Despite all achievements of a modern civilization, human life it is still connected with the nature. The aspiration to decorate the house with houseplants helps to strengthen these relations. And in the countries with sharply expressed seasonality the window plants give the chance during the whole year to enjoy own piece of wildlife. But the role of house plants is not limited to decorative function, they bring a lot of benefit.
Release of oxygen and moistening of air
In the course of photosynthesis the houseplants absorb carbon dioxide from air and in exchange emit oxygen. Besides they ionize and moisten dry air, reduce its dust content.
Disinfecting of toxic substances
Modern construction and finishing materials: plastic coverings, glue, varnishes, paints, synthetic pitches, etc. — emit various toxic substances. The special danger is constituted by formaldehyde, benzene, phenol, a xylol and trichloroethylene. Impurity of these substances in air can cause a headache, insomnia, heartbeat, joint pain and nausea. Houseplants are capable to neutralize these chemicals. Especially successfully such plants as a chlorophytum, a dragon tree, a sanseviyeriya, a ficus, a chrysanthemum, an aloe, an azalea, a scindapsus, a gerbera, an ivy, a philodendron and a spathiphyllum cope with this function.
Destruction of bacteria and microbes
Many house flowers are capable to emit phytoncides — natural biologically active connections which effectively destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In terms of antibacterial purification of air the following plants are the most useful: chlorophytum, ficus, geranium, lemon, dieffenbachia, rose, hibiscus, myrtle, cactus and laurels.
Use as medicines
Some houseplants can be used as house doctors. Especially is famous for salutary properties of an aloe. Stalks of this plant help with treatment of burns and wounds, and its juice normalizes work of a GIT and strengthens immunity. One more popular herb is the gold mustache. The external medicines made of a gold mustache use for treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers and frostbites and also rinsing of a throat at catarrhal diseases. Tinctures and broths of this plant use inside for improvement of a metabolism, treatment of diathesis, rheumatism, prostatitis, diseases of a liver and a GIT.
Use in food
House plants can act as food. It is especially relevant in the winter when the organism needs fresh vitamins. The winter hothouse vegetables which are on sale in supermarkets can seldom brag of the sufficient content of useful substances. Therefore it is better to grow up "a vitamin kitchen garden" on own windowsill. All types of greens (parsley, fennel, a basil, mint), salad, cherry tomatoes, green onions, siliculose pepper well grow in house conditions.