Received this from my grandmother....thought I would share......
Some helpful hints that I thought you might find interesting.
Breathe easy with a
spider plant. A NASA study found that houseplants can remove nearly 90% of toxins from the air within 40 hours---and this spiky, fast-growing plant is one of the most effective. Not only does it clear out allergens and airborne germs, it also filters traces of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, a colorless gas released from some wood trim and furniture.
Think faster with
African violets. Flowering plants with purple hues, like African violets, stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain, improving creativity. Purple also triggers your body to release endorphins that ease stress helping you solve problems more easily. And flowering plants of any color keep you sharp by reducing fatigue and boosting oxygen to the brain.
Ward off allergy attacks with a
peace lily. Keep your bathroom sniffle-free with a peace lily. Studies show that the flowering plant rids the air of mold spores, so they can't build up on tiles and shower curtains. That means less sneezing---and cleanup! And that's not all: The plant also clears the air of vapors like acetone and alcohol, found in many grooming products.
Breeze through your work with an
English ivy. Just place this plant on your desk, and you'll turn into a problem-solving whiz! English ivy soaks up benzene, a chemical emitted from paper products and office equipment that can slow thinking. In fact, researchers found that office employees surrounded by plants were less stressed and more productive.
Clear congestion with
eucalyptus. If a cold or cough hits, having eucalyptus can bring relief: It's packed with tannins, anti-inflammatories proven to break up phlegm. Eucalyptus is such a powerful expectorant that just inhaling it reduces mucus in the respiratory tract. To benefit, boil a handful of leaves in water for two minutes, then bend over the pot with a towel over your head and inhale the vapors.
Sleep like a baby with
gerbera daisies. Unlike most plants, which give off oxygen during the day, gerbera daisies release it at night. That's why patients with sleep apnea and other lung disorders are often advised to include the flowering plant in their bedroom decor. Do the same, and your blood oxygen levels will be steadier overnight, ensuring deeper, more restorative sleep.
Soften skin with
Boston ferns. Heating your home saps moisture from the air, leaving skin dry. To the rescue: Boston ferns! One study says the plant acts like nature's humidifier, releasing more moisture as indoor air gets drier. But unlike a mechanical humidifier, it won't harbor mold and mildew---so both your skin and your immune system benefits.