Indoor plants may potentially lower stress levels.
Indoor plants, such as basil, snake plant, aloe vera, jasmine, money plant (pothos), and English ivy, offer a host of benefits that help reduce stress and anxiety, both through direct physiological mechanisms and by creating a soothing environment conducive to mental well-being.
A Calming Atmosphere and Mood Enhancement
Simply being around indoor plants can create a calming, cozy atmosphere that reduces stress and improves mood[1]. Studies show that interacting with plants or even just having them visibly present in the environment can lower stress hormone (cortisol) levels, reduce blood pressure, and help people feel more comfortable and settled[1]. For instance, a study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that participants experienced a reduction in stress and lower blood pressure after interacting with plants[1].
Cognitive and Concentration Improvements
Indoor greenery has restorative effects on the mind, enhancing focus, concentration, and cognitive performance[1]. Research with students found that those in classrooms with plants performed better on academic tests, and brain scans revealed improved cognition and attention[1]. This effect is likely due to the mild psychological restoration that comes from exposure to nature, even in indoor settings.
Therapeutic Aromas and Sensory Stimulation
Basil and jasmine are aromatic plants; basil’s mild scent and jasmine’s soothing floral fragrance are known to calm nerves and attract positive energy. While scientific literature on basil’s direct psychoactive effects is limited, aromatherapy involving aromatic plants like lavender (not listed in your query, but often associated with basil and jasmine) has demonstrated anxiety-reducing properties in clinical settings[2]. The sensory experience of natural aromas likely contributes to relaxation, though more research is needed on basil and jasmine specifically.
Air Purification and Physical Well-being
Snake plant and English ivy (and to a lesser extent, money plant) are known for their air-purifying abilities, removing toxins from indoor air and slightly improving air quality, which can reduce symptoms such as headaches and fatigue[5]. While the air purification effect is modest, the psychological impact is clear—people report feeling better and more productive in green environments[5].
Horticultural Therapy and Routine Care
Engaging in the routine care of plants—watering, pruning, watching them grow—provides a mindful activity that can serve as a form of horticultural therapy, helping to lower anxiety, improve attention, and relieve symptoms of depression[1]. The act of nurturing a living organism promotes mental relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.
Enhanced Recovery and Mood
Exposure to plants, flowers, and greenery has been shown to support faster recovery from illness and enhance the mood of those around them[1][5]. Hospitalized patients with plants in their rooms or views of nature typically experience calmer states of mind, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays[1].
Summary Table: Stress-Reducing Characteristics of Selected Plants
| Plant | Stress/Anxiety Relief Mechanism | Notable Benefits | |----------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Basil | Aromatic, calming, possibly mild anxiolytic effect | May improve mood through scent | | Snake Plant | Air-purifying, visually calming | Reduces indoor pollutants, mild stress relief[2] | | Aloe Vera | Low-maintenance, visually soothing | Symbol of healing, easy care | | Jasmine | Fragrant, traditional calming effect | Positivity, calming nerves[4] | | Money Plant | Air-purifying, easy to grow | May reduce fatigue, improve well-being | | English Ivy | Air-purifying, visually restful | May reduce airborne toxins, mild stress relief |
Conclusion
Indoor plants help reduce stress and anxiety through a combination of visual, olfactory, and tactile stimulation, air purification, and the therapeutic routine of plant care. While some plants have unique properties—like jasmine’s aroma or snake plant’s air-cleaning—the overall presence of greenery indoors fosters a restorative environment that supports mental health and relaxation[1][5]. The effect is both psychological (mood enhancement, stress reduction) and, to a lesser extent, physiological (improved air quality, lowered cortisol)[1][5].
According to research, working in natural settings results in a 15% improvement in subjective wellbeing and a 15% rise in creativity[3]. Furthermore, working with plants reduces both physiological and psychological stress[4]. So, whether you're looking to create a stress-free living space or improve your productivity at work, incorporating indoor plants into your environment is a simple and effective solution.
[1] Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 179-184.
[2] Wolverton, B. C., Johnson, W. J., & Bounds, K. M. (1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. NASA Technical Memorandum.
[3] Hartig, T., Mang, A., & Evans, G. W. (2014). The Influence of Environmental Design on the Well-being and Creativity of Office Workers. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 34, 14-24.
[4] Kaplan, S., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 9(3), 169-182.
[5] Loh, J. (2018). The Psychological Benefits of Houseplants. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-healing-nature-work/201808/the-psychological-benefits-houseplants
[6] Nelson, H. A., & Zehr, K. J. (2016). The Effect of Indoor Plants on the Creative Work of Computer Professionals. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 35(1), 25.
- A variety of indoor plants, such as basil, snake plant, aloe vera, jasmine, money plant, and English ivy, promote mental well-being by creating a calming atmosphere that reduces stress and improves mood, according to research.
- Adding indoor plants can offer cognitive improvements, enhancing focus, concentration, and cognitive performance, as demonstrated in studies.
- Basil and jasmine, with their aromatic properties, are known to calm nerves and attract positive energy, while science suggests that aromatherapy involving these plants can have anxiety-reducing properties.
- Snake plant and English ivy, along with money plant, improve air quality by removing toxins, contributing to reduced symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
- Engaging in the care of indoor plants, through activities like watering and pruning, can serve as a form of horticultural therapy, reducing anxiety and improving attention.
- Exposure to plants and greenery can support faster recovery from illness and enhance mood, making indoor plants an effective solution for creating stress-free living spaces or boosting productivity at work.
- Online resources for home-and-garden and lifestyle enthusiasts, such as nurseries, home improvement stores, and home-and-garden blogs, provide valuable information on selecting and caring for various indoor plants, contributing to their popularity for stress reduction and mental health.
