As a mom living in Minnesota, right now I feel stuck in a constant state of emotional whiplash. I check a quick social media notification, watch another horrifying video of what is going on just 30 minutes away from our home, quickly try to process the broad range of emotions – most notably rage – while I shower, and then join my 2-year-old on the living room floor trying to build a “horse” (I think?) out of Mega Bloks.
The contrast is jarring. The world feels heavy, loud, and relentless, and yet motherhood asks you to stay soft, present, and steady inside your own home. It’s exhausting most days.
Recently, I finally took a much-needed “mom day” and went plant shopping with a friend. I joked with one of the employees that we were just out for a little plant therapy — but it wasn’t really a joke. It was a pause. My favorite nervous system reset. A simple, grounding way to create a pocket of calm in the middle of everything else. For me, being around living plants has always been one of the most accessible ways to cultivate a sense of peace when the outside world feels overwhelming.
If you’re a person who loves having plants all over your house, you may not even realize that you’re doing this too. A growing body of research shows that having plants in your home or workspace can positively affect stress levels, mood, focus, and overall wellbeing. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognized the importance of our environment in shaping health as well.
Here I’ve compiled some tidbits of modern science and ancient wisdom so you can clap back next time someone judges you for bringing another plant home!
The Science-Backed Benefits of Indoor Plants
1. Reduced Stress and Nervous System Support
Several studies have found that interacting with plants — even briefly — can lower physiological markers of stress.
A controlled study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that participants who performed plant-related tasks experienced lower blood pressure and reduced sympathetic nervous system activity compared to those performing computer-based tasks. In simple terms, caring for plants helped shift the body into a calmer, more relaxed state.
Another large review published in Frontiers in Psychology found consistent associations between indoor plants and reduced anxiety, improved mood, and lower perceived stress.
These effects are thought to be linked to how natural elements signal safety and restoration to the brain, activating the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response.
2. Improved Mood and Emotional Wellbeing
Research suggests that indoor plants may help decrease feelings of depression, tension, anger, and fatigue.
A systematic review in Building and Environment reported that exposure to indoor greenery is associated with increased positive emotions and improved psychological comfort, particularly in environments where access to outdoor nature is limited.
For many people, simply seeing living greenery indoors creates a subtle but meaningful emotional lift.
3. Better Focus and Cognitive Performance
Indoor plants may also support attention and productivity.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that the presence of plants in office environments was associated with improved concentration, memory retention, and task performance.
Another study in HortScience showed that students in classrooms with plants demonstrated improved attention and information retention compared to those in plant-free environments.
4. Air Quality and Respiratory Comfort
NASA’s early Clean Air Study demonstrated that certain plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene under controlled conditions.
More recent research has clarified that while a small number of houseplants won’t replace proper ventilation or air filtration, they can contribute modestly to improved humidity and perceived air freshness, which may benefit respiratory comfort — especially during dry seasons.
A review in Atmospheric Environment concluded that indoor plants may play a supportive role in overall indoor environmental quality when combined with good ventilation and healthy building materials.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective on Indoor Plants
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is shaped not only by diet and lifestyle, but also by the energetic quality of the spaces we inhabit.
Plants and the Wood Element
Plants are associated with the Wood element, which represents:
- Growth
- Renewal
- Flexibility
- Emotional movement
- Vision and direction
The Wood element is closely connected to the Liver system in TCM, which governs the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and emotional regulation.
Bringing living plants indoors symbolically and energetically introduces growth and movement into your environment — qualities that help prevent stagnation.
Supporting the Flow of Qi
TCM teaches that stagnant environments can contribute to stagnant Qi, which may manifest as:
- Irritability
- Mental fatigue
- Low motivation
- Physical tension
Living plants are believed to gently encourage circulation and vitality within a space. Their upward growth and continuous renewal reflect healthy Qi movement.
From a TCM lens, placing plants in areas where you rest, work, or spend significant time can subtly support emotional balance and mental clarity by improving the “energetic climate” of your home.
Practical Ways to Use Plants for Wellness
- Choose low-maintenance plants if energy is limited (snake plant, pothos, spider plant, peace lily).
- Place plants where you experience stress or mental fatigue, such as workspaces or bedrooms.
- Interact with your plants regularly — watering and pruning can be calming rituals.
- Combine indoor greenery with other supportive habits like fresh air, natural light, and intentional rest.
Final Thought:
Indoor plants won’t replace medical care, but both science and Traditional Chinese Medicine suggest they can be meaningful allies in daily wellbeing. By supporting emotional regulation, reducing stress, enhancing focus, and enriching your living environment, plants offer a simple and accessible form of preventative care.
Sometimes health is not only about what we take into our bodies — but also about what we take into our homes!
Sources
- Lee et al., Journal of Physiological Anthropology (2015) – Effects of indoor gardening on stress response
- Bringslimark et al., Frontiers in Psychology (2009, 2017) – Psychological benefits of indoor plants
- Nieuwenhuis et al., Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied (2014) – Plants and productivity
- Han, Journal of Environmental Psychology (2009) – Indoor plants and attention
- Lohr et al., HortScience (1996) – Plants in classrooms and student performance
- Wolverton et al., NASA Clean Air Study (1989)
- Irga et al., Atmospheric Environment (2013) – Plants and indoor air quality
Continue Your Journey
For deeper guidance, seasonal rituals, or TCM-inspired wellness practices, explore our full library of Verdae Guides at: verdaewellness.com/shop
