What are the benefits of indoor plants for the human body?
Psychology professors also found that pleasant-smelling interiors make people feel confident and efficient at work, and more sincere in resolving conflicts. At present, the research results of aromatic essential oils have been converted into applied products abroad.
What are the benefits of indoor plants for the human body?
1. The improvement effect of indoor plants on the indoor environment
1) Release oxygen to keep the air fresh
The content of carbon dioxide in the air is generally 003%. When the carbon dioxide content reaches 005%, people's breathing will be uncomfortable; when the content reaches 02%, people will feel dizzy, palpitations, and blood pressure will rise. Plants release oxygen during their normal physiological process, absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide, adjust the ratio of carbon and oxygen in the air, keep the air fresh and make people more comfortable. In addition, some plants such as cacti have unique biological characteristics. Their origin is very dry and it is extremely difficult to obtain water, so their metabolism is also different from that of ordinary plants. The stomata of such plants are closed during the day to reduce transpiration and open at night to absorb carbon dioxide, so they are listed as flowers that can freshen the air at night.
2) Clean up indoor air pollution
Modern people spend most of their time indoors, and indoor air conditions are closely related to human health. More and more studies show that there are many kinds of indoor pollutants, a wide range of pollution sources, and various effects on human health. Typical indoor air pollutants and their effects on human health are as follows:
(1) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major indoor air pollutant, and more than 900 kinds have been identified so far. In addition to formaldehyde, common ones include benzene, toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene, etc. Their effects on the human body are often foreign body irritation, foul odor, nausea, and poor breathing, resulting in different degrees of impact on the human liver, kidney, brain, and nervous system. When coordinated, it can reduce the human body's immunity and even cause disease and cancer.
(2) Respirable suspended particulate matter (PM10). Suspended in the air, particulate matter with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of less than or equal to 10 μm is called PM10. PM10 often causes respiratory tract infections and easily causes damage to the inner wall of the narrower respiratory tract, resulting in damage to human lung function, especially to asthma patients. Other indoor air pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc.
3) Increase the concentration of negative ions in indoor air
The role of negative ions in promoting human health was discovered by a German doctor in 1931. Although the mechanism of negative ions on the human body is not fully understood, a large number of animal studies and clinical practice have confirmed that negative air ions have a variety of biological effects and can affect many physiological indicators of the human body. It has an auxiliary treatment and rehabilitation effect on certain diseases.
Air negative ions are known as air vitamins and growth hormones, which have dust reduction and bacteriostatic functions, and are effective in purifying the air, regulating the microclimate, and protecting the human body against diseases and diseases.
2. Plant volatiles have antiviral and bacteriostatic effects and enhance human immunity
Plants release a large amount of volatile substances during their physiological process. It is reported that most plants produce volatile substances, which have certain bacteriostatic effects and can clear bacteria and viruses in the air.
Studies in the United States have shown that rooms without plants contain 50% more bacteria in the air than rooms with plants. Homes with better greenery can reduce bacteria in the air by about 40%. Plants can greatly reduce the bacteria and harmful microorganisms in the air, and at the same time, they can also remove heavy metal particles from the air. Plant fungicides secreted by mandarin, begonia plants, and geranium can reduce the incidence of colds.
3. Create a green vision and promote human health
The development of urban modernization and the accelerated pace of life have made people work indoors for longer and longer hours. Various physical and psychological diseases (or sick building syndrome) caused by indoor air pollution and heavy work pressure have also attracted more and more attention. Sharing indoor space with plants and people is not only conducive to the improvement of environmental quality, but also the best regulator of physical and mental health.
According to research, green occupies 25% of the human field of vision to eliminate the physical fatigue of the eyes, which is most suitable for people to relax and adjust the mind. Green decoration has become an important part of soft decoration, which can soften the hard lines of buildings, regulate people's psychology, relax the spirit, relieve anxiety, stabilize emotions, and make people feel comfortable.
