Newsletter Post

Have you heard that there are plants that support lung health?

Happy Tuesday - I am sure you started your week with some self love, so let's add to it!

Do you have any plants in your home? If you're like me, you probably have a few. I love some plants because of their smell (like gardenias - they are one of my FAVES!) and others because they clean the air in my home. Did you even know that this was possible?!

In case you didn't, there are several indoor plants are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality, which can indirectly contribute to better breathing conditions. What many people don't know is quite often the air we breathe in our homes is WORSE than the air we breathe outside of our homes. You may be wondering how this is even possible...

Well, nearly everything that we own to the things used to make the home look beautiful or the products we use to clean our homes - nearly all of these things have chemicals and some of them do something called "off-gassing." Paint, carpet, hardwood flooring, stain, new furniture and mattresses - so many things that make up our homes are also things that can affect our respiratory health (among other organs that can be affected).

This is where plants come in. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, which can enhance the overall air quality in your home. Here are some indoor plants that can help improve breathing conditions:

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Snake plants are efficient at converting carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, making them ideal for bedrooms. They also remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from the air. I have a few of these.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.): Peace lilies are excellent at removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and other common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They also add moisture to the air, which can be beneficial for breathing comfort.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are known for their air-purifying abilities, particularly in removing formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide. They're relatively easy to care for and are safe for households with pets.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe vera plants not only possess air-purifying qualities but also release oxygen at night, which can enhance sleep quality. Additionally, aloe vera can help remove formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. I have too many to even count! They are super easy to care for and they have "babies" all the time!
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are effective at removing indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and xylene. They thrive in humid conditions, making them suitable for bathrooms or areas with higher moisture levels.
6. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Areca palms are excellent at humidifying the air and removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. They can also add a tropical touch to your indoor spaces.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Rubber plants are effective at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. They are relatively easy to care for and can grow well in moderate indoor lighting conditions.

While these plants can contribute to better indoor air quality and indirectly improve breathing conditions, it's important to remember that they are not a substitute for proper ventilation and air purification systems. There are also many other ways to improve air quality in your home, this is just an idea of where to start. Additionally, individual sensitivities to pollen or plant allergens should be considered when selecting indoor plants.

Are you looking to improve your respiratory health? Do you want support in learning the different ways that you can better your breathing? I am only a click away and I have just three slots open right now. Let me support you on your journey to wellness! Click the button below to set up a free consult TODAY!

I WANT BETTER BREATHING

DID YOU ENJOY THIS NEWSLETTER? WANT TO SHARE IT? WANT MORE LIKE IT?

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, please share it with your friends and family!!!  If you have other topics in mind that you want to learn more about, please feel free to share with me by responding to this email.

If you received this email from a friend and would like to sign up for my weekly newsletter that includes wellness information especially related to respiratory and digestive health, recipes, upcoming events and specials, sign up HERE!

Also, check me out on IG or join the Breathe Easy Breathe Well Community to get a daily dose of tips and inspiration by clicking the icons below!

Yours in wellness,

Dawn Encian
MSNIH, LDN, CNS, CMT

Knead Total Wellness

Eating for and Living in Total Wellness

www.kneadtotalwellness.com

Host of Breathe Easy, Breathe Well Virtual Summit

‍