If you’re feeling moody, there’s no need to reach for the bottle of pills just yet. Instead, try adding one of these five pet-friendly plants to your indoor space. From improving your focus to reducing stress, these plants can help you feel your best in no time.
In this comprehensive guide, we will guide you through the best pet-friendly indoor plants that will improve your mood. So without further ado, let’s get started!
“A house is not a home without a pet.”
Pixie guarding my plants. Photo by Ame Vanorio.
Top 5 Indoor Plants For Mood Enhancement
If you’re looking for a mood boost, these five plants are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality and lift your spirits. And best of all - they are all pet-friendly.
1. Boston Fern
This plant is a great natural air purifier and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Boston ferns are a delightful addition to any household, adding a touch of greenery and freshness to any room.
But if you have pets, you may be wondering if Boston ferns are safe for them.
The good news is that Boston ferns are generally pet-friendly plants! In fact, many pets enjoy nibbling on the leaves of Boston ferns (although this may not be something you want your pet to do).
There are a few things to keep in mind, however, if you have Boston ferns and pets in your home. First, Boston ferns are poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities. So if you have a pet that likes to chew on plants, it's important to keep an eye on them and make sure they're not eating too much of the fern.
Second, the leaves of Boston ferns can be sharp, so if your pet likes to play with the leaves, they could end up getting scratched. If your pet is prone to scratching, you may want to keep the fern out of reach or choose a different plant.
Overall, Boston ferns are safe for most pets and make a lovely addition to any home. Just be sure to keep an eye on your furry friends and make sure they're not eating or playing with the fern too much.
Adding grace and beauty to the living room. Spider Plant. Photo by Ame Vanorio
2. Spider Plant
Spider plants are known for their ability to purify the air and improve indoor air quality. They're also easy to care for, making them a great choice for those who don't have a green thumb. But did you know that spider plants can also help to improve your mood?
Studies have shown that spider plants can help to reduce stress and anxiety. They can also help to boost your mood and create a sense of well-being. So if you're feeling moody, be sure to add a spider plant to your indoor plants collection.
And Yes, spider plants are friendly for pets! In fact, they are often used as natural air purifiers in homes with pets. Spider plants are known to remove toxins from the air, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They are also one of the few houseplants that can tolerate some direct sunlight, making them ideal for homes with pets that like to bask in the sun.
Bamboo Palms are pet friendly, beautiful to look at, and improves air quality.
3. Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo palm is often used as an ornamental plant in homes and offices. It is also used in Feng Shui to promote good luck and fortune. Bamboo Palm is said to be beneficial for the mind and body, and is known to promote relaxation and peace. The plant is also known to improve air quality and help purify the air.
So, if you’re feeling moody, bamboo palm may be a good plant to have around. The plant’s calming and purifying properties can help to create a more positive and peaceful atmosphere, which may help to improve your mood.
If you're looking for a pet-friendly plant that can help improve the air quality in your home, bamboo palm is a great choice. This tropical plant is non-toxic to both dogs and cats and is known for its ability to purify the air. Bamboo palm plants are also easy to care for, making them a great option for those who don't have a lot of time to dedicate to plant care.
Chamomile
4. Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a plant that has been used for centuries to help with a variety of ailments, including anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile is thought to work by binding to receptors in the brain that are responsible for mood and anxiety.
Additionally, chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to improve overall health. There is a great deal of anecdotal evidence to support the use of chamomile for mood and anxiety.
However, there is also some scientific evidence to back up these claims. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that chamomile extract was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder.
Another study, this one published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, found that chamomile tea was associated with reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.
If you are struggling with mood or anxiety, chamomile may be worth a try. Chamomile is generally considered safe, with few side effects.
Chamomile is used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and stomach upset. The plant contains compounds that have a calming effect on the body and can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety in both humans and animals.
Chamomile is safe for most pets, though it is important to check with a veterinarian before giving it to an animal. The plant is available in many forms, including tea, capsules, and tinctures.
Check out our article on Starting A Medicinal Herb Garden
Basil is such a fun happy plant! And as a bonus its great for adding to dishes as you cook.
5. Basil
Basil is a popular herb that has many uses beyond just flavoring your food. It can also be used to improve your mood and mental state. Basil has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of mental and emotional disorders. For example, it is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and stress.