4. The side effects of indoor plants on human health
It is worth noting that some flowers should not be grown indoors. Although these flowers and plants are beautiful in appearance, they contain some toxic substances. These toxic substances have the effect of protecting the flowers and plants from diseases and pests, but human exposure may sometimes cause various harm to the human body. The latest research of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Sciences confirmed that there are 52 kinds of plants that people have been exposed to for a long time to cause cancer. Other common toxic plants include calla lilies, poppies, yellow rhododendrons, Nantian bamboo, and leaf-changing trees.
What are the characteristics of plant efficacy?
Placing some anti-pollution flowers and plants indoors can play a role in purifying the air. For example, ivy can eat benzene, hanging orchids can swallow carbon monoxide and formaldehyde indoors, and the bracts of South Star can absorb benzene and trichloroethylene. If there is an anti-pollution plant in a room of about 10 square meters, it will greatly facilitate air purification.
In modern homes made of pre-made concrete, the air humidity is much lower than normal, and a plant called sedges loves water, so potted sedges should be placed in deep tanks to turn deserts into oases. The reason for feeling stuffy is not the lack of indoor oxygen, but the lack of negative oxygen ions, which can be rapidly reduced when there is a TV or computer turned on indoors. There are many flowers and plants that can be grown indoors that produce negative oxygen ions - these are cypress, arborvitae and cedars.
If the room area is small, you may wish to plant some low plants, such as cacti. At present, it is popular in the West to grow spruce and other low coniferous trees on the balcony, which can fill the room with refreshing tree scents. Many flowers and plants suitable for indoor planting have bactericidal functions. If some potted citrus, rosemary, mahogany, hanging orchids, etc. are placed in the room, the bacteria and microorganisms in the air will be greatly reduced.
Some of the flowers and plants introduced above are relatively easy to grow, and can generally be seen in the flower and plant market. They are also relatively inexpensive, so they are very suitable for family cultivation.
Can absorb toxic plants
Aloe vera, hanging orchid, tiger tail orchid, one-leaf orchid, and turtle-backed bamboo are natural scavengers that can remove harmful substances from the air. Studies have shown that tiger tail orchid and hanging orchid can absorb more than 80% of harmful gases in the room, and have a super ability to absorb formaldehyde. Aloe vera is also a good hand at absorbing formaldehyde.
Plants that purify the air
Kidney fern, Guanzhong, Rose, Rose, Crape myrtle, Lilac, Magnolia, Osmanthus, Golden dill, Aloe vera, Commelina, Ear fern, Cactus, Tiger Pillan, Tiger Tail Orchid, Agave, Pineapple, Cactus, Lingjian Lotus, Epiphyllum, Gem Flower, Fat Sedum, Purple Sedum, Ivy, Iron Tree, Chrysanthemum, Flamingo, Pomegranate, Milan, Dracaena, Angelica, etc.
Radiation-resistant ornamental plants
Some ornamental plants have the effect of absorbing electromagnetic radiation. Placing these plants in the home or office can effectively reduce the electromagnetic radiation pollution generated by various electrical and electronic products. These plants include: cactus, gem flower, sedum and other succulent plants.
Insecticidal and sterilized ornamental plants
Some plants have a special aroma or smell that is harmless to people, but mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies and other pests will avoid it when they smell it. Some of these special aromas or smells can also inhibit or kill bacteria and viruses. These plants include: tuberose, pyrethrum, wild chrysanthemum, purple jasmine, lemon, crape myrtle, jasmine, orchid, clove, tincture, cornflower, dandelion, mint, etc.
Plants that kill pathogens
The volatile oils produced by rose, osmanthus, violet, jasmine, lemon, rose, dianthus, lily of the valley, crape myrtle and other aromatic flowers have significant bactericidal effects.
Crape myrtle, jasmine, lemon and other plants can kill diphtheria and dysentery bacteria and other native bacteria within 5 minutes. The fragrance emitted by roses, carnation, lily of the valley, violets, roses, osmanthus and other plants has obvious inhibitory effects on the growth and reproduction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pneumococcus and staphylococcus.
