Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway obstruction, swelling, and narrowed airways leading to difficulty breathing. Many people living with asthma find themselves constantly searching for remedies to ease the symptoms. One such remedy is the use of plants, which have been touted to be beneficial for individuals with asthma. In this article, we will explore whether plants are good for individuals with asthma.

Benefits of Plants for Asthma

There are numerous benefits to having plants around individuals with asthma. Firstly, plants purify the air by absorbing pollutants and allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. This process helps to keep the air in a room clean and healthy, which can lower asthma symptoms. Plants also release moisture into the air, which can help individuals with asthma who have dry airways. Humid airways are less likely to get inflamed, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

The Best Plants for Asthma

While almost all plants have the ability to purify the air, some plants have unique characteristics that make them particularly effective in helping individuals with asthma. The following are some of the best plants for individuals with asthma:

Aloe Vera - this plant is commonly known for its healing properties, but it is also an excellent air purifier. It can help to remove harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Snake Plant - this plant is tough and can grow in a variety of conditions. It is an excellent air purifier and can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and xylene from the air.

Lavender - this plant is popularly known for its relaxing scent, but it is also an excellent air purifier. It can help to reduce anxiety and stress, which can also alleviate asthma symptoms.

Spider Plant - this plant is low maintenance and can reduce the risk of mold growth. It can absorb up to 90% of the toxins in the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene.

Peace Lily - this plant can help to purify the air of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It can also help to increase humidity levels in a room, which can alleviate dry airways.

Precautions

While plants can be beneficial for individuals with asthma, it is important to note that some plants may also trigger asthma symptoms. For instance, some plants can produce pollen or release strong scents, which can irritate airways and trigger asthma attacks. It is therefore important for individuals to consult their doctor before bringing any plants into their homes to ensure that they are not allergic to them. Individuals should also ensure that they do not overwater their plants as it can cause mold growth, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

Conclusion

Plants are indeed good for individuals with asthma as they help to purify the air and increase humidity levels. The benefits of having plants around individuals with asthma cannot be overstated. However, individuals should be cautious when choosing plants to ensure they do not cause any allergic reactions. When selecting plants for your home, consider sticking with the plants mentioned above as they are some of the best plants for individuals with asthma.