10 Houseplants That NASA Scientists Say Will Improve Your Health

Houseplants not only look good in every home, it also brings good vibes and helps in the family’s health – that even NASA scientists agree.

While they help lower stress, houseplants can improve our health – and in a recent study, NASA scientists say there are houseplants that will help you beat colds, tight chests and insomnia.

Elle Decor and The Joy of Plants looked into a research from NASA and the American College to identify which houseplants should you keep in your bedroom and what benefits can you reap from them.

1. Areca Palm

These Madagascan areca palm is great at ‘mopping up’ pollutants as it releases moisture into the air, so it’s perfect for people prone to colds and sinus problems.

2. Aloe Vera

This has been named as one of the best plants for air purification by NASA.

Researchers explained that the plant ‘releases oxygen’ into the air and fights benzene, which is found in detergents and plastics, and formaldehyde, which can be found in varnishes and floor finishes, to help keep the air clean.

3. English Ivy

Researchers at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology said that this plant removes ’78 per cent of airborne mould in just 12 hours’.

4. Dwarf Date Palm

This helps remove indoor air pollutants, especially xylene.

5. Boston Fern

This plant is in ninth place among NASA’s list of 50 air-purifying plants, because its is good at removing formaldehyde.

6. Chinese Evergreen

Called the easiest houseplant, this plant grows well in low light, so it’s perfect for a dark bedroom. It also removes more toxins with time.

7. Peace Lily

This plant cleanses air and improves it by 60 per cent. Its leaves also absorbs mould spores that will be circulated in its roots to use as food.

8. Spider Plant

This plant removes up to 90 per cent of the toxins from the air in the bedroom in just two days!

9. Lady Palm

This plant is one of the most effective plants at cleansing the air of formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene and toluene.

10. Weeping Fig

This plant is great for beating pollutants that are emitted from carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.

Source: Daily Mail

Which of these houseplants do you have in your house?

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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