In today’s fast-paced world, finding natural ways to boost your mood and reduce stress is more important than ever. Fortunately, certain plants have been shown to have calming effects, both visually and aromatically, helping to create a peaceful environment.
From the soothing scent of lavender to the calming presence of snake plants, these 12 plants can help lower anxiety levels and improve your overall mental well-being. Many of these plants not only purify the air, but their gentle colors and scents promote relaxation and a sense of calm, making them ideal for any space where you want to unwind.
Whether placed in your living room, bedroom, or office, these plants can be a simple yet effective way to nurture your mind and spirit. With minimal care and maximum benefit, these plants are your perfect natural stress-relievers.
Lavender
Known for its calming scent, this plant is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and sleep. Lavender’s essential oils can be diffused or added to a bath for a soothing experience. Its vibrant purple flowers also make it a beautiful addition to any room. Lavender can be grown in gardens or pots, thriving in sunlight. To maximize its benefits, place it where you spend most of your time relaxing, such as a bedroom or living room. Regular pruning encourages growth and maintains its delightful fragrance.
Jasmine
The sweet, exotic fragrance of jasmine is known to uplift moods and alleviate stress. Often used in teas and essential oils, its calming effects are well-documented. Jasmine can be grown indoors or outdoors, preferring bright, indirect sunlight. To enjoy its full benefits, place jasmine near windows where its scent can fill the room. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. The flowers can also be used to create a relaxing tea, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Rosemary
Often associated with culinary use, rosemary’s aromatic leaves can also enhance mental clarity and reduce stress levels. This hardy herb thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Its strong scent can invigorate a room, especially when placed near a sunny window. Rosemary’s needle-like leaves can be used in cooking, adding flavor while promoting relaxation. Regular pruning will help keep the plant healthy and bushy.
Chamomile
Chamomile’s gentle floral aroma is famous for its calming properties, often used in teas to promote sleep and reduce anxiety. This plant thrives in sunny locations and well-drained soil. Chamomile can be grown in pots or garden beds, making it versatile for any home. The flowers can be harvested and dried to make a soothing tea. By placing chamomile in a bedroom, its subtle scent can create a calming atmosphere conducive to rest.
Aloe Vera
Beyond its healing properties for skin, aloe vera also purifies the air, promoting a healthier environment. Its succulent leaves are filled with a gel that soothes burns and irritations. Easy to care for, aloe vera requires minimal watering and thrives in bright, indirect light. By placing this plant in kitchens or living areas, it not only beautifies the space but also contributes to cleaner air. Regularly wiping its leaves can enhance its ability to filter toxins.
Peppermint
Peppermint’s invigorating scent is known to enhance alertness and reduce stress, perfect for workspaces. This herb grows well in pots with moist soil and partial sunlight. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas, providing a refreshing, calming beverage. Besides its mood-enhancing properties, peppermint can also deter pests when placed near other plants. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth, and its fast-growing nature makes it a rewarding choice for gardeners.
Snake Plant
Renowned for its air-purifying abilities, snake plant helps improve indoor air quality, which can reduce stress and promote well-being. This hardy plant thrives in low-light conditions and requires minimal care, making it perfect for any room. Snake plant’s upright leaves add an architectural element to decor, and its ability to convert CO2 to oxygen at night makes it ideal for bedrooms. Water sparingly, as it prefers drier conditions, and enjoy a cleaner, more relaxing living space.
English Ivy
English ivy is celebrated for its air-purifying properties, removing pollutants and promoting a healthier indoor environment. This climbing plant thrives in bright, indirect light and looks stunning in hanging baskets or trained to climb trellises. English ivy’s lush greenery can create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxing spaces. To keep it thriving, water regularly and ensure good drainage. Its cascading vines add a touch of nature to any decor, enhancing aesthetics while improving air quality.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is known not only for its beauty but also for its ability to purify air, making it a popular choice for homes and offices. Its white flowers stand out against dark green foliage, adding elegance to any space. Peace lilies thrive in low-light areas and require minimal maintenance, needing watering only once the soil is dry. By reducing indoor pollutants, this plant contributes to a calmer, stress-free environment. Place it in common areas to enjoy its full benefits.
Valerian
Valerian is often used in herbal remedies to promote sleep and reduce anxiety, thanks to its mild sedative properties. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for outdoor gardens. Its sweet-scented flowers can be harvested to make a calming tea. By adding valerian to a garden, you not only enhance the landscape but also create a natural retreat for relaxation. Regular pruning encourages more blooms, ensuring a consistent supply for teas.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm’s fresh citrus scent is both uplifting and calming, often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress. This herb thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and can be grown in pots or garden beds. Its leaves can be used to make a refreshing tea or added to dishes for a hint of lemony flavor. By placing lemon balm in an area where you relax, its scent can enhance the ambiance. Regular trimming keeps it healthy and encourages new growth.
Basil
Beyond its culinary uses, basil is known for its ability to reduce stress and enhance mood through its aromatic leaves. This herb thrives in warm, sunny locations and well-drained soil, making it perfect for kitchen gardens. Basil’s leaves can be used fresh in dishes or brewed into a calming tea. Placing basil in a sunny kitchen window not only provides a fresh supply of leaves but also fills the space with its sweet, peppery scent. Regular harvesting encourages more robust growth.