Lavender: Not just for the ol' underwear drawer. Taken orally in pill form, it's been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, like insomnia and depression. In one study, just a whiff of the scent reduced the feelings of unease that accompanied a trip to the tooth doctor. While we won't dub it the new laughing gas just yet, we might plant one outside the dentist's office.
To bring a sense of calm into your home, grow this plant in a medium or large bucket in an area that gets plenty of direct sunlight. Once it blooms, snip off individual stems and hang them upside down to dry. Scatter the dried blooms in a bath and settle in for a relaxing, lavender-infused soak.
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Lady Palm for Your Sneezing and Wheezing
This plant targets airborne ammonia, an enemy of the respiratory system and a major component of both household cleaners and animal waste. So, if you've got a pet, you're inhaling this eye, nose and lung irritant, whether you're obsessed over cleaning up after it or just pretending the kitty litter is self-cleaning. OCD neat freaks and crazy cat hoarders alike can help counteract the gas with this easy-to-care for indoor plant.
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Shoo Flies With Catnip
It's not that we like being covered in bug bites, it's just that we're not willing to cover ourselves in chemicals to avoid them. Enter: catnip. Research suggests that it repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than the chemical repellant DEET. To create your own natural repellent, simply crush the leaves and rub them on your skin or clothing. Just make sure you're not in cat country -- or worse, cougar country -- when you apply it.
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Face-Plant Into Aloe Vera
It's known for taking the sting out of sunburns, but the gel that oozes from this plant can also make your acne cream more effective. In a study, those who applied aloe vera after applying a retinoid prescribed for acne experienced a 90 percent reduction in acne, compared to a 65 percent reduction in those who used the retinoid alone. If you'd rather have 10 percent of your acne, compared to 35 percent (this is not a trick question), slap on some aloe vera 10 to 15 minutes after applying your retinoid.
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Chamomile: the Wrinkle-Reducing Champion
Chamomile, long celebrated for its ability to aid in digestion, contains alpha-bisabolol, a compound that reportedly slows down the aging process by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One study found that alpha-bisabolol reduces hyperpigmentation more effectively than arbutin, the most common skin lightening ingredient.
To slow the hands of time, add dried chamomile flowers to distilled water and bring to a boil. Allow mixture to steep for 20 minutes, then store the mixture in an airtight bottle in the fridge. Apply it twice daily in place of a toner, and watch with wonder as that alpha-bisabolol goes to work on your red spots, dark marks and wrinkles.
You may not be a witch doctor or herbalist, but that doesn't mean you've never used a plant to heal your body. In fact, some of the most common modern medicine is plant-based -- aspirin contains salicylic acid, the active component of willow bark, and penicillin was made from fungi. While we're not suggesting you start growing mold cultures in your kitchen, you can benefit from many easy-to-grow, easy-on-the-eyes indoor plants. Some of the prettiest perennials are hiding some of the best health and beauty remedies. Based on scientific studies, we found the healing plants that help you look and feel your best. These indoor plants will turn your home into the pharmacy version of the great outdoors.
