When you think of plants, you may picture an outdoor garden, but indoor plants have incredible benefits for your health, too. As someone who prioritises an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, I’m always searching for ways to make my living space healthier, and indoor plants are one of the simplest ways to achieve this. Not only do they brighten up a room, but they also improve air quality and can even reduce inflammation. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the best plants to have in your home, their benefits, and where to place them for maximum impact.

How Indoor Plants Benefit Your Health

Indoor plants don’t just look good; they have tangible health benefits. Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, improving air quality. But beyond that, they can also reduce toxins and provide a calming atmosphere that contributes to an anti-inflammatory environment. Stress, pollution, and poor air quality can all contribute to chronic inflammation, and plants are an easy way to combat these triggers.

The Link Between Indoor Air Quality and Inflammation

Poor indoor air quality can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, contributing to conditions like asthma, allergies, and other chronic diseases. When we breathe in air filled with pollutants, our bodies react by producing inflammatory molecules as a defense mechanism. Indoor plants help filter these pollutants, offering a natural way to purify your home environment. For example, research shows that plants like the snake plant and peace lily can remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, reducing inflammation triggers.

Snake Plant: The King of Air Purification

The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is renowned for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) even at night, unlike most plants. It’s a great addition to the bedroom because it can help improve air quality while you sleep, contributing to lower levels of inflammation by enhancing oxygen levels. Beyond CO2 reduction, it helps remove toxins like benzene and xylene from the air. Place it near your bed or in any corner of your home where air circulation is poor.

Aloe Vera: The Healing Plant

Aloe Vera is not just a great plant for topical skin treatments—it’s also an excellent air purifier. It helps remove formaldehyde from the air, a compound that can contribute to inflammation. It thrives in sunny spots, making it perfect for kitchens or windowsills. Additionally, Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties when used externally, making it a must-have in any anti-inflammatory home.

Peace Lily: Purify Your Living Spaces

Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are not only visually stunning, with their white blooms and rich green leaves, but they are also known for removing airborne toxins. They excel at filtering out mold spores, which are common allergens and inflammation triggers in the home. Place a peace lily in your bathroom or damp areas where mold can grow. The plant thrives in low-light conditions, making it ideal for spaces without much natural light.

Spider Plant: A Low-Maintenance Detoxifier

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are incredibly effective at removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. They are perfect for those new to plant care, as they are hardy and low-maintenance. These plants are great for living rooms or kitchens, especially near fireplaces or gas stoves where carbon monoxide may accumulate.

English Ivy: A Natural Allergen Fighter

English ivy (Hedera helix) is known for reducing airborne fecal particles and mold, making it a fantastic choice for homes with pets or high moisture levels. Mold is a significant contributor to inflammation, and English ivy helps prevent its buildup in areas like bathrooms or basements. It can be hung in a basket or placed on shelves in moisture-prone rooms.

Indoor Plants for Stress Reduction and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Stress is one of the major contributors to inflammation. Creating a peaceful, plant-filled environment can significantly reduce stress levels, which in turn reduces inflammation. Studies have shown that simply being around plants can lower blood pressure, boost mood, and reduce anxiety. By fostering a more relaxing environment, plants contribute to lowering cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress-induced inflammation.

How to Place Indoor Plants for Maximum Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Living Room

This is the heart of your home and where you likely spend most of your time. To improve air quality and reduce inflammation, place a large air-purifying plant, like a peace lily or spider plant, in a corner near natural light. For added texture, try hanging a plant like English ivy or pothos, which cascades beautifully from shelves or hanging baskets.

Bedroom

Since you spend a third of your life sleeping, having plants like snake plants or lavender in the bedroom can improve air quality and promote better sleep, reducing inflammation from stress. A snake plant beside your bed will help increase oxygen at night, while lavender’s natural calming scent can help you unwind and ease stress.

Kitchen

The kitchen often contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking and cleaning products, contributing to poor air quality. Aloe Vera and spider plants are great for the kitchen, as they help purify the air from these harmful compounds. Aloe Vera also thrives in sunny spots, making it perfect for placing on a windowsill.

Bathroom

With high humidity levels, the bathroom is prone to mold growth, a major inflammation trigger. Placing plants like peace lilies or ferns in your bathroom can help absorb excess moisture and mold spores, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions and inflammation.

Home Office

If you work from home, adding plants to your office can reduce stress levels and increase productivity. Place a pothos plant on your desk, which can thrive in low light and helps purify the air. Keeping plants in your workspace can help reduce anxiety and keep your stress levels—and inflammation—down.

Creating Your Own Indoor Plant Sanctuary

To truly reap the anti-inflammatory benefits of indoor plants, consider creating a sanctuary in your home where you can unwind and relax. This could be a corner of your living room or bedroom filled with lush, air-purifying plants. Add a comfortable chair and some soft lighting to create a calming space where you can read, meditate, or simply relax. This daily ritual will not only boost your mood but also reduce your overall inflammation.

Caring for Your Indoor Plants

It’s essential to care for your plants so they can continue providing health benefits. Most indoor plants prefer indirect light and need to be watered once a week, but it’s important to check the specific needs of each plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plants to dry out, reducing their effectiveness at purifying the air.

Be mindful of plant placement, ensuring each plant gets the right amount of sunlight. For example, aloe vera and snake plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, while peace lilies prefer low-light conditions.

Why Indoor Plants Are Essential for Anti-Inflammatory Living

Indoor plants offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they can play a critical role in reducing inflammation in your home. By purifying the air, reducing stress, and providing a calming atmosphere, plants help create a healthier living environment. Whether you choose a snake plant to filter CO2 or a peace lily to reduce mould, adding indoor plants is a simple, natural way to improve your home’s air quality and promote an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

Bringing the outdoors in creates a space that nurtures both your body and mind

The Powerful Benefits of Indoor Plants