Breathe Easier With These Plants

Luckily, the path to cleaner indoor air is easier than you might think. Here are six indoor plants that will cure your asthma, bronchitis and more… simply by cleaning your air.

1. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

In addition to providing a sensuous, sculptural flair to any living area of bedroom, snake plants are one of the most powerful ways to remove airborne pollutants from your home. In a 2014 study that compared the air-purifying abilities of 12 different indoor plants, snake plants turned out to be the most effective for removing the volatile organic compound (VOC) toulene.

And because toulene is a leading cause of asthma, a little less toulene in your air, thanks to snake plant, is definitely a good thing.

2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

And while we’re on the topic of animal-themed plants, that same 2014 study showed that spider plant, another easy-to-grow indoor shrub, was the most efficient out of the 12 for ethylbenzene removal. Ethylbenzene is another toxic VOC which has been strongly linked to various forms of cancer, so there’s really no question as to whether you should invest a few dollars in a spider plant or two.

3. Spade-leaf philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)

Spade-leaf philodendron was arguably one of the first indoor plants to be studied for its role in combating air pollution. In a series of studies conducted by NASA, spade-leaf philodendron was shown to efficiently remove large airborne concentrations of formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from indoor air… all of which can cause anything from cell mutations to sudden death.

Incidentally, philodendron is one of the easiest plants to grow. I have it growing all over my house, and it’s less about keeping it alive than from taking over the entire living room!

4. Aloe vera

Another common household plant that’s dynamite in ridding your home of toxic airborne pollutants is aloe vera. In addition to it’s wonderful uses as a home remedy, aloe vera has also been shown to filter pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.

5. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

Few would disagree that peace lily is one of the most calming, pleasant indoor plants to have around the house. But in addition to it’s a soothing aura and pleasant aesthetic, peace lily (a genus that includes around 40 different species) has also been scientifically proven to remove benzene, toleune, and n-hexane from indoor air. N-hexane is often found in lacquers and wood finishes and has been linked to sensory loss and general health issues.

6. English ivy

In a 2011 study that compared the formaldehyde-purifying capacity of four common indoor plants, English ivy emerged as the clear winner. As a well-known carcinogen and cause of conditions like chronic bronchitis, it’s surprising just how prevalent formaldehyde is in the average home — it can be found in household cleaners, particle board, furniture polish, glues, certain fabrics, plywood and more. So, setting up a few pots with English ivy around the home to combat this health hazard is definitely a good idea!

— Liivi Hess