Plants that help to reduce stress

PLANTS that HELP to REDUCE STRESS

Author: Andrea Bothma

From peppermint to Chamomile and lavender.

Plants have been known for increasing air quality and boosting our moods, but they can also help to reduce stress. From chrysanthemums to lavender and aloe vera, some specific types are well-known for their calm-inducing qualities and are perfect for having around the home.

'Spending time caring for plants is a great way to help look after your mental health. Nurturing the buds and seeing the plants grow can be very rewarding and helps boost self-esteem,' say the gardening experts at BillyOh. 'In order to properly look after plants, time needs to be spent away from electronic devices, allowing gardeners to "zone out".'

Below are some of the best plants to help relieve the symptoms of stress. The plants on this list can be placed in offices and gardens, but you can also use some of them to make oils and teas.

Take a look at the seven plants which can help to reduce stress.

1. Peppermint
Peppermint is found to lower frustration and also boost alertness. Menthol, also found in the plant, is commonly included in many bath products as it helps to relax the muscles. Had a stressful day? Why not chop some fresh peppermint into warm running water for a long soak? Don't forget your book.

2. Chamomile
Often used before bed, Chamomile has long been known for its anti-anxiety effects and sleep aid. Commonly taken as a tea, it can also help reduce inflammation. Brilliantly, too, you can also grow it in your garden.

3. Lavender
Its calming scent and beautiful lilac hue are incredibly relaxing. Often used to help soothe agitated babies, the plant's oil is commonly prescribed to assist in the treatment of anxiety and depression. If you don't have the garden space to grow these, they can easily be purchased from local farms or markets.

4. Jasmine
Jasmine is known for helping to ease the body from anxiety and is an excellent plant to have close by when you sleep. This, too, can be taken in tea or purchased as an organic oil.

5. Aloe Vera
Celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, Aloe Vera is a much-loved powerful plant that is also able to heal. Plus, it helps remove harmful chemicals from the air and can help reduce anxiety—time to head to your local garden centre.

6. Chrysanthemum
These beautiful bright flowers can help to lessen symptoms of worry and stress — and when taken in tea, they can also help to relax the body and increase your metabolism.

7. Gerbera
With petals this bright, it's no surprise bunches of Gerbera can instantly calm the body (and brighten the room). They can also remove benzene from the air, which is a chemical found in inks.

A touch of greenery in your office or home can help you manage stress and anxieties. In addition to their anti-anxiety benefits, many anti-stress houseplants are relatively low maintenance, meaning you can soak up their benefits without stressing further.

From snake plants to peppermint, you'll find plenty of easy-care plants that help reduce stress.