The Manila Times

Bring in the greens!

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The Aloe Vera is a must-have in every home because of its healing properties

Lavender

After making sure that everything is in its rightful place, it’s time for you to add a living element that can improve air quality, sleep patterns and reduce stress and anxiety. Using plants as a tool to help improve sleep is called Plant Therapy. Plants have been reported to reduce colds and virus infections since they absorb and filter the air naturally all day long. Scientific­ally, it is ideal to have 10 to 12 eight- to 10-inch plants per 100 sq ft. The rule of thumb is that plants can filter the air. The reason why there are many circulatin­g lists is because limited testing has been done to determine to what extent each species can improve sleep and also whether or not it can withstand indoor conditions.

Immortal aloe

Since the time of Ancient Egypt, aloe vera has been used to bring youthfulne­ss and beauty. A healing plant, it alsoboasts anti-inflammato­ry and antibacter­ial properties which help detoxify the body and support the immune system. Toxins like benzene and formaldehy­de which often present in the air do not stand a chance against this ancient plant when it comes to detoxifica­tion. Keeping one on hand will help you in first aid as well, aince jelly extracted from the plant can heal minor cuts and bruises. The best way to know if a plant is an aloe is to check whether there are “teeth” on the edge of each leaf. Care tips: There are many types of aloes and it is best to keep them in a dry area with good air circulatio­n. Make sure there are drainage holes in your pot to avoid rotting. Sunlight is also required for these plants to thrive. Keep your soil substrate loose.

Snake plant sansevieri­a

This plant can filter harmful toxins from the air, remove carbon dioxide, and release oxygen most especially at night, helping you sleep better and wake up feeling energized. Just like any other plant species, there are various kinds of Sansevieri­a. The most notable characteri­stic is its “skin” that is hard and very durable—almost like a faux plant. Usually they are used for landscapin­g but they adapt well to any condition. This type is especially recommende­d for those with allergies and breathing issues such as asthma Care tips: Just like the aloe species, it is best to keep them in a dry area with good air circulatio­n. Drainage holes are also required on your pot to avoid rotting, since this type loves water. Keep your soil substrate loose and not clay-like. All Sansevieri­as can thrive with or without sunlight.

Spider plant

From snakes to spiders, these are the types that you would be beneficial for you to keep in your room. They are known to purify the air and detoxify the oxygen that you breathe indoors. They filter pollutants like the snake plants. A recent study of NASA suggests they eliminate 90 percent of the potentiall­y carcinogen­ic chemical formaldehy­de from the air. As a bonus, it even eliminates unpleasant odors and fumes. In this way, it can promote good and peaceful sleep. Care tips: The spider plant grows with cascading foliage and because of this, it is best to keep them in an elevated place or hung from the ceiling. They only need occasional watering, ranging from once a day to once in five days. It grows fully with indirect sunlight, which is low-maintenanc­e, and is apt for placing in the room. In the Mediterran­ean, lavender has been used since ancient times as a sleeping aid. Everyone knows lavender can bring sweet dreams to anyone suffering from a sleeping disorder. This herb is a natural relaxant that slows the activity of the nervous system. It uplifts the mood of an area, and promotes better concentrat­ion, relaxation and better sleep quality. The scent can lower blood pressure and lavender aromathera­py may help reduce agitation in patients with dementia. Its flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessne­ss, and a nervous stomach. This is most recommende­d for babies to soothe them and lull them to sleep, giving both the little one and the parents much needed R&R. ditionally if you have lavender sprigs and flowers, you may place it your pillow for better sleep. tips: Water only when the soil is dry; do not water while still moisture in the soil. Indirect sunlight is best for any avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Make sure to have drainage on your pot to avoid overwateri­ng.

Haworthia Ha

Haworthias are often mistaken for aloes because of their foliage. The main difference is that Haworthias do not have “teeth” on their leaves. The most popular is the Zebra Haworthia ( Haworthia attenuata) which is recommende­d for indoor use. It purifies the air effectivel­y

All species of Haworthia are good for indoors. They are slow- growing plants and are easy to maintain. A personal favorite of mine, it is visually appealing and relatively smaller than other plants.

 ??  ?? Lavender is a natural sleeping aid and has been used since ancient times for better sleep patterns.
Lavender is a natural sleeping aid and has been used since ancient times for better sleep patterns.
 ??  ?? There are many kinds of Aloe, the distinguis­hing feature is its ‘ teeth’.
There are many kinds of Aloe, the distinguis­hing feature is its ‘ teeth’.
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