Embrace nature’s soothing touch and elevate your well-being with these stress-relieving Plants that Help with Anxiety!
Indoor plants have long been appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and ability to breathe life into interior spaces. However, they also offer a multitude of mental health benefits, particularly in alleviating anxiety. Starting from fragrant flowers to aromatic herbs, we have enlisted some relaxing Plants that Help with Anxiety. The best part—you can grow them easily without spending a lot of time nurturing them. However, we suggest spending a couple of minutes with your green friends will only help you for good!
Look at the Best Low Light Hanging Plants here
Can Indoor Plants Reduce Anxiety?
While growing indoor plants is increasingly making its place in our lifestyle for its aesthetic values, do you know they can play a vital role in enhancing your mood, and curbing anxiety, besides helping with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and sleeping turmoils—something that almost every individual is struggling with?
The therapeutic effects of plants have been increasingly acknowledged due to their ability to reduce indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to worsen anxiety symptoms. By absorbing these harmful substances and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, plants improve indoor air quality and promote feelings of relaxation.
Research by The National Library of Medicine states the presence of plants in indoor spaces contributes to biophilia—an innate human tendency to seek connections with nature. This connection promotes psychological restoration, providing a sense of calm and a respite from stress.
Additionally, Studies have shown that the presence of indoor plants can significantly reduce stress levels, improve mood, and promote a sense of well-being.
Find the Top 100 Philodendron Varieties here
Houseplants that Help with Anxiety
1. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Featuring tall, stiff, and sword-like leaves with distinctive variegation, the Snake plant is an excellent air purifier known for removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, as stated by NASA, thus contributing to a healthier and less stressful indoor atmosphere.
Find the Best Snake Plant Varieties here
2. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Recognizable by its arched, ribbon-like green foliage with white stripes, the Spider Plant is adept at filtering common indoor pollutants, making for one of the best Plants that Help with Anxiety. Additionally, Its cascading growth pattern introduces a soothing visual texture, promoting a sense of tranquility.
3. Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
Boasting elegant, feathery fronds that fan out gracefully, the Areca Palm not only adds a tropical flair to any room but is also efficient in removing airborne toxins, fostering a more refreshing and stress-free environment. Also, the plant is prized for its medicinal benefits.
4. English Ivy
Botanical Name: Hedera helix
Adorned with lobed, evergreen leaves that trail or climb, English Ivy is a vigorous air purifier, particularly effective at removing mold spores and allergens, thus providing relief for those suffering from allergy-induced anxiety.
5. Polka Dot Plant
Botanical Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
Showcasing vibrant, spotted foliage in shades of pink, red, or white against a lush green backdrop, the Polka Dot plant makes for one of the most attractive Plants that Help with Anxiety. In contrast, its lush appearance encourages a connection with nature, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
6. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
Boasting large, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a visually striking plant that adds a touch of elegance to any space. Its bold architectural form creates an inviting atmosphere, helping to reduce stress, boost positive energy, and increase productivity, making it one of the stress-relieving Plants that Help with Anxiety.
7. Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema
Known for its lush, variegated foliage in shades of green and silver, the Chinese Evergreen thrives in low light conditions, making it ideal for growing in the dark corners of the house. Its air-purifying capabilities improve indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier environment that fosters reduced anxiety and increased well-being.
Look at some Stunning Aglaonema Varieties here
8. Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
With its cascading, heart-shaped leaves, the Pothos is an adaptable and easy-to-care-for plant. Its rapid growth and ability to filter toxins from the air provide a sense of accomplishment and a cleaner environment, thus providing a stress-free environment.
Learn about Growing Harlequin Pothos here
9. Aloe vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
This succulent is distinguished by its thick, fleshy green leaves filled with a soothing gel, prized for its skincare benefits. The plant’s low maintenance requirements make it an ideal plant for busy plant parents, while its air-purifying abilities contribute to a calming and stress-free atmosphere.
10. Flamingo Lily
Botanical Name: Anthurium andraeanum
Recognized for its striking red, heart-shaped flowers and deep green foliage, the Flamingo Lily is an excellent air purifier that aids in removing harmful indoor pollutants, promoting a sense of well-being and tranquility. The plant’s vibrant appearance also promotes an energetic environment.
11. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
With its elegant, white, sail-like flowers and lush green leaves, the Peace Lily is scientifically proven to purify indoor air of toxic pollutants, thus fostering a sense of calmness and balance.
Flowering Plants that Help with Anxiety
12. Jasmine
Botanical Name: Jasminum
Boasting delicate, fragrant white or pale pink flowers, Jasmine is a visually and aromatically pleasing plant known for its soothing fragrance that impacts the nervous system, creating a calming sensation.
13. Chrysanthemum
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum
Displaying vibrant, large blooms in various colors, Chrysanthemums are not only visually uplifting but are scientifically proven to possess destressing properties besides being potent in curing insomnia. It is one of the most attractive Plants that Help with Anxiety.
Find out the Best Indoor Flowering Bonsai Trees here
Herbs that Help with Anxiety
14. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula
Renowned for its beautiful purple flowers and soothing fragrance, Lavender is a popular herb for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Its scent has been scientifically proven to promote sleep and lower restlessness, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
15. Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Known for its dainty, daisy-like flowers and calming aroma, studies have proved Chamomile as a potent remedy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and sleep disorders. Its presence in indoor spaces offers a sense of serenity and mental clarity through visual connection.
16. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
With its vibrant green leaves and pleasing aroma, Basil is a popular culinary herb that is scientifically proven to counter metabolism stress, thanks to its anxiolytic compounds like linalool, which promote relaxation and mental clarity.
17. Peppermint
Botanical Name: Mentha × piperita
Featuring dark green leaves and a refreshing scent, Peppermint is known to alleviate tension headaches and improve cognitive performance, besides serving plenty of culinary purposes, making it one of the ideal Plants that Help with Anxiety.
18. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Characterized by its small, gray-green leaves and delicate, earthy aroma, Thyme contains carvacrol. This compound has been scientifically proven to increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, contributing to enhanced mood and reduced stress.
19. Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Recognized by its bright green, serrated leaves and lemony fragrance, Lemon Balm is a powerful stress reliever. Its active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, have been found to ease anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
20. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
Distinguished by its needle-like leaves and distinct, woody scent, Rosemary is an aromatic herb and a potent stress reducer, owing to its active constituents like 1,8-cineole, which have been linked to enhanced cognitive function and reduced anxiety.
