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More than just pretty to look at, house plants help oxygenate our air and add much-needed greenery to our living spaces. As if this weren’t enough, some plants possess therapeutic properties that can help treat burns, insomnia, and other common ailments. If the idea of your plant pulling double duty appeals to you, check out this helpful guide to 6 healing house plants worth keeping around your home.
Lavender
Not only is it pretty to look at, lavender boasts a powerful fragrance that has demonstrated success lulling even the most ardent night owls to sleep. It has also been shown to quell anxiety, depression, and migraines. Because it grows best in direct sunlight, plant your lavender in a south facing spot (ideally a window box or sunny porch) and avoid over-watering. Trim a few sprigs every so often and place around your bedroom. Sweet-scented dreams will be yours in no time.
Rosemary
This fragrant herb is easy to grow and provides numerous health benefits including increased alertness, improved digestion, and increased immunity. To grow, give your rosemary plant a spot in the sun and keep the soil moist. When it’s ready to harvest, simply add to your favourite dishes or infuse in tea or sparkling water for a refreshing, health-enhancing treat.
Aloe Vera
Most of us associate aloe vera with its cool, slimy gel that provides much-needed relief after a long day in the sun. The juice in its leaves contain properties that help soothe cuts and burns and thanks to its ability to regenerate, it’s an inexpensive and natural way to treat yourself. Aloe plants require very little care. Keep them out of direct sunlight and try not to overwater. If you’re lucky, your plant will produce offsets (baby plants) that you can pot separately. It’s the plant that keeps on giving.
Lemon Thyme
Tummy ache? Chew a little lemon thyme and hopefully you’ll be back to your old self in no time. This plant requires little effort to maintain and will reward you with a delicious smell, pleasant taste, as well as anti-fungal properties. Keep soil relatively dry and harvest regularly to ensure a bountiful crop. You can consume the leaves fresh or dry them to keep for later.
Peppermint
Have you ever suffered the consequence of gastronomic overindulgence only to be soothed by a cup of hot peppermint tea? This delicious plant is known for its ability to sooth upset stomachs, indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. It also relieves headaches, skin irritations, and is shown to have antibacterial properties. Seriously, get yourself a peppermint plant ASAP. It’s fast growing, so keep it contained in a pot, and make sure that the soil is moist. And then enjoy it’s virtually
Catnip
Not just for your feline friend (although they won’t complain if you keep it around), catnip is an excellent way to naturally keep the bugs at bay. Shown to be up to 10 times more effective than chemical-laden DEET, catnip oil repels insects without wreaking havoc on the environment. As an added bonus, people have found that chewing on catnip helps relieve pain caused by a toothache. It responds well to regular watering and frequent sunlight, but be aware that its scent isn’t for everyone, so maybe keep it out of the kitchen.
