tincture or tea time immemorial. The Roman philosopher and physician, Galen prescribed it regularly for insomnia. Recent research also shows that simply inhaling the scent of the Valerian root helps you fall asleep not only faster but sleep deeper also. A few petals strewn in your bathwater will also help you relax and drift off gently.
English Ivy: A simple plant to grow and which needs moderate sunlight only. A potent anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic, English Ivy alleviates the condition of sufferers of allergies and asthma by improving their sleep quality. An experiment conducted in 2005 revealed that the plant removes 78% of airborne mold and 94% of airborne feces in just 12 hours! Since mold definitely affects our breathing, it’s prudent to have a plant on hand.
