Six Plants With Unexpected Health Benefits
“In some native languages, the term plants translates to those who take care of us” Robin Wall Kemmerer.
Aside from their known benefits (nutrition and oxygen production), plants may also have hidden health benefits. Some plants can help to improve sleep and reduce your anxiety. They have multiple applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. The other benefits of plants may also include wound healing and air pollution reduction.
Here are the health and wellness benefits you never knew about some plants.
Plants With Health Benefits: Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has a distinguished soothing effect, known for relieving skin irritation such as sunburns. Multiple cosmetic remedies for anti-aging, moisturizing, and acne treatment include aloe vera as the main component.
But did you know aloe vera can decrease the blood sugar level? A systematic review published in 2016 suggested that aloe vera helps regulate the blood glucose level in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetic patients. Aloe vera also has an impact on oral health. It reduces gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation when added to mouthwashes.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its charming fragrance. It is the most commonly used essential oil in aromatherapy. It has a soothing effect on the nervous system to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and ease headache pain.
Lavender essential oils improve sleep, fight insomnia, and relieve nausea or motion sickness. It is also effective as an antimicrobial and antiseptic for minor wounds and cuts.
When rubbed against the abdomen, it relieves menstrual cramps. As for its cosmetic benefits, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant owing to its rich flavonoid content. It nourishes your skin, combats acne, and diminishes sunspots.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a tree that grows in China. It is an essential component in multiple recipes in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo-derived supplements are known to improve dementia and treat early Alzheimer’s.
It enhances blood circulation and reduces anxiety, depression, headache, and migraine. It is better to seek medical advice before incorporating it into your routine. Its possible side effects include nausea, constipation, and interference with some medications, such as blood thinners. Ginkgo Biloba supplement is still under study to fully understand its benefits and side effects.
Daisy
Daisy flowers are the symbol of purity. They have multiple beauty benefits, such as skin brightening and decreasing sunspots. As an anti-inflammatory, it relieves cold, bronchitis, and cough.
It is also very beneficial for better function of the digestive system, food absorption, and appetite improvement. It promotes the healing of open wounds and reduces fever and muscle spasms.
Spider plant
It is one of the most famous indoor plants. Spider plants are native to the tropics and South Africa. The secret behind its name is how its leaves fall out from the shank like a spider on the web. Spider plants are considered natural air purifiers.
NASA reports classified spider plants as one of the top 3 air purifier indoor plants. It absorbs pollutants such as carbon monoxide, cigarette smoke, and formaldehyde (present in plastic bags, wood, and leather products) from the air. Spider plants are commonly found in hospital rooms because they are believed to accelerate recovery and decrease anxiety and depression.
Peace Lily
Peace lily has beautiful flowers that require minimal maintenance and care. When used as an indoor plant, it improves indoor air quality. It removes pollutants including benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and acetone vapor.
Furthermore, it plays a significant role in controlling humidity by absorbing excess moisture to restore a balanced humidity level. An extra benefit of humidity regulation is the removal of airborne mold spores and preventing its growth. You may have seen peace lily in bathrooms and kitchens as these areas contain high moisture.
Plants may be considered positive energy diffusers. A great sense of relief is dawning around them. Aside from being a nutritional source, they represent a treasure for people looking for nature-based solutions. For more tips on health and wellness, visit Ever Healthcare.
