7 plants that take care of your mental health naturally
If you're new to gardening, starting with easy-to-care-for plants can make the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Seven beginner-friendly plants like snake plant, spider plant, basil, lavender, mint, money plant, and aloe vera not only add beauty to your home but also promote calmness, improve air quality, and create a soothing environment. These plants are a great way to nurture your mental well-being naturally.
Improve your mental health with these 7 easy-care plants
Snake plant
The snake plant is one of the most popular indoor plants in Indian homes, and for good reason. It is very low-maintenance and can survive in low light, making it perfect for beginners. Besides its striking, sword-shaped leaves with yellow or white stripes that brighten up any room, the snake plant also purifies the air by filtering toxins.
Having a snake plant nearby can help create a calm and healthy environment, which is great for reducing stress and improving your mood.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
NRI in Ukraine? Invest ₹18K/Month & Secure ₹2Cr for Your Kid's College Future!
investmentlife.policybazaar
Click Here
Undo
Spider plant
Another popular choice is the spider plant, which can thrive both indoors and outdoors. It grows well in medium light and tolerates humidity, making it a flexible option. Many people like to keep spider plants in bathrooms to add a touch of greenery and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Spider plants are easy to care for, and their lush leaves add life to your space, helping you feel more connected to nature and boosting your overall well-being.
Basil (tulsi)
Basil, or tulsi, holds a special place in Indian homes, often found even in small balconies or kitchens. Beyond its spiritual importance, growing and caring for basil has real mental health benefits. The act of nurturing this plant creates positive sensory experiences and a sense of accomplishment.
Eating basil or drinking tulsi tea can help reduce anxiety and stress and improve mental clarity. It's a wonderful plant for anyone looking to combine gardening with natural wellness practices.
Lavender
Lavender is famous for its soothing fragrance, widely used in aromatherapy and self-care products. Having a lavender plant at home can help reduce stress and promote better sleep. Its calming scent can relax your mind and body, easing anxiety naturally.
You can dry lavender leaves and place them in bowls or add them to bathwater for a calming soak. While lavender needs some care, especially in warmer climates, the benefits it offers for mental health make it worth the effort.
Mint
Mint is a fast-growing, beginner-friendly herb that's easy to grow from a cutting. Its fresh aroma alone can help soothe your mind and improve mood. Using mint leaves in drinks like chaas or tea not only refreshes you but also provides a natural boost to your mental state.
Because it grows quickly and doesn't require much attention, mint is a great plant to start your kitchen garden with.
Money plant
The money plant is known for its bright green leaves and trailing vines that instantly brighten any space.
It's easy to grow both in water and soil, indoors or outdoors, and requires minimal care.
Besides improving the look of your home, money plants help purify the air and create a calming environment. Having one nearby can promote relaxation and positive energy, which is good for mental health.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is famous for its skin benefits and medicinal uses, but it also contributes to a healthy home environment. It is drought-resistant and thrives even if watered just once a week or every ten days, making it perfect for busy beginners.
Its presence can improve indoor air quality, and its thick, succulent leaves add natural beauty to your space. Taking care of aloe vera can be a calming, rewarding experience that supports your mental well-being.
Why interacting with your plants matters more than the number you own
It's not about how many plants you have but how often you interact with them. Spending time with plants; watering, touching, or simply observing them, can create positive emotional responses that boost your mood.
Start small with low-maintenance plants, especially if you are new to gardening. Even one plant can make a difference by engaging your senses with its colour, smell, or texture.
While gardening and caring for plants can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you face serious mental health challenges, it's important to seek support from qualified professionals.
However, incorporating plants into your daily life is a simple, natural way to create calm and improve your mental well-being. Adding these seven plants to your home or garden can be the perfect start to nurturing your mental health through nature. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the calming, mood-lifting effects of gardening every day.
