Plants are without a doubt a must-have for every house to look more sophisticated, lively, and homey. When the quarantine started in 2020, it was astonishing how the world started growing and taking care of plants. Suddenly, everyone is a plant parent. Who can blame us, we need something beautiful to look forward to every day in the midst of the turmoil.
But is keeping plants only for aesthetic purposes? Not really! Actually, if you’re going to keeps plants at home, make sure some of these will serve you healthy benefits!
1. ENGLISH LAVENDER
The English or common lavender plant (Latin name Lavandula angustifolia) is most distinguished for its essential oils which are often used for aromatherapy. Its strong but soothing scent is believed to alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia by using an oil diffuser or simply pouring a few drops on the pillow. Almost everywhere, you can find lavender-scented candles and a vast array of bath and beauty products with lavender added as an ingredient.
But unless you’re a professional, you don’t have to dilute your own lavender oil to enjoy your plant’s benefits!
Its vibrant purple color will instantly add life to that walkway by the front door. You can grow it in a pot too, and place it on the kitchen counter by the window. Harvest a few, and use them as table centerpieces. Whichever part you’d like it to be, not only will it make your home pretty, it will also give you a natural fragrance that can calm everyone’s senses. So when you’re having a bad day, feel free to sniff it
And did you know that lavenders can help you control and prevent mosquito attacks and prevent moths that may be swarming around your area? Its sweet-smelling aroma makes it a natural repellent. Of course, it’s still advisable to contact a professional for serious infestations!
Oh, and make sure your lovely lavenders get enough water and sunlight!
2. SNAKE PLANT
True to its moniker, varieties of snake plants (also sansevieria) have long, pointy leaves with patterns similar to that of a snake. It is one of the utmost popular indoor plants because of how fancy they look, and how easy-peasy it is to take care of them. They are very affordable, too!
Unlike other plants, you don’t always have to check on snake plants from time to time. It is very forgiving even you don’t get to water it for weeks! It thrives in sunlight and even in partial shade. Place it in any part of the house that you’d want to look elegant.
But snake plants do not just serve you a chic and stylish appearance. It has been tested and proven many times that they reduce carbon dioxide and produce purified oxygen—filtered and rid of toxins. Not only that, it is beneficial for people with allergies, too! So for a good night’s sleep, place a snake plant in the corner of your bedroom. Another good news is snake plants grow and reproduce rather quickly. You just have to repot which doesn’t take so much time and energy!
Remember, the more snake plants, the better!
3. EUCALYPTUS
Yes, it’s a tree. But it can be potted just like any other indoor plant to give that corner a classy look. Just make sure that it gets the full sunlight that it needs! Eucalyptus is well-known for its essential oils and has become the ultimate go-to for a variety of health concerns.
Cough and colds are on top of the list. You would notice that most flu remedies have eucalyptus as an added ingredient. You don’t have to make your own vapor rub at home, though. If you ever find yourself having a clogged nose or thick phlegm, simply harvest the leaves, boil them, pour them in a mug, and inhale the steam! The warm concoction is used as a mouth wash, especially if you have a sore throat. Imagine not having to buy expensive over-the-counter medications because you have an ample supply of eucalyptus leaves!
Aside from all these, eucalyptus also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. And just like lavender, its scent also repels mosquitoes.
4. ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera is famous for containing clear, gelatinous substances inside its thick, green, spiky leaves. You’ve probably noticed already that there’s a number of face and body products that use aloe. Save yourself from expenses by growing it in a pot!
We’ll never know when accidents such as burns would happen, and having an aloe vera plant nearby can provide immediate relief because of its cooling properties. A fun day at the beach that leads to sunburns is also a good reason to apply aloe gel.
Aloe vera is also beneficial for people who prefer organic products on their hair in replacement for chemical-based products. It is very easy to use aloe vera. Just cut the leaf in half and push out the gel. You can keep them in the freezer for later use. In addition to all these, aloe vera plants can also be grown in a pot and look pretty to look at.
It is a good realization that some of the most valuable things can be found in the common and simple. Because of the massive amount of commercialized products, we tend to forget that the plants that provide the same benefits are just as available. These plants are often admired as house decors, but you know what they say, “there is always more than meets the eye.”
