Our amaryllis, and other plants, can contribute to mental and physical well-being

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This Christmas, we received a boxed amaryllis plant from one of our residents and his sister.  Residents, visitors, and staff all have had the opportunity to watch its shoots grow as it sits on the ledge of our main reception desk.  This little plant adds a little extra stimulation and enjoyment to the dreary winter days; in that way benefits us here.  But that’s just the beginning of the benefits derived from houseplants.

Plants improve air quality and make breathing easier.

One online article reminds us that, through photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen, whereas we humans depend on oxygen for our breathing process.  Having plants can increase your home’s oxygen level.

They can also act as a natural humidifier, releasing about 97% of the water you give them back into the air.  So if you suffer with dry skin or other symptoms caused by dry air, you might want to add some plants to help with this.

This same source also reported that plants were found to lead to decreased “fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms” and that there was 70 percent greater attentiveness when the room they are in contains plants.  An article by the Denver Post also notes that plants filter polluted air.

Mastersinhealthcare.com also notes that plants may take out airborne contaminants, incuding those that can cause headaches and nausea.  This source reported that plants can “contribute to your feeling of wellbeing” and improve mental health.

According to brightnest.com, plants can reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30%, increasing humidity and decreasing dust.  Also, because “excess carbon dioxide can elevate drowsiness levels,” plants can help make you more alert.  This same article also notes that plants can help alleviate: headaches, allergies, congestion, and insomnia.