We all know there’s certain benefits to a more natural approach. Even just sitting in the garden can perk up your mood sometimes! But there are many garden plants that do much more than just look pretty in your garden. From herbal remedies to scaring away predators on their own, here’s a list of the top plant-based superheroes sitting just outside your door.
Dracaena — Air Purifying
The rather wonderfully named dragon tree really does deserve a place in your house. As well as being easy to maintain, the dracaena is one of a host of plants that hold air purifying powers.
Dandelion — Eczema
This poor plant is often dismissed as nothing more than a weed. For some, it’s used to treat eczema, while others believe digesting it can help with intestinal disorders. Not only that, but its leaves are said to regulate blood sugar levels.
Marigold — Ancient Medicine
This one is a little more whimsical, but interesting, nonetheless. Known as the herb of the sun, the marigold is said to symbolise passion and creativity. However, in ancient Indian, Roman and Greek society, it was used to treat various health ailments and induce psychic powers.
Cabbage — Frightening the Neighbour’s Cat
Cabbages are a pretty popular choice for those with allotments. Aside from being a tasty addition to your Sunday roast, were you aware that this biennial plant emits a volatile gas as a way to warn others that insects and animals are present? These plants alert their family members of the danger ahead.
Aloe Vera — Moisturising with Nature
Chances are you’ve already heard about the many properties of aloe plants. Aloe Vera is found in many beauty products, including lip balm and hand cream, and holds many medicinal purposes, including healing wounds and skin disorders. Not only this, but as it is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, it is becoming a prominent feature in healthy juice and drinks. Just make sure you don’t use your aloe houseplant as this doesn’t have the same benefits.
Catnip — For People as Well as Felines!
This plant doesn’t get enough credit for its superpowers beyond being a cat’s favourite greenery. As well as causing cats to enter their zen mode, catnip can help humans relieve toothache. Chewing catnip also makes you sweat more, which, according to WebMD, can lower any fever you may have and act as a mild sedative. Its oil has also been found to be 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling insects.
English Ivy — Scrubbing up the Air
Did you know NASA does more than just send people into space? NASA completed one of the first studies on the benefits of houseplants in 1989. It found that English Ivy is a perfect bedroom companion thanks to its ability to clean air indoors. This is said to help you get a better night’s sleep, making the houseplant a great addition to your personal space.
Bromeliad Pineapple Champaca — Anti-Snoring Plant
Let’s face it, being kept awake by someone snoring isn’t fun. If you’ve placed an English Ivy plant in your room to help you sleep, help your significant other get a good night’s rest too by also adding this pineapple plant to your space. Also known as the ‘anti-snoring plant’ this little gem releases oxygen into the air at night instead of during the day.
Peruvian Apple Cactus — Keeping Electromagnetic Waves at Bay
The Peruvian Apple Cactus is here to help the modern world of electronic reliance. Are you worried about the radiation levels in your household or office space caused by an increase in electrical appliances? If so, this prickly plant could be your saviour as it can absorb and reduce electromagnetic waves.
Impatiens Pallida Nutt — Family Meetings in the Plant World
This amazing plant can actually recognise its fellow Impatiens Pallida Nutt. While this may not sound like a ‘superpower’ to humankind, for a plant this is rather remarkable. It can even share its nutrients with relatives if it chooses to do so. Scientists have also observed that it can protect itself from viruses, proving that plants can figure out that light exposure can lead to certain dangers.
Plants don’t make a big song and dance, so it’s not surprising we aren’t very clued up on all their abilities! So, that weed that you dislike may well be able to provide more benefits than you ever thought of, or that pretty flower may be more than just easy on the eye.
Sources
https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/gardens/news/a1838/britains-favourite-flower-vote/
https://gardenerdy.com/what-does-marigold-flower-symbolize
http://splory.com/amazing-plants-real-superpowers/
https://www.thejoyofplants.co.uk/plant-plus-plants-superpowers
https://splory.com/amazing-plants-real-superpowers/
https://www.thejoyofplants.co.uk/12-plants-air-purifying-powers
https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/10-healing-plants-you-can-find-your-garden
https://www.tuck.com/10-plants-that-help-sleep/