Basil works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and happiness. By increasing levels of serotonin, basil can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
In addition to its mood-boosting effects, basil also has a calming effect on the mind and body. This can help to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of relaxation. So, if you’re feeling down or stressed out, try adding some basil to your diet. You may just find that it makes a world of difference in your mood and mental state.
Yes, basil is a pet-friendly plant! There are a few things to keep in mind when growing basil around pets, however. Basil plants can emit a strong, basil-y smell that some pets may not enjoy. If your pet is sensitive to smells, you may want to grow basil in a pot with a lid to keep the scent contained.
Basil is also a member of the mint family, so it can be very invasive if left unchecked. Make sure to keep your basil plant in a pot with drainage holes to prevent it from taking over your home. If you have an outdoor pet, you may want to keep your basil plant in a pot on your porch or deck to prevent your pet from digging it up.
Other than that, basil is a great pet-friendly plant! It's easy to care for and can add a lovely touch of green to your home.
The Science Behind Why Plants Help Improve Moods
There is some science to back up why plants can help improve moods. One reason is that plants help us to relax. They do this by releasing a gas called phytoncides. This gas helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Another reason plants help improve moods is that they help us to focus. Studies (Min-sun Lee el al) have shown that having plants in our environment can help us to concentrate and pay attention. This is because plants help to increase the amount of oxygen in the air.
They also help to reduce noise and other distractions. So if you're feeling down, or just need to focus, try adding some plants to your environment!
How To Choose The Right Plant To Help Improve Your Mood
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a plant to help improve your mood.
First, think about what kind of mood you are trying to improve. Are you looking for a plant that will help you feel more relaxed? Or are you looking for a plant that will help you feel more energized?
Second, consider what kind of environment you have for your plant. Do you have a lot of natural light, or is your space mostly shaded?
Third, make sure you choose a plant that is easy to care for. You don't want to choose a plant that is high-maintenance, as that can add to your stress levels.
The Benefits Of Having Plants In Your Home
It is no secret that plants make us feel good. There is something about being around plants that just makes us feel more relaxed and at ease. But did you know that there are actual health benefits to having plants in your home? Here are 5 benefits of having plants in your home:
1. Plants Help Reduce Stress
We all know that feeling of coming home after a long day of work and being greeted by a beautiful plant. Just looking at a plant can help reduce stress levels.
Studies have shown that being around plants can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. So if you are looking for a way to reduce stress in your life, adding some plants to your home is a great way to do it!
2. Plants Help Improve Air Quality
Another great benefit of having plants in your home is that they help improve the air quality. Plants act as natural air purifiers and can help remove toxins and pollutants from the air.
This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with a lot of pollution or if you suffer from allergies.
3. Plants Help Boost Your Mood
Not only do plants help reduce stress, but they can also boost your mood. Studies have shown that being around plants can help increase levels of serotonin, which is a chemical that helps regulate mood. So if you are feeling down, spending some time around your plants can help pick you up!
4. Plants Help Increase Productivity
If you are looking for a way to increase your productivity, adding some plants to your workspace is a great way to do it. Studies have shown that having plants in your office can help improve concentration and focus. So if you are struggling to get your work done, try adding a plant or two to your desk.
Plants help you sleep better.
5. Plants Help You Sleep Better
Finally, plants can also help you sleep better. Spending time around plants during the day can help you wind down at night and get a better night's sleep. Plants can also help reduce noise levels in your home, which can make it easier to fall asleep.
So if you are looking for a way to improve your health, adding some plants to your home is a great way to do it!
5 Ideas For Incorporating Mood-Enhancing Plants Into Your Home
1. Get a small potted plant for your desk at work.
2. Place a couple of potted plants near the front door of your home.
3. Hang a plant in a basket from the ceiling.
4. Put a plant in your bedroom.
5. Get a plant for your kitchen windowsill.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling down, a pet can be a great way to cheer yourself up. But if you don’t have a pet, or if you’re looking for a more natural way to boost your mood, the 5 plants we covered in this article can help.
Happy planting!
About the Author
Michelle Wilde is a stay-at-home mom and avid plant lover. Armed with a postgraduate degree in Computer Science (no kidding!), she loves researching plants and landscapes. When she is not caring for her 4 kids, she spends time on her passion for plants. She blogs at “The Indoor Plants Channel”, the trusted source for indoor plants.
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