Plants that offer mental health benefits

Nature is abundant with wellbeing remedies – and you don’t have to be a master herbalist to benefit from them!

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Happiful

The act of caring for plants is, in itself, a supportive, mindful experience – helping us to soothe stress and refocus our minds – but there are also many natural examples out there that come with their own wellness properties. Here, we explore six plants that do just that.

Lavender

Lavender has been used throughout history to aid relaxation and sleep. How exactly does it work? According to a study published in the Natural Medicine Journal, lavender calms anxiety by soothing the limbic system – the part of our brain that controls emotions. Pick a few sprigs, dry them out, and make them into scented bags to leave under your pillow.

Peppermint

Another herb that makes a delicious, soothing, tea, peppermint is thought to tackle stress, and helps to clear your mind. It’s also said to aid with digestion and sleep, making it an all-round wonder. However, beyond the teapot, drop some fresh leaves into a hot bath for an invigorating, uplifting experience. Be warned; mint plants can be invasive, so it’s worth planting this one in a pot.

Aloe vera

Grown inside, this plant is thought to be one of the strongest air purifiers around, making it a handy addition to bedrooms and workspaces, as it’s thought to help tackle stress and headaches. Aloe vera is a resilient plant, perfect for those who are just starting out, or who don’t have a lot of time to tend to them.

Rosemary

Delicious with roast potatoes, rosemary also has a practical use; this herb is linked to a boost in memory. Research by Northumbria University looked at the effect the aroma of rosemary would have on a room full of pupils taking memory tests; the results saw them achieving five-to-seven per cent better when the aroma was present, linking this powerful herb to increased focus and clearer memory. Some rosemary plants also bloom beautifully, making this herb the perfect addition to a sensory garden.

Camomile

You may have tried camomile tea before, which is made using dried camomile flower heads, and celebrated for its relaxation properties. Find a sunny, well-drained spot, and plant camomile outside in May and June for a July and August harvest.

Leafy salad greens

Having a healthy, varied diet is really important for our mental health, and leafy greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce are great staples. Packed with B vitamins, vitamins E and K, folate, and L-tyrosine, these greens have been found to support brain function and even slow cognitive decline.

If you struggle with brain fog, or find that you have dips in your energy, tucking into a bowl of fresh greens could give you the boost you need to keep going. That said, if you’ve noticed that you feel more tired than usual, it might be worth speaking to your GP.