‘Plant’-ing that zen feeling around your home

Whether used as herbal tea, decorative plants or in essential oils, there are a number of herbs and decorative plants that can help improve our well-being. — AFP

In your arsenal of tools and tactics for staying calm and improving your well-being, plants can prove to be precious resources.

Whether in herbal tea, decorative planters or essential oils, they can help us relieve tension and soothe the mind.

Here’s how to best use plants to improve your mental health:

> Dried flowers for rooms and closets

When it comes to scents, lavender is high on the list for a calming effect.

It can be placed in the entrance of rooms or your home for a sensory atmosphere that imbues a peaceful vibe as soon as you walk in the door.

Balconies or windows are also great spots to place them.

And if you really don’t have the space, you can slip some into small fabric bags and tuck them into a closet or drawer.

Rosemary and thyme can also be used in this way, or for scenting the kitchen if you get them in little pots with earth.

> Aromatic herbs in the kitchen

In the kitchen, sorrel, chives, peppermint and chervil are among the herbs that both smell fresh and add flavour to dishes.

Tarragon and sage are also good choices.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, angelica is a type of herb whose name is as charming as its smell.

As with mint leaves, you can use them in an infusion.

Feel free to add a slice of lemon, and even a bit of ginger, for a pick-me-up.

> Hanging plants for the bathroom

When it comes to making the bathtub or shower a relaxing haven, look to tropical plants like the monstera.

This plant grows quickly and helps spread humidity and freshness.

Ivy and hanging plants like rhipsalis or the quirky polka dot plant are also favourites.

In addition to decorating a piece of furniture or a bookcase, they can be placed on the edge of a bathtub or shower.

The bathroom is also a good place to keep a branch of a dried plant like laurel or pine, of which you will get a delightful whiff whenever you run water.

> Flowers for the living room and the bedroom

Choose your seasonal favourites, for sure.

But for calm and appeasement, look to the elegance of white orchids or lilies.

However, be careful of the latter in the bedroom as their smell can be overpowering.

Hydrangeas are also a fine choice.

And in any case, offering a pretty bouquet of freshly-cut seasonal flowers provides sensory pleasure to both giver and recipient. – AFP Relaxnews

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