Toxic Indoor Plants

Few days back a little mouse started coming to my drying area where I have decorated several plants along with golden pothos( money plant). one day while cleaning my fridge I found few garlic were germinated and little leaves started coming out .Instead of using it I decided to sow them .since I did not have any spare pot , I planted them in my money plant pot. Next day I saw my few garlic buds are missing . I gussed it was little rodent work .Next day again I found few buds are missing along with few leaves of money plant have the marks of cut. No need to mention it was done by that naughty mouse again, but surprisingly after that day I never seen that mouse again..it made me think whether this auspicious money plant is toxic or garlic is responsible for it. . while googling I found that some ornamental house plant with large, colorful foliage that definitely enhance beauty to any home interior, but we must be aware of the fact that these indoor plants could be proven dangerous to kids and pets.Well its a new discovery for me to get rid of rodent in natural way :)..

These plants contain insoluble crystals of "Calcium Oxalate" , which is highly toxic and it makes them potentially dangerous for small kids ,and pets such as cat, dog and rat . Few very sensitive human could also feel burning sensation in the skin, irritation, and swelling of the lips as well as tongue, increased salivation, vomiting, contraction of muscles , decreased alertness, confused mind, breathlessness and difficulty swallowing food.

If their toxic aspect is not issue most of these plants are very beneficial to have in your home or office. These beautiful house plants provide everything from evergreen soothing greenery , to beautiful blooms, to clean purified air. All credit goes to the research team of NASA .

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')


Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is one of the best for tackling formaldehyde. we could Place one in bathroom since it could survive in low light and steamy humid conditions also helping filter out air pollutants emitted by tissue paper, toilet cleaner, fabric softner, room freshner.
One important fact about snake plant is that it absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen at night (the opposite of the process most plants follow). Sharing our home with this plant could boost the level of oxygen.

Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures)
Also known as money plant It is second effective plant for filtering out formaldehyde. this ornamental plant could decorate your balcony in hanging basket.


Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)

With the colorful flowers of a Chrysanthemum we could get double benefit. It brighten a home office or living room along with filtering out benzene, which is commonly found in glue, paint, plastics and detergent.


Warneckei dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')

This plant can help to remove a raft of toxic chemicals like  benzene and trichloroethylene associated with varnishes and oils .


Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

                               Image source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spathiphyllum_cochlearispathum#/media/File:Spathiphyllum_cochlearispathum_RTBG.jpg

Shade and weekly watering this is what the peace lily also known as the Mauna Loa plant require to sustain and bloom. It ranked first NASA’s list for removing all three harmful gases — formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. It could also battle with toluene and xylene and ammonia.


Weeping Fig 

                                     Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_benjamina#/media/File:Ficus_benjamina2.jpg

Ficus benjamina requires bright light and lots of water . The plant is famous to braid its trunks to give it a decorative look. The weeping fig combat formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene .


English Ivy

                               Image source :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedera_helix#/media/File:Hedera_helix_2_beentree_bialowieza_2005.jpg

English Ivy, or Hedera helix, is known to filter benzene, formaldehyde, tricholorethylene, xylene, and toluene out of your environment,


Chinese Evergreen(Aglaonema modestum)

                                                 Image source: http://gardening.wikia.com/wiki/Aglaonema_modestum?file=Aglaonema_modestum.jpg

These alluring foliage could be considered one of the most durable houseplant. It could survive even in poor lighting, dry air, and least watering too. Chinese evergreens tackle benzene and formaldehyde effectively.


*The NASA Clean Air Study[1] has been led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). Its results suggest that certain common indoor plants may provide a natural way of removing toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, helping neutralize the effects of sick building syndrome

 A list of common non toxic house plants that are very efficient at purifying air. See my below  mentioned section for more information.

Non toxic Indoor plants

You may love to read:
Importance of Peepal Tree
Improve your luck through tree plantation

Interesting-fact-about-basil

NASA approved Non toxic Indoor plants

 It’s well-known that having plants in  home and work place  is good for our health and happiness. 
Spending time in nature is interrelated to reduced stress levels and tension relief.  In  2008 , Dutch researchers found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms had lower stress levels than patients without them. Placing live plants in our home and office helps to balance the flow of energy.  It is also well known fact that there must be  healthy balance  between dampness and dryness of our living space. Dampness can create mold and other organisms that effect the lungs. Dryness, on the other hand, damage our mucus membranes, thus cause respiratory problems. Either extreme  could also affect our health badly and that is why it is important to maintain proper humidity in your house.
Plant-filled homes feel different not only because of what the plants are emitting, but also what they are consuming. Many house plants absorb the chemical pollutants that pervade modern homes and may cause health problems like  eczema, sore throats , asthma and even cancer too. Now days  our  home is a minefield of chemical pollution. Carpets, furniture, insulation, paint,toilet cleaner, even detergent  can emit poisonous gases.
Formaldehyde is released from   synthetic carpets, particleboard (used to make bookcases, desks, and tables), foam insulation, upholstery, curtains, and air fresheners. According to a reserch, when it's presence increases at levels above 0.1 parts per million parts of air, it could cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, nausea, coughing, and even skin rashes. Xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide can also cause a similar harms.

