Homeowners Club If you are one of the 15 million homeowners in the UK, the free to join online Homeowners Club is for you.
Related Articles
Although Earth is home to nearly 400,000 species of plants, some certainly hold more power than we could imagine. The likes of roses, lilies, tulips, daffodils and sunflowers top the appearance polls, each providing their own uniquely appealing visual beauty, however, had you ever thought about planting seeds that can have other benefits?
Here, we look at some of the superpowers held by our favourite outdoor companions to see which weeds may well be able to provide more benefits than you ever thought possible and which pretty flowers may be more than just easy on the eye.
Cabbage
If you are a fan of growing your own crops, it’s likely you’d have tried to grow cabbages. Aside from being a tasty addition to your Sunday roast, were you aware that this biennial plant emits a volatile gas as a way to warn others that insects and animals are present? These plants alert their family members of the danger ahead.
Marigold
The marigold is known as the herb of the sun and it’s believed to symbolise passion and creativity. However, in ancient Indian, Roman and Greek society, it was used to treat various health ailments and induce psychic powers.
Dracaena
The dragon tree, as this plant is also known, has great powers that should ensure that it’s on your list of house plants. As well as being easy to maintain, the dracaena is one of a host of plants that hold air purifying powers.
Dandelion
Many of us may think of the dandelion as an annoying weed with no use, but did you know its presence can actually be a good thing? For some, it’s used to treat eczema, while others believe digesting it can help with intestinal disorders. Not only that, but its leaves are said to regulate blood sugar levels.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera may well be the most recognised ‘super’ plant. It is found in many beauty products, including lip balm and hand cream and holds many medicinal purposes, including healing wounds and skin disorders. Not only this, but as it is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, it is becoming a prominent feature in healthy juice and drinks. Just make sure you don’t use your aloe houseplant as this doesn’t have the same benefits.
English Ivy
One of the very first studies regarding house plant benefits was undertaken by NASA in 1989. It found that English Ivy is a perfect bedroom companion thanks to its ability to clean air indoors. This is said to help you get a better night’s sleep, making the houseplant a great addition to your personal space.
Bromeliad Pineapple Champaca
If you decided to use English Ivy to help yourself get some rest, try to aid your significant other too by adding this pineapple plant to your space. Also known as the ‘anti-snoring plant’ this little gem releases oxygen into the air at night instead of during the day.
Peruvian Apple Cactus
The Peruvian apple cactus is a real green hero. Are you worried about the radiation levels in your household or office space caused by an increase in electrical appliances? If so, this prickly plant could be your saviour as it can absorb and reduce electromagnetic waves.
Catnip
Catnip may well be an extremely random addition to the list. However, as well as causing cats to enter their zen mode, catnip can help humans relieve toothache. Chewing catnip also makes you sweat more, which, according to WebMD, can lower any fever you may have and act as a mild sedative. Its oil has also been found to be 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling insects.
Impatiens pallida Nutt
This plant translates to ‘pale touch-me-not’. This summer wildflower is amazingly able to identify who its family members are. While this may not sound like a ‘superpower’ to humankind, for a plant this is rather remarkable. It can even share its nutrients with relatives if it chooses to do so. Scientists have also observed that it can protect itself from the virus, proving that plants can figure out that light exposure can lead to certain dangers.
