Make your home green and healthy

Plants have an amazing ability to help humans prosper in more ways than one. Eating a diet rich in plants can help usnot only live longer, but also livehealthierandhappierlives. For most of us, that information isn't anything new; we know eating fresh, whole foods gives usmore energyand abetter chance of steering clear of the medical system.

While there is no doubt that bringing a bit of greenery into a space is an easy way to add beauty, color and life,embellishing your home with plants does so much more than just add a chic, instagram-worthy esthetic.House plants can actually help optimize your health in profound ways. And with fall and subsequent chillier temperatures right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking of ways to improve the quality of your indoor living space.

How plants can help....

1. More Oxygen - Our human respiration process involves taking in oxygen, and exhaling Co2. Plants do the very opposite - they take in the Co2 released from our lungs and give us clean oxygen in return.

2. Less Toxins - Our modern-day indoor work and living environments have the potential to contain a true cocktail of toxicity from trace amounts of carbon monoxide gas, to common household toxins whichenter into homes through things likevinyl, adhesives, paints, or plastics. While it's best to try and minimize the presence of these chemicals in our environment as much as possible, plants do have the ability to help absorb and filter out many of these toxins naturally while we go about our daily lives. We're breathing deeper already.

3. Allergy Relief - Whether it's dust, pollen, or pet allergies, house plants can bring a world of relief to your sinuses by helping to reduce allergy-inducing particulate matter that may be floating around in the air.

4. Cold and Flu Buster - One of the major benefits of more oxygen and less toxicity in the environment is that it sets the body up for more robust health and better resiliency. A cleaner, healthier environment means that the immune system is less burdened on a daily basis, which means that when cold and flu season hits, your immune system will better able to beat the bug.

5. Improved Skin and Respiratory Health - Nothing ages us faster than chronic dehydration. House plants to the rescue! Certain house plants, especially those that live in tropical environments like palms, help to restore moisture levels to dry indoor air at levels comparable to electric humidifiers. And no electricity needed.

6. Mood Boosting - Have you ever wondered why you feel instantaneously uplifted and more grounded when surrounded by nature Part of this has to do with what's called the biophilia effect. This hypothesis states that human beings have an inborn tendency to seek connection with nature and other forms of life.

7. Peace and Quiet - Plants have long been used outside to help buffer noise pollution from busy roads and city life, and this same benefit can be used to help buffer background noise in your home or office as well. Plants have the ability to absorb, diffract or reflect sound, making both living and working environments much more comfortable with less distraction or annoyance.

8. Plant Medicine On Tap - A few common house plants even have medicinal benefits that we can enjoy on a regular basis. Aloe vera, for instance, is very low maintenance and easy to grow indoors, and the healing jelly it contains can be harvested fresh directly from the leaves.

Plants have the ability to help humans prosper spiritually, mentally and physically.Have fun creating your indoor oasis and breathe deep!