With the holidays quickly approaching, stress can reach an all-time-high at home. While you might not want yet another responsibility on your plate, it can be beneficial to add some calming, easy-to-manage plants to the scenery. Once the holiday fun is over and life returns to routine, you’ll have a little company to get you through the dreary winter.
Some of the best indoor plants to have in the winter are herbs. Being both edible and fragrant, these plants can light up any room, especially the kitchen. Rosemary, basil and mint stand at the top of this list. Both loving lots of water and a bright windowsill, basil and rosemary are easy to keep around the home to use in soups, stews, bread and other cozy dishes. They will also freshen up the smell of your kitchen and serve as natural aromatherapy. Mint is equally easy to take care of, and serves as a great addition to teas and other warm drinks to ward off the seasonal blues.
Another great indoor plant for any season is the aloe. It’s relatively well known that aloe is great for sunburns and other skin conditions—but it’s great for healthy skin, too. Applying aloe to those rough patches caused by the cold dry air of winter makes it a great at-home spa treatment. As another easy to grow plant, aloe can also just be a great source of visual interest, bringing some tropical vibes into the home year-round.
Peace lilies are a popular indoor plant for those who enjoy the unique look of its flowers, but did you know that they’re also amazing air purifiers? This plant reduces several types of toxins from the air, including mold spores and carbon monoxide. It simultaneously increases local humidity, helping to prevent dry skin and sinuses. Peace lilies are also believed to improve sleep quality, and are a great decoration for the bedroom.
In terms of plants with more symbolic benefits, the money tree is an option that can boost your mood with a little superstition. In Eastern cultures, the money tree is believed to bless a home with wealth, prosperity and luck. Its leaves are reminiscent of coins, and can be a motivating silhouette as a part of any decor. It is additionally low maintenance, needing little water and direct sunlight.
Indoor plants have been endlessly proven to elevate the quality of life inside the home. As they improve air quality and simulate a warmer atmosphere, your body will thank you more than you may realize. In some cases, living with plants has shown to lower both blood pressure and cortisol. Additionally, live plants add a sense of purpose and responsibility in your life, which is both good for your mood and overall cognitive skills. There are countless other plants that are easy to care for and can bring life and peace to the home in the winter months, but these few in particular additionally make great gifts for holiday hosts!
