8 plants for better sleep

• April 29, 2016
• A Healthy Life

For all of you who swear by your daily dose of eight hours, here’s some good news. Turns out plants, yes, the other green stuff, help you get better sleep. As a self-proclaimed sleep-a-holic, I did some serious research, and not just on Google, mind you, and found these plants to be the secret elixir of sound sleep.

1. Jasmine

The Wheeling Jesuit University conducted a study that has proven the efficacy of jasmine as a natural sleeping aid. Positive effects include the quality of sleep one gets, decreasing anxiety and improved mood upon wakening. Jasmine plant can also bolster the features of your bedroom, with its sweeping vines and collectives of tiny trumpet-shaped flowers. Jasminum Polyanthum in particular, does not always blossom but is very easy to look after compared to other houseplants, plus it smells fantastic.

2. Lavender

Lavender is one of man’s common natural remedies for many things, it is used as a fragrance for soaps, scented clothes and shampoos. It is also a great cleaning agent but the powers do not stop there, lavender plant can actually help treat insomnia and anxiety. Researchers recognise that inhaling its scent can unleash soothing, sedating effects when we breathe in the fragrance from lavender plants.

3. Gardenia

Gardenia jamsinoides, often referred to as Cape jasmine, apparently has the ability to induce sleep as much as prescribed sleeping tablets. A German study revealed that after testing on mice, these flowers had the same effects as valium on a neurotransmitter known as GABA. The mice that were kept in a cage with high purity of the fragrance were less active and sat relaxed in the corner. This could yield the same results on humans and help you drift off to wonderland.

 

4. Snake plant

Fantastically nicknamed Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is recommended as a great way to improve oxygen purity in your home. They are perfect for the bedroom with low maintenance and cost. This plant has even been saluted by a study carried out by NASA that listed 12 air improving plants. Science conquers all and for NASA’s recommendation alone we have to include this on the list.

5. Aloe Plant

This is another of nature’s healers that is great for soothing inflammation, scars and burned skin. It can also detoxify the body but there is more to Aloe plants than that, aloe can help eradicate polluting chemicals found in cleaning agents, thus purifying your air in the bedroom and the rest of your house. When harmful chemicals are at a high level in your home, the plant will develop brown spots, keeping you well informed of the situation.

6. English Ivy

NASA also included English Ivy as the number one best air-purifying plant. This is due to it being the most efficient plant when absorbing formaldehyde. English ivy is easy to grow also and survives in moderate temperatures and medium sun light exposure. English Ivy appears to be the best bedroom plant to help you sleep in terms of efficiency and ease.

7. Red Edged Dracaena

Visually pleasing and rather large, making it great for filling empty spaces or providing decorative purpose to your boudoir. The Red Edged dracaena can remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene. These plants can grow up to 15ft and need adequate sunlight for optimal growth, one should consider these facts before purchasing.

8. Golden Pothos

The Golden Pothos is last but not least on our list, this one also made the NASA list for an exceptional ability to purify air- meaning a better night’s sleep for you. Golden Pothos makes a great hanging plant as the leaves drapes down in cascading vines. They require little nurturing and need low levels of sun light so can be the perfect choice for those with a busy schedule.

Credits : http://healthypanda.net/