Sitting by these indoor plants that remove stress according to Science, is a natural way to unwind after a long day!
Nothing beats the tranquility of indoor plants, especially if they can help reduce stress and improve the tranquility of your space!
Indoor Plants that Remove Stress According to Science
1. Lavender
Lavender has a prominent place in aromatherapies and is undoubtedly one of the most common preferences of essential hoarders. It contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which can significantly calm down the nervous system.
A study found that the aroma of lavender lowered stress levels in patients both before and after surgery, showcasing its soothing properties. Medical News Today discusses how lavender oil can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms, both of which are often exacerbated by high stress levels. When growing indoors, the lavender color flowers have undertones of blue, which imbibe a feeling of calmness and relaxation, as per the color psychology.
Provide as much sunlight as possible while growing lavender indoors to enjoy abundant flower production.
2. Chamomile
This plant has some true fame in the arena of calming teas and beverages and is often overseen from a gardener’s list despite its relaxing benefits. The key ingredient, apigenin, is a bioflavonoid that binds to certain receptors in the brain, promoting a calm and relaxed mind.
A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that participants who consumed chamomile experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms. According to Medical News Today, chamomile works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, similar to anti-anxiety medications, but without the harsh side effects. This makes it a gentle yet effective way to combat stress.
Additionally, research from ScienceDirect highlights chamomile’s antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body—a factor that highly contributes to anxiety and depression.
Though, this herb is technically an annual, it reseeds pretty easily and blooms profusely in the summer and fall months, which you can dry later to brew to unwind after a long day.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint can be a master ingredient to deal stress and anxiety. The menthol in peppermint is particularly effective in soothing the nervous system and reducing all sorts of physical and mental tension.
A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that peppermint oil significantly reduced anxiety and fatigue in participants, cementing its calming effects. Another study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) supports these findings, showing that inhaling peppermint oil improves mental clarity and reduces stress markers in the body. The aroma of peppermint can lower cortisol levels, which are the body’s primary stress hormone, thus promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
You can either use fresh leaves in teas and cold beverages or crush some leaves to sniff its natural oils for a momentary relaxation.
4. Peace Lily
A Nasa-recognized air purifying plant, Peace lilies are included in this list due to their potency in filtering harmful formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Cleaner air means improved health and well-being, which helps combat stress and anxiety.
According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, interacting with indoor plants balances sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure, promoting soothed, and natural feelings. The broad, green leaves create a sense of tranquility that lowers stress levels, which is ideal for offices and workstations where the stress levels are not as normal.
Peace lilies also release moisture into the air, increasing humidity levels. Higher humidity can also help with dry skin and respiratory issues, further contributing to well being.
5. Snake Plant
Snake plants work in a similar way to peace lilies by filtering indoor toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, detoxifying the air quality and promoting better respiratory health. In fact, snake plants release oxygen even at night, improving your sleep quality and helping to manage stress and anxiety.
Plus, their broad foliage boosts the greenery of the place, which further lowers anxiety and promotes the serenity of the place. Additionally, the low-maintenance nature of snake plants means you don’t need to bother a lot about tending them.
