Humans have an undeniable and meaningful connection with nature. As a matter of fact, having this connection is essential for them to thrive. Nature, in particular, plants provide for our existence and at the same time contribute to our overall wellbeing including mental and general health. In other words, exposure to plants is good for people’s health wellbeing and happiness.
Most plant around us has medicinal values and are termed as Medicinal Plants. Such plants are the essence of Ayurveda. They had been a part of our lives ever since our existence since ancient times. It is very easy to grow them in our backyard. In addition, they effectively contribute to our overall health and cure multiple health problems. Moreover, they have extensive beauty benefits too.
1.Medicinal plants with health benefits.
1.1. Aloe vera: It is both an outdoor and indoor plant. It is the ‘King of medicinal plants‘ in Ayurveda. It has water holding capacity and is edible. We cannot ignore the proven medicinal and beauty benefits of aloe vera. Aloe vera is the best medicine for digestive problems and ulcerative colitis. Wounds, cuts, and burns can also be treated by this magical plant. It helps to moisturize the skin, fights skin aging, and lightens blemishes on the face. The plant reduces hair fall and dandruff and subsequently, conditions your hair.
1.2. Tulsi: Tulsi is the queen of herbs. It is aromatic and also has a religious connection. Headaches, inflammation, cold, and malaria can be treated using the oil extracted from it. Then again, insects and bacteria are also repelled using the plant.
1.2.1.Additional Uses:
Tulsi gives relief from cold, fever, and cough. Ayurvedic cough syrup contains this as a common ingredient, likewise. In addition, it is also used as eardrops. This can be taken as herbal tea too. It also prevents food poisoning. Tulsi is one of those plants whose entire parts are useful in one way or the other.
1.3. Basil: Most people get confused with tulsi and basil. They belong to the same botanical family and, basil is an equally important plant. Some flavoring agent in dishes contains basil. Italian cuisines extensively use basil leaves. In addition, people of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia also use basil for cooking. Leaves have a strong pungent smell. Besides, basil has high nutritional value and contains calcium, zinc, and vitamins. They reduce stress, help in sleep apnea, and exhaustion.
1.4.Aswagandha; This woody green shrub is an ancient herb that helps to reduce fatigue. It is the best-known stress reliever. We can consume the roots of these plants. Similarly, tea can be made using this.
1.4.1.Other Benefits:
Boosting the immune system and promoting fertility are other benefits. It is used as an anti-epileptic, pain reliever, heart tonic, and correspondingly, as a blood sugar regulator. Aswagandha also fights cognitive decline due to brain cell degeneration.
1.5.Gotu kola; This is a perennial plant. Ayurvedic medicines use Gotu kola for improving memory and cognition. As a matter of fact, it helps in connective tissue development. A skin injury can be treated using Gotukola. This also helps to maintain healthy skin. The plant is used in leprosy treatment too apart from all these.
1.6. Turmeric: Turmeric is the most effective and commonly used medicinal plant. It is also an essential ingredient in cuisines. It has anti-inflammatory components and antioxidants. Its most active component curcumin has scientifically proven benefits. Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart diseases are treated using turmeric. It has multiple beauty benefits too.
2. Similar plants
Furthermore, we have fenugreek, peppermint, lavender, and chamomile. Echinacea, flax seeds, and tea tree are also a few among the innumerable plants that improve our health.
3.Indoor Plants
Gradual transformation and the modern lifestyle of humanity have resulted in losing our bond with nature. In such cases, indoor plants comes to our rescue and help us a great deal. The leaves and other plants of such plants can act as natural filters, protecting us from allergens and airborne particles.
4.Benefits of Indoor plants
- Purify the air
- Provide natural scent
- Act as humidifiers
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Repel insects
- Improve mental health
4.1.1.Main toxins found in our indoor spaces:
- Formaldehyde: Usually present in wood products and synthetic fabrics
- Trichloroethylene: Found in paint, varnishes and household cleaners
- Benzene: Adhesives lubricants and detergents contain benzene
- Ammonia: Found in fertilizers and cleaning products
- Xylene: A component in paint, nail polish, and tobacco smoke.
5. Common Indoor plants of much importance.
a. English Ivy: It is a very common indoor plant. It absorbs mold present in the air and purifies the air. It has extreme filtering abilities. They absorb benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. It helps in reducing breathing problems and allergies.
b.Peace Lily: It is a great indoor plant as it does not need direct sunlight. Closet plant is another name. It has the ability to breakdown carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. They help to eradicate mold and in addition, also produce oxygen.
c.Snake plant: It is best among indoor plants as they absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. They are great plants that improve sleep by increasing air quality. It helps in the removal of xylene, trichloroethylene, and toluene in the air.
d. Bamboo palm: Sword Fern is another name. It is a natural humidifier. It absorbs xylene, formaldehyde, and cigarette smoke. Leaves absorb them and turn into materials that the plant itself can use. It is easy to care for. NASA’s list of air-purifying plants includes bamboo palm.
5.1. Additional Indoor Plants commonly used:
e. Golden Pothos: Another name is Devils Ivy. Pothos is hard to destroy. Besides, they increase humidity. It helps to eliminate odors and also improve eye irritation. They absorb benzene and formaldehyde. To emphasize, it has special importance in Feng shui and Vastu. Feng shui experts consider that this plant wards away negative energy. Similarly, as per vasthu, it brings good luck and positive energy. In some places, it has the name, Money Plant. To put it in another way, belief is that it makes you richer!
f.Dracaena or Mass Cane: Another name is Corn Plant. It is a slow-growing one. NASA ranked this plant for removing formaldehyde. Correspondingly, corn plant also removes benzene, carbon dioxide, and trichloroethylene. Of course, these chemicals cause several health problems.
g.Citronella Grass: This indoor plant repels mosquitoes away. It has a distinct smell and furthermore, most commonly used in mosquito repellants.
6.Other Similar Plants:
Additionally, other commonly used plants that help to improve home and our health and wellbeing are namely:
- Rubber plant
- Spider plant or Ribbon plant.
- Gerbera daisy
Plants not only provide aesthetics, but also contribute much in our daily life for our health and well being. Gardening as a hobby has proved therapeutic benefits. In fact, not to mention, many experts have experimentally proved that the time spent in green spaces can make us feel happier and healthier.
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