15 Houseplants to Boost Your Mood and Health

Helping with breathing problems, anxiety, and giving you more energy — these are just some of the benefits of keeping plants at home. Seriously, just having a plant in your room can bring you way more than you bargained for. The smell of some plants can improve your memory, others can reduce bacteria and chemicals in the air around them, and some will boost your brain activity and overall health.

We at Bright Side are big fans of flora, which is why we couldn’t help but tell you about these 15 must-have plants. But be careful, your place might turn into a greenhouse after you read this article.

1. Jasmine to relieve tension

Jasmine has a very rich, exotic, and warm smell. It can give us a feeling of spring and fill us with happiness. Its flowers give off this smell, especially in the evening and at night, filling the place with dreamy notes. Jasmine’s fragrance has calming properties and can help one’s mind to relax. You can put the plant in your room to relieve stress and meditate.

Tip: You can combine it with lavender, cedarwood, or bergamot for an even better calming effect.

2. Jade plant to bring in humidity

If the air in your room is too dry, you can solve the problem by placing a jade plant in there. Living with dry air can contribute to breathing problems, which can result in asthma, bronchitis, or nosebleeds. Another problem caused by dry air is dehydration. A jade plant can enhance the air in your interior.

3. Dracaenas to purify the air around you

According to research conducted by NASA, this houseplant is one of the best options to clean the air from pollinators, like benzene or trichloroethylene, which can be given off by gasoline, paint, rubber, detergent, synthetic fibers, paint, lacquer, glue, and varnish. Dracaenas purify the air by absorbing these chemicals through their leaves, improving the air quality in your room.

Other plants that purify the air:

• Chinese evergreens
• Peace lilies
• Bamboo palms
• English ivy

4. Lemon balm to boost cognitive function

Despite being used as a tea to relieve tension and stress, not many people know that lemon balm tea can provide another important benefit. It can boost your brain activity and increase levels of alertness and performance. It’s better to use this tea in combination with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle for the best results.

5. Eucalyptus to fill you with energy

Eucalyptus oil has many benefits. For example, inhaling the vapor of its essential oil can support the respiratory system, silence a cough, and get mucus out of one’s chest. When growing, as a plant, eucalyptus has a pleasant minty, pine scent with small notes of honey. The smell of the tree, as well as its oil, is able to stimulate the brain and improve your energy.

6. English ivy to ease your allergies

This plant can help combat airborne bacteria in the room. According to a study done by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, it was found that English ivy can reduce mold around it and make the air cleaner. Even though it won’t help to get rid of an allergy completely, it can help to make the air in a small area where you work or relax less contaminated.

7. Mint for your digestive system

This small plant with a pleasant smell can be used to reduce bloating, gas, and other issues that can occur after you’ve had a meal. Another interesting use of peppermint tea is to relieve headaches. You can make yourself a hot tea with its leaves and enjoy it after your meals.

8. Roses to lift your mood

This flower is worth making a place for in your home, and not just because of its romantic look. Its dreamy smell has anti-depressant effects and can be used to lift up one’s mood. Interestingly, roses that have darker colors have a better scent. Also, according to a study, if you sleep in a room filled with the scent of roses, it can improve your memory.

9. Parsley for overall better health

This bright herb is filled with important nutrients. One of them is vitamin K, which is important for strong bones. It’s also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids, and other elements, which play an important role in supporting our health. In addition to this, it contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that support eye health. You can grow parsley in your kitchen and add it to your salads.

10. Lavender to bring you inner peace

The scent of lavender can reduce anxiety and help you calm down. Additionally, it can lower the blood pressure and heart rate, according to a study. You can use its oil to diffuse or you can place lavender flowers in your room. Its purple color has an effect on our minds and bodies as well. It’s noticed for its uplifting and inspiring properties, as well as its soothing effect on our minds.

11. Sage to balance cholesterol

Leaves of this herb can be used as medicine. It was found that drinking sage tea can lower “bad” cholesterol levels. And in turn, it can also raise “good” cholesterol levels. The easiest types of sage to find are common sage and Spanish sage.

12. Aloe vera to help your skin

The leaves of this plant can be beneficial to you in many ways. Its gel can heal burns thanks to its calming and moisturizing effects and it may help to reduce problems with the stomach, such as irritable bowel syndrome or lower abdominal pain. It’s also used in cosmetology and can be added to smoothies and drinks!

13. Geraniums to calm down your senses

This flower exudes a very complicated smell with citrus and fruity notes, as well as a bit of rose and lemon. There is evidence that this scent can calm down and reduce anxiety levels. Its antidepressant effects are also thought to promote relaxation.

14. Dill to support brain function and the nervous system

Another useful herb to plant is dill, as it also contains loads of essential elements. It’s rich in vitamin A which is important for your development, immune system, and vision. Another essential mineral that dill contains is magnesium, which boosts brain function, the nervous system, and the metabolism of sugar and fat.

15. Basil for its anti-inflammatory properties

Apart from having a good taste, this herb has many health properties too. Firstly, it can help fight inflammation within the nasal passages. It also contains useful elements like calcium, vitamin K, and important antioxidants.

What plants do you like to keep in your home? What other plants would you want to get? Let’s discuss it all in the comment section!