Some houseplants are easy to take care and effective at increasing oxygen and clearing out toxins for cleaner breathing air, they  have the *NASA stamp of approval too. And some of them could be use as  home remedy also.
 So give  your balcony or free space  a little dose of zen with these beautiful nontoxic plants which are safe for you pets and kids .


Banana( (Miusa Oriana) :  

This auspicious powerful plant tackles formaldehyde, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and more. It's sap is used to tan the cloths.

 Banana leaf is full of antioxidants and eating hot, freshly cooked foods on the banana leaf is one good way to get all the antioxidants easily.Applying extract of banana leaves  enhance beauty, treat skin irritations, wounds, inflammation,  neutralize toxins. it is a very good home remedy of sting or bite of poisonous insects such spider and bee. An expensive active ingredient of Cosmetic creams and lotions called,

Allantoin is found in plant leaves. it helps rapid healing, kills germs and stimulates new skin cell growth. 

Fresh banana peel are useful to cure cracks on the heels, as well as burns, bruises, abscesses  by placing the inner surface of the peel to the affected area. Long-term use of this method helps to cope with warts. . Frozen extract of banana peel helps to get rid of  freckles, dark spots, skin peeling.


Aloe (Aloe vera)

This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent  filters  formaldehyde and benzene out of  environment,  It is very good home remedy of burn, cuts and skin rashes. So some times its  called" First aid" plant too. The  gel of the leaf contain at least 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active enzymes make it a power healer.

Kimberley Queen Fern(Nephrolepis obliterata )

  This shade loving dark green fern is perfect for adding tropical texture to shaded decks, patios, and other outdoor living areas. It is a great indoor plant since it doesn’t shed thus leave no mess and also helps to  clear formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from environment.

Moth Orchid

Moth Orchids, or Phalanopsis, grows best in a warm environment. 

These are beautiful add-on to the home and they battles xylene and toluene from air. 

Orchids are usually planted in bark and require indirect sunlight. but it requires good light levels in winter, essential to encourage flowering. we have to move it  to a shadier spot in summer to protect from direct sunshine.

Bamboo palm/Areca  palm(Chamaedorea sefritzii)/Dypsis lutescens

It is also Known as Butterfly palm or golden cane palm is the most popular indoor plant ,was awarded  for Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society .

 The areca palm fight with  xylene and toluene from the environment. Reserchers have found  that, at 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) in height, the plant will transpire 1 liter of water per 24 hours, thereby making it an effective humidifier.   Bamboo palms should  be kept  in the same place, as they will drop their leaves after being moved.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Some time it is also called airplane plant, St. Bernard's lily, spider ivy, ribbon plant known for its rich leafage , tiny white flowers , and tackling against benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. It is very easy to grow and could be used as an  hanging ornamental plant.

Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Benefits of Gerbera  not just include ornamental but also non-floral ornamental use. If some one is suffering from sleep apnoea or breathing disorders,  Gerbera daisies are best option for him since  it continue releasing oxygen all through the night to help us breath and sleep better. This bright, flowering plant is effective at removing trichloroethylene, . It’s also good for sweeping away the benzene so we could add  it to our  laundry room too.

Gerbera is also used to prepare natural colors and add flavor to a variety of dishes. Its  extracts are used in many beauty products, nail paints and lipstick shades and Perfumes too..

Rhapis excelsa

Rhapis excelsa also called Broad leaf Lady Palm or "The Lady Palm" is a species of fan palm.  since It require  low light and humidity so it is a good choice for malls and offices. Palm battles against xylene and toluene, ammonia, formaldehyde.

 Incorporating oxygen producing plants is a way to imitate the healthy lifestyle , but the biggest benefit  is the  improvement in air quality ..A University of Michigan study found being around plants helps improve concentration and productivity and can even improve our memory grasping power up to 20 percent. 

But some extra gain is going to be the therapeutic effect of having more greenery around us. The color green has a soothing, healing quality and known as the chief color in nature, people have a natural penchant to feel the tranquility in settings that contain this color. It could be one of the good ways to deal with anxiety. ..

If you are plant lover like me  below mentioned links could be informative for you:

Toxic-indoor-plants
Improve-your-luck-through-tree plantation
Interesting Fact about Basil

source
internet

**The NASA Clean Air Study^[1] has been led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). Its results suggest that certain common indoor plants may provide a natural way of removing toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, helping neutralize the effects of sick building syndrome

Importance of Peepal Tree

In my daily life and astrological study, I’ve came across some Beneficial and Auspicious TREES AND PLANTS that had a lot of significance for human. Even, I have planted some of these sacred trees and worship them.  Peepal (Ficus religiosa )also known as Bodhi tree is one of them.

