8 Plants for Natural Anxiety Relief

Grow These 8 Plants For Natural Anxiety Relief

JUN 18, 2018 | BY SUSAN PATTERSON

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. It affects around 40 million adults each year, or 18.1 percent of the population. While most of the people who have an anxiety disorder go without treatment, you don’t have to have a full-on disorder to experience anxiety and stress.

No matter what degree you’re affected by anxiety, relief can be as simple as bringing a new plant into your home. While it won’t cure you of your stress or anxiety — you should continue your current treatment if applicable — it can’t hurt to bring a bit of nature into your home. You might find that your mood lifts, nights are more peaceful and you’re happier overall.

Four easy houseplants to grow to reduce anxiety

1. Lavender

Lavender is always at the top of the list for natural anxiety busters. Luckily, lavender is an easy houseplant to grow. It can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure while decreasing stress levels. As your lavender grows, you can clip the flowers and use them in tea or hang them upside-down for about a week to dry before using them as fragrant décor for your desk or bedside table.

Requirements: Well-drained soil, direct light and some time outside each week.

2. Jasmine

One of the most difficult parts of anxiety is that it interrupts your sleep. Jasmine, a shrub that grows well indoors and out, can help you fall asleep easier when placed in the bedroom. Plus, if you struggle with anxiety during intimate moments with your partner, jasmine is a known aphrodisiac, so it may help alleviate stress in that regard, too.

Requirements: Direct sunlight and moist soil throughout spring and summer. Be sure to prune it back after it has finished blooming for the season (in the fall).

3. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum (or “mum” for short) is another plant that helps remove toxins in the air, thereby helping the body relax a bit more. After all, if our lungs aren’t struggling for healthy air, it sets the rest of our nervous system at ease. Historically, this plant has been used to treat dizziness, headaches, colds, fever, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. Chrysanthemum can also be used in tea and naturally brightens any space you’re in, bringing a sense of joy and calm to the room.

Requirements: Place near natural light during the day but be sure to keep it from artificial light at night. Water regularly under the leaves to prevent the growth of fungus.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is known as the “plant of immortality,” and it’s one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. In fact, even those without a green thumb can’t seem to kill it. It purifies the air by lowering carbon dioxide levels overnight and has been shown to help reduce anxiety when planted indoors. As a bonus, you can use the gel inside the aloe vera plant for a number of physical ailments.

Requirements: Minimal attention and minimal water.

Four plants needing more care

While the above plants are simple to grow indoors, there are a few others that require a little more care and attention. So, if you’re inclined toward a green thumb, give these plants a try inside.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is so easy to grow outside that some people plant rosemary in place of more traditional shrubbery outdoors. Inside, it takes a little more care, but its benefits are worth the effort. One of rosemary’s biggest benefits is it helps improve indoor air quality. It can also help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and, as studies have shown, boost memory. This herb can also serve double-duty as an ingredient for cooking. Just snip a sprig or two off the plant and add it to your favorite recipes.

Requirements: Must always have moist soil and must become acclimated to less sunlight indoors. Consider using a plant light for rosemary inside.

6. Valerian

The root of the valerian plant has been used for centuries as a tea that helps reduce anxiety and help you sleep. It can also help control ADHD and hyperactivity in children and adults, decrease symptoms associated with menopause and cure restless leg syndrome. It grows best outdoors, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try growing it inside. You’ll love its ability to relieve stress and its delicate white blooms.

Requirements: A minimum of six hours of sunlight each day, uniformly moist soil, enough space to spread out and well-drained, nitrogen-rich soil.

7. Bamboo

Bamboo is one of those plants that will either grow without giving it much thought or will be a challenge, depending on the variety you choose. NASA has classified bamboo as one of the best air purifying plants to keep indoors. As such, it helps boost the immune system, reduce inflammationand reduce anxiety levels. It may even help defend the body against bacteria like E. coli,Staphylococcus aureus and others.

Requirements: Ample water and shade or indirect sunlight.

8. English ivy

A cascade of English ivy down a tower of bookshelves evokes a sense of calm, while the plant itself can help remove formaldehyde from the air, calm allergies and promote sleep. That improved sleep can help you overcome stress and anxiety during the day. It’s also said to eliminate 94 percent of airborne mold within 12 hours, which is a very nice bonus.

Requirements: Bright light and slightly dry soil. It also needs excellent drainage and regular fertilizing.

Regardless of which one you choose, these houseplants can bring a sense of calm and serenity to your home. Try mixing things up and growing multiple plants inside if you have space. You might find that you breathe a little easier every day.

Do you have a houseplant that relieves anxiety? Tell us about it in the comments!

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