Have you noticed the difference a plant can make to the general energy of a room? Think about a waiting room for example clinical setting, or not, those leafy greens, or the bloom of a flower, can change a room entirely. It becomes welcoming and vibrant, no longer dead, lifeless space. It feels fresh, and alive, and you feel a perk in your energy. The plants you have around you affect you in positive ways: psychologically (and hence emotionally) and physically. The right plants can have amazing health benefits for your home and are also mood-enhancing.

Heres what adding some greenery (and some blossoming flowers) to your space can do for you:

1. Purify the air

When humans breathe, they breathe out carbon monoxide and breathe in oxygen. During photosynthesis, many plants perform the reverse process. They respire oxygen and take in carbon monoxide. Many plants detoxify the air in our rooms from other toxins too. Studies show that VOCS (Volatile Organic Compounds) such as benzene and trichloroethylene can be up to ten times higher inside the house than they are outside! Formaldehyde and benzene can be found in paint, furniture, building materials and the smoke from cigarettes. We also introduce chemical toxins into our living space via the cleaning and beauty products we use. Many plants absorb these toxins and release them back into the air in a harmless form. Indoor plants provide us with purer, more oxygenated, air. Peace Lilies, many Palms, Rubber Plants and Aloe Vera (amongst others) are effective at absorbing numerous toxins including acetone, ammonia and ethyl acetate. Orchids are powerful at removing the lingering toxins from fresh paint.

2. De-humidify

This seems contradictory advice as most plants add moisture to the air, rather than extract. However, some plants do act as de-humidifiers absorbing excess moisture and, if not curing the problem, at least creating some balance. Peace Lilies, in particular, are powerful de-humidifiers (as well as de-toxifiers). Peace Lilies are great for rooms that get damp, as they can remove mold. The Reed Plant (or Boston Fern) is a moisture soaker-upper so this is a good one to stick with if you purely want to de-humidify. English Ivy can be hung high in a room and will help to ease the humidity. Using de-humidifying plants will help anyone who has a respiratory condition, or who suffers from allergies due to a damp, or musty, environment. It also assists if you notice that humidity leaves you feel lethargic or bed-tempered.

3. Encourage less sickness and quicker recovery times

Not only do plants benefit us by removing up to 89% of harmful organic toxins from the air we breathe, adding, or extracting, moisture as we choose, studies show that plants in offices result in less staff sickness. Office workers surrounded by plants experienced less stress, had fewer headaches and coughs, and no longer suffered from dry skin complaints. In hospitals, patients who had plants in their rooms suffered less pain, had lower heart rate and blood pressure readings, had more energy and went home before their fellow patients. That is pretty powerful evidence of how beneficial plants are for you!

4. Generate more mental alertness and concentration

Possibly due to the secretion of oxygen and the absorption of toxins, having plants in your home will enhance productivity and give you increased clarity and focus. Studies with students have demonstrated that those who work within the proximity of plants perform better than those who dont. These students could work for longer periods of time, with greater attention. Oxygen producing plants will alleviate mental fatigue. One of the best plants for increased oxygen is the Areca Palm.

5. Enhance your mood

Having plants around the home enhances mood for various reasons. Firstly, the increased oxygen, and purified air, will benefit your mood. Secondly, bringing nature into your home will have the same affect as going out into nature. It carries a calming and rejuvenating quality. Color and fragrance can influence mood also. Gerber Daisies come in bright, joyful colors (and are also detoxifiers). Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors. Choose peaceful colors for tranquility and more vibrant colors for spaces where you want to feel uplifted and revitalized.

Furthermore, well-placed and well-selected plant can change the energy of your home. Feng Shui has been practiced for over 5000 years. In this ancient doctrine, plants can aid in the flow of chi around a room, and through a house, helping to promote prosperity, health, love and good fortune. They also create balance. Keep plants alive and healthy, however. Dead, dying, or depleted plants, cause stagnant or bad chi.