A New House Mate: Plants

Some people are crazy cat ladies, some people are plant lovers. To each is their own, right? Once I realized I can keep a plant alive, I ended up accumulating over 30 plants in my house. Plants come in varieties and each provides different things. They help filter the air, bring life into spaces, some offer fragrance or provide food, some can be medicinal and some just accent a room nicely. Some people refrain from putting plants in the house because they think they're difficult to take care of. People also might believe that they don't have time to keep a plant alive, but some plants don't require a lot of maintenance. Some plants water themselves and some don't need water attention for three weeks.

Plants refresh the air, making it breathable.

For starters, plants produce oxygen, something we use when we inhale. Humans produce carbon dioxide, something plants use to grow. This recycling of air is proof that people and plants should coexist together. As plants undergo photosynthesis, an essential part of their life, they are cycling carbon dioxide through their plant parts and "exhaling" cleaner air for us to breathe. As we inhale or cycle through respiration, which is an essential part of our lives, we take in oxygen, filter it in our bodies and then breathe out carbon dioxide. Having more plants in your home means cleaner air!

Plants can add a little life to a room.

Since plants are living things, this means that they also bring more life into your home. Humans are supposed to spend time outdoors connecting with nature. So many of us work from home these days and those of us that go into work typically remain inside a building only to return home to go back inside. How much time are you getting around nature? Having plants indoors means that you still get that healthy dose of connection with nature. Some plants are also said to give off positive energy, which is something we could all use a little more of.

Smells and Tastes come from the Plant Kingdom.

Plants offer a variety of smells and tastes. People have gardens where edible items are growing organically. Think of the money you could save if you learned how to grow the crop you buy the most. Herbs and flowers are easy in-door plants any beginner can grow and make use of when they cook. The first time I tore a piece of basil off of a plant and used it to cook was a game-changer for my pasta nights. If you have no interest in using plants to cook, keeping some of the pretty floral plants in the house not only cleans the air, but also makes it smell nicer.

Did you know a plant might be able to heal that?

Medicine is made from plants. When I learned this I went out and bought several Herbal Remedy books and started making the switch from pills to plants. Some plants can be poisonous to consume, but some plants offer healing properties. Aloe, for example, is an amazing topical for the skin to ease sunburn, heal cuts, and makes for a great moisturizer. Some plants are made into an oil so that they can be diffused with water to help fight off bacteria. Keeping some of these medicinal plants in the house could save you a few bucks in the long term.

Flowers can be your new bud.

There is a reason we check out colorful parts of plants. Plants grow flowers as a means of enticing other living things. Some plants rely on pollination, which they can't do alone because they are rooted in one spot. That's why bees, other insects, and the wind play key roles in their budding cycles. Flowers have become a visual symbol of thoughtfulness. As humans, we gift flowers to people we care about or congratulate. Pictures are taken of flowers or with them because they look lovely.

I wanted to share a list of a few plants I keep around our house. These plants you can grow from seed and soil or you can buy already sprouted. These plants are easy to maintain and can live a long life if you know what to watch out for.

Herbs, Medicines, and Edibles

Lavender

This plant is known for its relaxing properties. It has a soft floral fragrance that aids in sleep, anxiety, and settling nerves. It also helps repel bugs, acne breakouts, and assists in immunity function. Lavender acts as an antifungal agent and regulates sebum secretion in the skin. If you are achy from a workout, this plant in oil form can help ease the pain topically. Lavender may be used in cooking or teas. High blood pressure and digestive issues can also be eased with this plant. When growing at home, keep in mind lavender plants need a good drainage pot, mixed with soil and pebbles and placed in a dryer climate.

Rosemary

Rosemary is noted for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and even antiviral characteristics. It has headache reducing, immunity-boosting, and anti-cancer properties that have been discovered, too. Head lice, fleas, and ticks aren't a fan on this scent so using it on yourself before you and your dogs go outside could help keep the bugs away. When ingested during cooking, it also helps relieve indigestion. Rosemary is also said to improve memory and brain function, so diffusing some of this oil during work could help with productivity. I massage rosemary oil in my scalp up to 2 times a week because it also assists in stimulating hair growth. This plant is easy to grow at home. Pot in sandy soil that drains well and give it 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. Only water this plant when the soil is completely dry. Be cautious not to eat too much of this plant at once as it can cause an upset stomach.

Oregano

This plant also contains antibacterial traits. Oregano can be used during cooking to enhance the flavor of a pasta dish or bread. Many holistic health practitioners I've talked with have mentioned they put this oil form on the soles of their feel to give their immune system a boost. I use it on my feet up to 2 times a week and I manage to stay pretty healthy. (Thank goodness my boyfriend doesn't mind me smelling like pizza!) Oregano needs direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours to keep it happy. Only water when the soil is dry.