Also Read:
Save your houseplant from dying with 7 care tips that really help
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Max Healthcare to nearly double capacity to 9,500 beds by 2028 after strong quarterly growth
Max Healthcare Institute, India's largest healthcare chain by market cap, plans to nearly double its bed capacity to 9,500 in the next three years, Abhay Soi, chairman & managing director, told ET in an interaction on Wednesday. 'We increased our bed capacity by 35% from last year to 5,000. In the next 60 days, we will increase it to 6,000 through brownfield expansion. By 2028, it will go up to about 9,500,' said Soi. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program The company reported a 27% year-on-year growth in first quarter revenue to Rs 2,574 crore, led by an increase in occupied bed days (OBDs). Net profit for the quarter jumped 17% to Rs 345 crore, driven by higher occupancy and international patient inflow. Bed occupancy for the quarter was at 76%, with OBDs up by 26%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologist Reveals: The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo Operating EBITDA rose 23% to Rs 613 crore, with margins at 24.9%. International patient revenue climbed 32% to Rs 208 crore, contributing about 9% of hospital revenue. During the quarter, the company completed a 160-bed tower at its Mohali hospital, signed a lease for a new 130-bed facility in Dehradun and agreed to sell two smaller hospitals in Bulandshahr and Anoopshahr for Rs 40 crore as part of its focus on super-specialty care in larger cities. Live Events Commenting on the growth levers, Soi said the biggest growth drivers today are the 'unsatiated' demand for quality healthcare and need for more capacity in the country, which will increase even further going ahead with an ageing population. 'Our sustained growth is a reflection of our strategy and execution capabilities,' said Soi. 'The commissioning of 160-bed brownfield tower at Max Mohali, along with additional brownfield capacities coming online at Max Smart and Nanavati-Max shortly, will significantly enhance clinical and financial performance of the network,' he added. 'In parallel, we are scaling up our clinical and support teams, while optimising our service mix to ensure rapid and effective utilisation of the new capacities,' he added. Going ahead the company will focus on a combination of brownfield and greenfield expansion to widen its network and meet the rising need for quality healthcare, said Soi. Shares of Max Healthcare Institute closed 0.44% up at Rs 1,267.60 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday. The company announced the earnings during market hours.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pimple popping lands woman in hospital. What ‘Triangle of Death' means and why its deadly
A simple attempt to squeeze a facial blemish turned into a frightening medical emergency for Lish Marie, a mother of three from New York. After popping a cystic pimple just below her nostril—a region dermatologists refer to as the 'triangle of death'—she was rushed to urgent care and prescribed four medications, including antibiotics and steroids. Within hours, the left side of her face had swollen dramatically, making her unable to move it symmetrically. 'Only one side of my face could move,' she recalled, as per New York Post. Marie described the severe pain of the infection, which prompted immediate medical intervention. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Understanding the 'Triangle of Death' The area from the bridge of the nose to the corners of the mouth is medically known as the 'danger triangle of the face,' or the 'triangle of death,' due to its unique vascular connections. In a social media clip, Dr. Mark Strom, a New York-based dermatologist, said that veins in this zone connect directly to the brain via the cavernous sinus. Popping a pimple here creates an open wound that allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening complications such as blindness, stroke, paralysis, and even death. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 21st Century Skills Start with Confident Communication Planet Spark Learn More Undo Similarly, Cleveland Clinic explains that infections in this region, though rare, can travel quickly to the brain, causing conditions like brain abscesses, meningitis, or septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. While modern antibiotics have made such outcomes treatable if caught early, these infections remain serious. Cases of Severe Complications Lish's experience is not isolated. Another TikTok user, Hope, shared that a pimple in the same area led to a staph infection so severe it left a scar. Commenters online reported similar incidents, including hospitalizations and surgeries due to infections from popped facial pimples. In Australia, Stephanie Warkotsch's attempt to pop what she thought was a simple pimple revealed a growing sebaceous cyst that eventually required surgical removal after becoming infected. Expert Advice on Safe Care Dermatologists consistently advise against manipulating pimples in this high-risk zone. Dr. Mamina Turegano suggests in an Instagram video that if a blemish must be drained, it should be done with sterilized tools, minimal pressure, and preferably under professional supervision. Otherwise, she recommends using topical treatments, pimple patches, or consulting a dermatologist to prevent dangerous infections. As per the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Alok Vij also stresses that avoiding popping pimples in the danger triangle minimizes risks of severe infection, scarring, and long-term facial complications. For minor blemishes, warm compresses, overnight zit stickers, or professional treatments can help manage them safely. Lish Marie noted that early medical attention saved her from more serious consequences. Within three days, she was fully recovered, though she emphasized the pain and risk involved in what seemed like a simple cosmetic choice.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Eating almond with skin causes inflammation? Here's what a doctor says
Almonds have been a kitchen staple for centuries, a trusted source of nourishment, flavor, and tradition. But if you're eating them raw, straight from the bag, you might be getting more than just healthy fats and protein. You're also consuming lectins, plant-based proteins found in the skins of almonds and many other foods. Lectins evolved in plants as a defense mechanism to deter pests. In some cases, they can cause digestive discomfort or inflammation in sensitive individuals. But how worried should the average almond lover be? Let's dig in. The benefits of almonds Almonds are nutritional powerhouses. They're rich in fiber and healthy fats that promote digestion, support heart health, and help you stay fuller for longer. They're also an excellent source of vitamin E and antioxidants, which protect brain cells from oxidative stress. Soaking almonds is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. It softens their texture, makes them slightly sweeter, and may improve digestibility. However, scientific evidence for significantly better nutrient absorption from soaking is limited. The lectin question Dr. Robert Love, a neuroscientist specializing in Alzheimer's prevention, told his followers: 'Eating raw almonds with their skins may expose you to lectins, potentially causing inflammation.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo He recommends soaking, peeling, and lightly roasting almonds to get the best of both flavor and brain health benefits. But here's the key context: almond skins do contain lectins, but the levels are far lower than those in 'problem foods' like raw kidney beans, which have high amounts of phytohaemagglutinin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if undercooked. In healthy adults, the amount of lectin in almonds is unlikely to cause harm unless eaten in unusually large quantities or if you have a specific sensitivity. What the science says Harvard nutrition experts note that lectin-rich foods, including legumes, grains, and nuts, are consistently linked to lower rates of chronic diseases, not higher. Cooking, soaking, or roasting can reduce lectin content, but for most people, raw almond skins are not a dangerous source. Capay Hills Orchard adds that almond skins are packed with antioxidants and fiber. Removing them might reduce these benefits unless you have a diagnosed digestive sensitivity or an autoimmune condition that worsens with lectin-rich foods. Should you soak and peel? For most people, eating raw almonds, skins and all, is safe and beneficial. If you have digestive discomfort after eating them, soaking and peeling may help. Roasting can also reduce lectin activity and enhance flavor. But if you have no issues, there's no strong evidence that you need to avoid almond skins.
