March 17: TREES OF LIFE

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jer 17:8

Buy a plant for your office or home. Why not put plants on the altar rather than cut flowers all the time?

Plants can remove toxics from the  air of your office or home.

Power plants have the ability to remove toxins from the air of your home or office. Much of the research on these beneficial houseplants has been done by the NASA scientists researching ways to create suitable space station habitats. All indoors plants (flowering or not) are able to purify indoor air to some degree through their normal photosynthesis processes. But some were found to be more beneficial than others in removing harmful household toxins, even removing 90% of chemicals in the air in only twenty-four hours!

The main household toxins of concern are:

• Benzene – a known carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, detergents, pesticides
• Formaldehyde, commonly off-gassed from paints, solvents and other synthetic materials.
• Trichloroethylene found in solvents
• Xylene found in varnishes, paints and paint thinners

There are many different kinds of houseplants that could be called power plants, but here are a few: select one that is local to your area

These types of houseplants may just decrease your risk of cancers, asthma, allergies, auto-immune disorders and other diseases.

Aloe Vera, a very common plant in South Africa can remove formaldahyde from the air.

English Ivy is known for removing the chemical benzene, and is also fantastic for asthma and allergies and also removes formaldehyde

Gerbera Daisy: NASA say that the Daisy is fantastic at removing benzene, and absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight, which is said to improve your sleep. Definitely one for the bedrooms – baby’s room in particular!

Mums (Chrysanthemums):Mums are very effective at removing benzene, and  trichloroethylene (found in solvents and cleaners), formaldehyde and ammonia from the air.

The Peace Lily is known for removing benzene, mould spores in the air, (making it great for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms); purifying the air of trichloroethylene and removing alcohols, acetone, and formaldehyde.

Spider Plant: NASA places this the Spider Plant among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities.

The Boston fern acts as a natural air humidifier, removes formaldahyde and is reputed to be among the best in air purifying houseplants.

http://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/natural-organic-blog/2012/06/eco-living/house-plants-that-detoxify-your-air