Mood-boosting plants: which ones to choose to feel better?

Improving your mood is a high priority for most people, and now more and more medical studies are suggesting that plants may play a key role in mood management. In fact, they represent a simple and inexpensive way to enrich the home environment with something green, giving people a sense of physical and mental well-being. We already know how some of the main plant species have positive effects on health but not everyone is aware of the specific beneficial properties they have on our state of mind. What is behind this relationship? What types of plants should be chosen based on the desired effect? And what would be the best model to adopt and maintain at home?

What plants are good for mood?

 Scientific research has shown that interaction with nature and plants in particular can have a positive effect on mood. People who spend more time outdoors, surrounded by trees, shade and greenery, are more likely to have a more stable and peaceful mood. While going for a walk can be a good way to enjoy the soothing properties of nature, the mere presence of plants in your home can also have the same effect. Not surprisingly, indoor plants are on the rise among people looking to relieve stress and improve mood.

But which plants work best? One of the first things to consider when choosing a plant is the need for care. If you aren’t garden savvy enough or don’t have time to care for it, it’s best to choose a plant that is easy to manage. If, on the other hand, you are looking for something that requires more attention, there are more complex plants that could be an excellent choice. Once we have chosen the plants that best suit our needs, let’s see which ones can bring the greatest benefits to our mood.

1. Lavender

This is  a fragrant flower known for its calming benefits. Lavender can be used to create a relaxing environment in the home and is very easy to grow, requiring only abundant watering during the summer and little intervention during the winter. The fragrance of lavender can also help ease the mind and relieve stress.

2. Aloe Vera

This succulent with fleshy leaves is an excellent source of moisture, but also a miracle cure for skin irritations and sore muscles. An environment with aloe vera can create an atmosphere of well-being and mental flexibility. Furthermore, with a little care, this succulent can last many years while maintaining its beauty.

3. Jasmine

Jasmine is known for its calming and sedative properties and is useful for treating mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Its sweet fragrance is often used as a therapeutic aroma to create states of deep relaxation. It is a disease resistant climber that produces fragrant white or pink blooms and can easily be grown in pots or in the garden (this is best if you have space).

4. Parsley

Parsley is best known as an aromatic herb for cooking, but it also has important mental health benefits. It is a natural stress reliever that can have calming effects and reduce anxiety. Additionally, parsley is very easy to grow and is resistant to disease, so it would be a good starting point for anyone who wants to start growing their own herbs.

5. Nettle

This plant is found in meadows and is known for its ability to free us from negative energies and stimulate creativity. If placed in a vase or left to grow freely in the meadow, it can give positive energy and inner calm. Furthermore, with its presence we give the environment around us greater vitality and serenity.

6. Calendula

Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and is known as a natural antidepressant thanks to its calming and soothing properties on the mind. By providing inner calm, it reduces stress and helps relieve the symptoms of depression. It is a hardy flower that grows well in the garden or in pots without requiring any special care or attention.

7. Sage

Sage is often used in aromatherapy due to its relaxing and energizing properties which can help relieve stress and chronic anxiety. Also, by simply breathing in the fragrance of sage we can feel calmer and more balanced inside. It grows well both outdoors and in pots without requiring much maintenance or special attention.

 

How do mood-boosting plants work?

Plants can have a positive impact on our health and well-being. Recent studies have shown that plants produce a variety of chemicals that can positively affect our mental health. The expression “mood-boosting plants” has become increasingly common, but what exactly does it mean? . In particular, it appears that people can feel calmer, more peaceful, and happier just by being around plants. Some scientists believe that the mood benefits of having plants in one’s home are due to the presence of chemicals known as volatile phenols, which are naturally produced by plants. Volatile phenols are chemicals that have been extensively studied to determine if they can improve our mood.
These are very small molecules that spread through the air when a person is exposed to plants and are known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties. When people are exposed to these chemical compounds, they have shown an improvement in their mood and also a reduction in stress.

Some scientists also believe that contact with soil and plants could have positive effects on mental health. It is believed that exposure to nature, such as walking in a green park or garden, can bring mental benefits as it can be a way to take the mind away from negative thoughts and focus it on positive thoughts. Furthermore, walking in the fresh air is a great way to release the stress accumulated during the day.
Another important aspect to consider is that some plants are known to relieve anxiety disorders or insomnia. Researchers believe this is due to the presence of certain chemical compounds known as phytoncides and terpenoids that are released from the leaves of plants. These chemicals have sedative, stress-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which can have a positive impact on a person’s mood and anxiety.

Finally, there are also those who believe that contact with plants can improve our mood simply because people feel closer to nature when they are around their favorite plants. The idea is that the presence of plants in the house or in the garden creates a sense of belonging to nature and by breaking down the barriers between us and nature, it reduces stress and increases general psychophysical well-being.

 

Which plant to choose based on the desired effect?

There are a variety of plants and flowers that can offer different health benefits, so it’s important to consider which of these can offer the greatest particular relief. After all, if a plant can help you sleep but isn’t very helpful in reducing stress, then it won’t be the right one. Below, we will discuss some of the top plants and flowers that can have a positive impact on one’s mood. First of all, it is good to mention green plants such as ivy, ficus or chile vine. These are all plants that have mood-boosting properties.

Bottom line, there are tons of different plants that can help improve your mood. To find the best solution, it is necessary to consider what desired effects you want to obtain: some plants are more suitable for reducing stress and anxiety, while others may be more suitable for increasing creativity or promoting sleep. After that it will be possible to choose the right combination of plants that bring greater well-being to one’s mind and body.