The Peepal tree is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, "I am the Peepal tree among the trees, Narada among the sages, Chitraaratha among the Gandharvas, And sage Kapila among the Siddhas." Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (bodhi) while meditating underneath a Bodhi tree.

Medicinal  Use:

With the increasing awareness about the dangers of chemical based medicine and their side effects , people are inclined towards  natural treatment options due to the fact that  risks are usually minimal.

The useful parts of the plant include the bark and the leaves  which contain most of the essential oils . These oils are highly useful in the treatment of a several ailments . It has anti aging property.
Constipation, for instance, can be easily treated with the help of Peepal tree leaves by balancing simply drying and powdering the leaf  adding equal parts of anise seeds and jaggery . Take  one spoon of the mixture with one glass of water.

Dysentery : Prepare the paste of  peepal leaves,coriander and sugar ,it  should be taken slowly over the whole day until  you feel comfort . We could prepare the tea of peepal leaves and have it .this remedy is very beneficiary in jaundice too.

Skin ailments( boils, bumps and inflammations ):  Smearing the leaf with clarified butter and heat slowly over a low flame then this leaf should  be wrapped around the affected area with the help of bandage. This remedy is also helpful when we have to deal with mumps .

Ear infections: Hold the leaves near a flame to collect the juice as it drips and  once the extract is cool down then put  it into the ear.

Snake bite:  When I was small my grand mother used to tell that in her village , a person used to treat snake bite through Peepal branch along with leaf.  He used to put these in both ears and hold the branches  tightly . Patient started cry as it pull the venom.when all poison was sucked by the branches it stop working.  few people say giving the 2 -3 spoon sap of Peepal leaf  is the effective first aid of snake bite and could be the life savoir.
Tulsi or holi Basil could also be used as first aid of snake bite. Interesting fact about Basil article contain detail about it.

Reproductive system ailment : Deceases like likoria , low sperm count could also be treated just by having the extract of Peepal leaves.The powder of its fruit is also very useful to make the organ healthy.

Astrological benefits

Astrologically Peepal tree correspond to the  8th birth star (nakshatra) Pushya  and  planet Jupiter.  It is said that one should sit to meditate below the governing tree of ones nakshatra as it helps to calm down the mind . Plantation of that tree ward off the evil effect planets in the  birth chart  and helps the person to improve his prosperity..

 The Peepal tree is believed to be Lord Vishnu  abode too.The greatness of the worship of this tree lies in the fact that whosoever worships the Peepal tree gets the reward of worshipping Lord Vishnu.

Peepal tree worship alone is so much powerful to overcome all planetary afflictions. So, plantation of  Peepal tree is one of the greatest and most simple remedy,

.

Plantation of Bodhi tree(peepal) is known to provide the following results:

•Bring stability in thoughts and actions

•Logical thinking, luck, fortune and intelligence.

•Marriage (removes obstacles in marriage)

•Children (as it is the significator for children)

•Great for Religious/charitable bent in life

•Uninterrupted flow of income & even multiple sources of income.

•Good health

 Forefather’s Debts ( Ptri dosh): It is also advisable to  plant and water a peepal tree regularly
.

 Saturn Sade sati: While someone is undergoing Saturn Sade sati, it is also advisable to plant and water peepal  and light a mustard oil lamp under it on every Saturday evening.

For more information kindly  check Improve your luck through tree plantation

Scientific Fact

 *Few people are skeptic if  Peepal  emits oxygen at night time too. In scientific term It is possible through  CAM process..CAM occurs primarily in desert plants and epiphytes (plants that live on other plants, generally on  large trees). CAM plants do not open their stomata during the day in order to minimize water loss. During the night, they open their stomata and fix CO{-2} in the form of malate .  So, Peepal tree would either release or not release CO{-2} in the night depending on if they are epiphytic or not. For other CAM plants, it would depend on if they have enough water or not, or other climatic factors..

*    Its leaves absorb moisture from the atmosphere and regulates the hydrological cycle. 
*   It releases large quantity of Isoprene (volatile organic compound) which protect the ozone layer.

* The sap of the tree contains an enzyme that can increase child bearing capacity.

* Since It  releases more oxygen than that other trees we could find Peepal tree  in most of the temples and in olden days the tree used to be in the center of the village so the atmosphere will be clean.

 Our body detoxify itself ,  70% through breathing, 20% through perspiration, 8% through urination and 2% through the bowels. It give us the clear idea about the importance of having clean air in our society!  The ratio of oxygen to other elements in the Earth's atmosphere has been dropping over several decades. Maximum health issues are due to  polluted air and the reduction of  greenery  .  Highest polluted areas , such as cities, have a lower percentage of oxygen along with highest level of toxic gases  in the air. Hoping  this bitter truth will  help  to illustrate the value of bringing both oxygen producing plants along with  air cleaning foliage in our society for healthy life.

 So encourage all to initiate this practice and  thus helping our society to return to the positive  healthy era :)

you may love to read:
Toxic indoor plant
Non toxic indoor plant

Reference:

Wikipedia ,internet

.