By: Silvija Čolić |
House plants – keepers of your health |
|
Apart from being the most beautiful decorations in our homes, flowers have a positive influence on health.
Many experts confirm this fact.
There are many reasons why we can see flowers in our homes as keepers of our health.
Flowers clean the air in our homes, absorb electromagnetic radiation, reduce stress, spread positive energy, protect us from noise, make our living areas more beautiful, neutralize unpleasant scents etc.
And for doing all that, all they need in return is a small part of your time and attention.
Air cleaners
Plants clean and refresh the air by filtrating carbon dioxide we exhale, and other toxic compounds present in closed spaces, while producing oxygen at the same time.
One of the very interesting researches regarding house plants in air cleaning and refreshing purposes was performed by NASA in the early 90's.
Each tested plant has been cultivated for 2 years in separate chambers made of Plexiglas in a climate that dominates households and offices.
In those chambers, a certain amount of pollutants was added each day and after 24 hours scientists would measure the amount of harmful compounds in the air and compare the results with the amount of harmful compounds prior to pollution.
The results were surprising. Believe it or not, certain plants can remove up to 90% of different toxic compounds from our living and working spaces in just 24 hours.
Here are some of those miracle workers:
- gerbera
- margarita
- chrysanthemum
- African violets
- orchid
- philodendron
- sansevieria
- Dracaena (tree of life)
- spathyphillum (peace lily)
- ivy
- aloe vera
- different types of palm trees
- fern
- •spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Of all pollutants we are exposed to every day, it is especially important to emphasis formaldehyde.
Due to its wide application we can find that compound almost everywhere.
We find it in isolation foams, plywood, plastic, paper handkerchiefs and napkins, carpets, curtains, air fresheners, cleaning products, deodorants, nail polishes and many products for skin, body and hair care.
That is why it is highly recommended to put plants such as philodendron, aloe vera and sansevieria into the living spaces.
Those plants proved to be the most powerful weapons for fighting that omnipresent pollutant that can irritate respiratory pathways, cause asthma and allergies and cause headache, fatigue and dizziness. Furthermore, formaldehyde is potentially carcinogenic.
Source of negative ions
Apart from removing toxins from the air, plants fill the air with negative ions that are chronically lacking in closed spaces.
Negative ions greatly enhance bad air quality caused by lighting, heating and negative effects from air conditioners and numerous electronic appliances.
Researches confirm that negative ions significantly influence our health; they vitalize our cells, enhance metabolism, concentration and vigilance, enhance resistance towards diseases and are extremely helpful against headaches, allergies and asthma.
Choosing and placing plants
According to Feng Shui, by choosing the right plants and by placing plants on appropriate locations, we can enhance our health and achieve needed harmony of mind, spirit and body.
In that sense, Feng Shui recommends bamboo as a symbol of health and prosperity.
Thorny plants located next to exits ensure home protection and fresh flowers bring happiness and riches to your home.
Plant with round leaves are highly recommended in homes, since they calm energies. It is best to place them in the northern corners of your living areas.
Plants with upright leaves belong to yang principle, which means that they can bring too much aggressive “male" energy in living spaces, so be careful with them.
But, if the energy in your home is in hibernation, few plants could help you awake it and created a dynamic feeling.
When it comes to business areas, plants located in eastern, southern and southeastern corners will enhance the success of your endeavors and bring you more luck in your work.
Accordingly, you should avoid placing plants in western, southwestern and northeastern corners.
Furthermore, it is believed that plants with sharp leaves have a negative influence on an aura and that such plants can discourage clients.
In your home, you should avoid placing such plants near the furniture you sit or lay on since such plants can weaken your immunity.
Red and yellow flowers belong to yang principle and they raise energy, while blue and violet flowers belong to ying and have calming effects.
Spathyphillum (peace lily) eliminates harmful radiations emanating from monitors and TV screens so it is recommendable to place it near such appliances.
Lavender is an excellent choice if you wish to accelerate healing and recovery.
Generally speaking, it is considered that healthy plants attract universal chi energy and thus influence vitality and longevity. If plants are not healthy, they should be replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent them from attracting negative energy.
In the end, we should mention that plants in our homes completely depend on us.
We should treat them with care and with affection since they will repay us for our effort by introducing beauty and health in our lives.
Liked the article?
Share it with your friends!