Succulents such as cacti, which are native to tropical arid regions, have stomata on their succulent stems that close during the day and open at night to produce oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide, increasing the concentration of negative ions in indoor air.
Tiger pilan, tiger tail orchid, agave and brown palm, caramel, sedum, rooting, cultivated pineapple and other plants can also purify the air at night.
Plants that can absorb toxic chemicals
Aloe vera, hanging orchid, tiger tail orchid, one-leaf orchid, and turtle-backed bamboo are natural scavengers that can remove harmful substances from the air. Studies have shown that tiger tail orchid and hanging orchid can absorb more than 80% of harmful gases in the room, and have a super ability to absorb formaldehyde. Aloe vera is also a good absorber of formaldehyde, which can absorb 90% of the formaldehyde contained in 1 cubic meter of air.
Ivy, iron tree, chrysanthemum, kumquat, pomegranate, half-branch lotus, rose, camellia, pomegranate, Milan, daisy, plum, marigold, etc. can effectively remove sulfur dioxide, chlorine, ether, ethylene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen peroxide and other harmful substances.
Orchids, osmanthus, plum, taro, red-backed cinnamon, etc. are natural dust collectors, and their cilia can trap and absorb floating particles and smoke in the air.
Reduce sunlight radiation and lower indoor temperature
Planting climbing plants such as creepers, grapes, morning glory, wisteria, roses, etc. around the home allows them to climb along the wall or frame to form a green pergola, which can effectively reduce sunlight radiation and greatly reduce indoor temperature.
Good for sleep and improve work efficiency
Lilac, jasmine, rose, violet, mint and other plants can make people relaxed, happy, conducive to sleep, but also improve work efficiency.
Recently, NASA scientists found that many evergreen foliage plants and green flowering plants have the effect of eliminating toxic chemicals in buildings. The study also found that plants not only rely on leaves to absorb substances, but also plant roots and bacteria in the soil are responsible for removing harmful substances. Zhou Shuqin, an engineer at the Indoor Environmental Monitoring Center of the China Decoration Association, believes that the following two types of plants are best placed indoors.
Plants that can absorb toxic chemicals
Aloe vera, hanging orchid, tiger tail orchid, one-leaf orchid, and turtle-backed bamboo are natural scavengers that can remove harmful substances from the air. Studies have shown that tiger tail orchid and hanging orchid can absorb more than 80% of harmful gases in the room, and have a super ability to absorb formaldehyde. Aloe vera is also a good absorber of formaldehyde, which can absorb 90% of the formaldehyde contained in 1 cubic meter of air.
Which flowers and plants are harmful to your baby?
If you can't eat it lightly, the sore throat can be fatal.
Blacklist: dripping Guanyin, flower candle, yellow rhododendron, mimosa, poinsettia, champion red.
Experts point out that the student's shocking experience in Chengdu is mainly due to the toxic white juice and dripping water in the dripping Guanyin stem. It is understood that skin contact with dripping Guanyin's juice will cause itching or strong irritation, and eye contact with the juice can cause severe conjunctivitis and even blindness. After ingesting, there will be nausea, pharyngeal and mouth discomfort, stomach burning and other symptoms, and in severe cases, suffocation, resulting in death from heart palsy. Therefore, families with children, especially young children, should not grow dripping Guanyin. Young children have poor ability to distinguish things and low resistance. Once exposed to dripping Guanyin, the consequences will be disastrous.
Some plants cannot be imported, otherwise it will cause oropharyngeal discomfort, pain, and vomiting. If the flower candle is eaten by a child by mistake, the mouth will burn, swell, blister, make it difficult to swallow, and the voice will become hoarse. The nectar brewed from yellow rhododendron leaves and pollen is poisonous. After eating by mistake, the mouth will feel burning, and symptoms such as drooling, nausea, and vomiting will occur. In addition, flowers and plants such as mimosa, poinsettia, and champion red are also poisonous, so they cannot appear in families with young children.
