Essential Oils and Plants to Purify Indoor Air
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Take a deep breath - how fresh does the air feel? With many of us spending more time indoors, stale air can accumulate pollutants and allergens that make every breath feel less satisfying. The good news is certain plants and essential oils naturally purify indoor spaces, removing toxins from the air you breathe. Read on for our top science-backed recommendations for natural air purifiers that will detoxify indoor air.
Image credit: Planterra.com
Studies show indoor air can contain 2 to 5 times higher concentration of pollutants than outdoor air. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaners, paints, furnishings and even printers degrade air. Allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander also circulate. This dried out "sick building syndrome" air causes headaches, fatigue, and breathing issues. Actively purifying with plants and oils prevents toxins recirculating through HVAC systems and sticks to surfaces. Cleaner air means better health and fewer missed days.
The top NASA-approved air-purifying plants include:
Snake Plant - Absorbs nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene
Areca Palm - Filters xylene and toluene from adhesives/solvents along with formaldehyde
Spider Plant - Tackles carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene pollution
Golden Pothos - Removes formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene
English Ivy - Eliminates airborne mold and reduces airborne fecal-matter particles
Peace Lily - Reduces ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and VOCs
Having at least one of these houseplants in each room creates cleaner, healthier indoor air day and night.
Clinical studies confirm diffusing certain essential oils curbs toxic mold, bacteria, and chemicals in the air. Top natural air purifiers include:
Lemon Oil - Disinfects air of bacteria and pollutants while boosting mood with a fresh citrus scent
Cinnamon Oil - Powerful antimicrobial properties purify air of mold and pathogens
Grapefruit Oil - Eliminates airborne bacteria and energizes with an uplifting zesty aroma
Clove Oil - The ultimate antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal oil that sanitizes stale air
Thyme Oil - An antibacterial essential oil that destroys VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde
Diffuse a rotation of these purified oils for 15 minutes 2-3x daily to cleanse air of impurities.
Don’t underestimate the power of plants and aromatherapy to transform indoor air from stale to purified. Displaying proven air-cleaning houseplants and diffusing antimicrobial essential oils prevents the buildup of asthma-inducing allergens, brain-draining VOCs, and illness-causing bacteria. Every home and workspace needs these natural solutions.
At Plantas, we carry a range of plant-inspired goodies designed to bring the joy of nature into your everyday. And while our hoodies won't help purify the air like the plants and oils we share here, they will keep you cosy while you care for you plant babies.
Browse the shop today!