Mint (Peppermint)

One of my favorites! This little darling can battle off migraines, digestive issues and IBS, menstrual cramps, fatigue, and even hangovers! Its soothing effect helps calm upset stomachs by working against harmful microbes in your gut that causes inflammation. Its bright scent makes it great to assist with breathing and congestion issues some of us experience during allergy season and cold/flu season. Diffusing this herb in oil form is a great way to clean the air. It is safe for children, too! It's not recommended to go directly on the skin as it can cause a slight burning irritational feeling, but I use a tiny pea-size drop with my face lotion to rub onto my forehead, avoid your eyes! These plants are happiest with 6 to 8 hours sunbathing in warm, wet soil.

Basil

This herb is used quite frequently in Italian cooking. This plant helps with inflammation that occurs during the common cold. These also give the body macronutrients and antioxidants when consumed. Basil is also said to balance stress, anxiety, and depression and help the brain with thoughts and memory. When used as a topical in lotion, this plant can assist with aging in the skin, too! Basil plants need to see the sun for at least 6 hours a day in evenly moist soil. Pot your Basil plant in a container with good drainage. Water this guy every 1 to 2 days.

Aloe

As shared before, topically this plant is great for the skin. Any burns, cuts, or scrapes heal quicker when aloe vera gel is put directly on the skin. Ance can also be treated using aloe directly. Aloe gel provides a soothing and moisturizing effect and is better for those who have skin sensitivities. This plant can also be consumed to provide similar internal benefits. Combining a small amount with water and drinking gives you internal hydration. When used with toothpaste, studies have shown Aloe also has oral health improvements and decreases in plaque. Aloe plants are easy to maintain at home, make sure they get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. These plants need to be watered sparingly, roughly once every three weeks. To get the gel from them, use a knife to cut the outer leaves from the base where they connect. The leaves should be healthy-looking, not looking like a bruised piece of fruit. Delicately trim off the skin, separating the interior gel. Cut into slices, cubes, or mash-up into a gel.

Low-Maintenance, Good Vibes, and Clean Air

Peace Lily

These beauties are known for being the best at removing toxins in the air. It is said to break down and neutralize harmful gases in the air. Since these plants thrive in humidity, they are perfect to put in your bathroom. They help absorb and balance moisture in the air which helps relieve you of any mildew or mold issues. If you like to paint your nails or use any paints with vapors, this plant takes those toxins out of the air, too. If kept in the bedroom, they maintain air purification as your sleeping. They are the best, low-maintenance plants for the house because they can be put in any room. Keep her out of window sills and give her some water when she's dry.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are known for their resilience and air purifying qualities. These succulents provide more air filtering than most other indoor plants. They can absorb toxic airborne pollutants. Simply pot this plant in a well-drained container and water only when the soil is dry. Keep in a partially lit place in the house.

Golden Pothos

These plants are great for air cleansing and odor eliminating. They are said to absorb ozone that exists in the air, which can be harmful to us. Golden Pothos add moisture to the air which means hydration for your skin. NASA did a study on these plants and found that they produce humidity. These happen to be one of the easiest plants to keep alive because they thrive in a variety of conditions. They grow best when they have moderate sunlight (not direct) and when watered when the soil is dry.

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky Bamboos are said to bring good fortune and health. These plants are an ancient Chinese symbol that has been kept in homes to promote a long life. They grow towards the sun, symbolizing to stay positive. They are hard to kill plants and can go unwatered for up to 5 days. They do well poted with a mixture of soil and pebbles to assist in drainage. They also do great in just a few inches of clean water, changed every week.

Chinese Money Plant

Like the Lucky Bamboo, this plant also holds symbolism. It originated in China and is said to bring wealth and prosperity. Some people even plant a coin in the soil because that, too, is said to increase the money luck of the house it resides in. You want to pot this plant in a container with drainage holes in the bottom and give shaded light. If given too much direct light, your plant could die. Keep the soil wet and warm. If the plant looks droopy, it needs more water.

Thank your house plant for purifying your air throughout the day and even throughout the night while you're getting your rest. Just like moving live things, plants respond well to positive language. There have been studies that show plants survive longer when they are spoken to or sung to. Another water tactic I recommend is to spritz your plants with a mister or spray bottle to keep the dust off of them. Next time you are near a plant, you can give it a shout out for supplying you with air to live. There is a mutual exchange of the 'feel goods' between people and plants. I encourage you to consider a plant adoption day sometime in your near future!