Li Jie, chief physician of the pediatrics department of Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, reminded that if there are the above-mentioned poisonous plants in the home, parents should try to keep their children away, and they should not let their children touch or even lick or bite these plants. Once the child has problems, they should be sent to the hospital as soon as possible. On the way to the hospital, they can use their fingers to dig the child's throat to induce vomiting to reduce the threat of poisons to the child.
If you can't touch it, it will itch and swell.
Blacklist: Rubber lobular tree, Chrysanthemum, Oleander, Rose, Lilac, Five-color plum, Hydrangea, Geranium, Bauhinia, Cactus (ball).
There are also many details about growing plants in children's homes. Some plants are not suitable for planting at all, such as the small-leaved rubber tree, whose leaves and stems contain toxic milk-like sap, which can cause skin pain and swelling when touched. Chrysanthemums, when touched by flowers, can cause slight pain and swelling, and children feel even more. Oleander, every part is poisonous, and children should not touch it at all.
Some flowers are prone to allergies, such as roses, lilacs, five-color plums, hydrangea, geraniums, and bauhinia flowers. When touched, they may cause skin allergies, rashes, and unbearable itching, which is even more unbearable for children.
In addition, some cactus plants and roses have spikes that can easily pierce the tender skin of young children. Try not to place them in families or children's rooms with children.
It doesn't smell good, and the strong floral fragrance causes discomfort.
Blacklist: Evening rose, tulip, lily, bauhinia, pine and cypress flowers and trees, etc
In addition to poisonous plants, the scent of some plants can also make babies feel unwell. The China Indoor Environmental Monitoring Working Committee warns that some flowers and plants with strong scents can make people uncomfortable or even cause adverse reactions, such as evening flowers, tulips, five-color plums and other flowers, and children are more sensitive and uncomfortable with these scents. Moreover, the pollen of evening flowers can also easily cause allergies and cause skin inflammation. In addition, the aroma of orchids and lilies can cause excessive excitement and cause insomnia; Bauhinia pollen can induce asthma or aggravate cough symptoms if it is exposed to people for too long; the aroma of conifers and cypresses can irritate the baby's stomach and affect appetite.
The effects of aromatic plants on the human body
Aromatic plants refer to a class of plants that contain more aromatic substances, which can be used not only for treatment but also as aromatic agents. As early as 5,000 years ago, Shennong discovered the aromaticity of plants. In ancient Greece and ancient Rome, it was believed that spreading aroma in the bathroom was good for health. The ancients also made sachets such as cloves, and used chrysanthemums and honeysuckle pillows to prevent diseases. Recent studies have shown that the aroma of aromatic plants can affect people's emotions.
Classification of aromatic plants
fragrant plant
Fragrant plants refer to aromatic plants with fragrant flowers, such as gardenia, Milan, orchids, osmanthus, peony, peony, rose, smile, narcissus, cloves, hosta, wisteria, nine miles, jasmine, freesia, roses, Ruixiang, fragrant, plum, etc. In the application of fragrant plants, they can be planted with other plants according to their different appreciation seasons to prolong the viewing time of the landscape: many aromatic plants can also be made into essential oils for aromatherapy.
balsamic fruit plant
Fragrant fruit plants refer to plants whose fruits have a fragrant smell, such as mango, pomelo, orange, kumquat, bergamot, grape, lemon, etc. Most fragrant fruit plants are edible, and the fragrance they emit during eating can improve people's mood.
Fragrant wood plant
Fragrant wood plants refer to plants whose wood under the tree can emit a woody aroma, such as laurel, sandalwood, camphor, nanmu, etc. The wood of fragrant wood plants can also be made into furniture with a special fragrance.
Vanilla plant
Vanilla plants refer to herbs that have a fragrant smell in their whole plant or above ground, such as honeybee, sage, lavender, basil, rosemary, perilla, mint, spearmint, verbena, oregano, parsley, etc. Some vanilla plants can be used as vegetables and seasonings, such as perilla and basil, and some can be used as medicinal materials and made into food, such as chrysanthemum.
The effects of aromatic plants on the human body
In 1910, the French chemist ReneMauriceGattefosse (the father of contemporary aromatherapy) discovered that lavender oil can heal burns. Many subsequent studies have also proved that fragrance can have a beneficial effect on people's spiritual life, such as inhaling the irritating essential oils mixed with lemon, basil and rosemary has a refreshing effect: inhaling the soothing essential oils mixed with lavender, marjoram and happy sage can significantly reduce stress. Aromatic scents have also been shown to reduce the pain of some patients during treatment, and can stimulate consumption, improve students' memory and improve learning efficiency.
Psychology professors have also found that pleasant-smelling interiors make people feel confident and efficient at work, and more sincere in resolving conflicts. At present, the research results of aromatic essential oils have been translated into application products abroad. For example, aromatic systems can be installed in buildings as needed to improve the work efficiency of employees, relieve stress or relax the spirit. The StCroix Valley Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin, USA, has installed essential oil evaporation systems, especially in emergency rooms. The aromatic smell reduces the anxiety of family members and patients. France, Japan, Germany and other countries have also opened floral hospitals, which have obvious therapeutic effects on the nervous system and respiratory system. These all further prove the role of aroma components on the human body.
Studies have shown that pleasant smells and unpleasant smells can cause different autonomic responses. IFF (the world's leading creator and manufacturer of flavors and fragrances) found that the mixture of apple and nutmeg was pleasant by measuring indicators such as human skin electrical response, heart rate, and skin temperature. The smell of white rosin was uncomfortable. Aroma can also cause other physiological changes, such as the stimulating effect of sweet orange aroma, which can increase people's pupil contraction rate; inhaling sandalwood volatile oil can reduce the rate of blinking, which is a manifestation of increased parasympathetic nervous system activity and physical relaxation. The stimulation of aroma can also cause significantly different brain waves. In 2002, Zheng Hua used human brain wave changes (alpha waves and beta waves) as a measurement indicator and found that after people smelled the smell of roses, cedar, etc., brain waves showed that people's emotions tended to relax; while the fragrance of white orchids and pearl plums was tense due to their strong aroma or special odor. Japanese studies have also determined CNV (brain expectancy wave), demonstrating that basil, clove, geranium, mint, peppermint oil, rose, ylang ylang oil have a stimulating effect (causing an increase in the early components of CNV), bergamot lemon oil, yellow chrysanthemum, lemon, marjoram, sandalwood have a calming and relaxing effect (causing a decrease in the early components of CNV), and the aroma of a few plants such as valerian and sagebrush shows a mixed effect.
Children should pay attention to pollen allergies
Pollen allergy, also known as hay fever, manifests as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, and cough. Children with pollen allergy have three main manifestations: first, pollen allergic rhinitis, nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose, and poor breathing; second, pollen allergic asthma, manifested as paroxysmal cough, breathing difficulties, white foamy mucus, sudden asthma attack and gradually get worse, and then it is the same as normal people; third, pollen allergic conjunctivitis, manifested as children's itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, and often accompanied by watery or purulent mucus secretions appear.
Childhood pollen allergies tend to develop after the age of 2-3 years. Mainly prevent from the following aspects:
1. Take certain precautions for children with existing pollen allergies to reduce or alleviate the onset of the disease. For example, in the season with high pollen concentration in the air, take antihistamines regularly, such as chlorphenamine, Zentamine, etc. For more serious children with pollen allergic rhinitis and pollen allergic asthma, hormones should be regularly used topically.
2. Control the environment, mainly to reduce the chance of children being exposed to pollen. For example, close doors and windows at night during the pollination period; the pollen density in the air is high in the morning, try to delay the time for children to go out in the morning, and do not let children do outdoor morning exercise; do not dry children's clothes and bedding outdoors; reduce outdoor activities; take children out less on windy or sunny days.
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