Sugata Pyne
Manager, Smart Metabolic Anti Aging Centre
It may be tempting to get that latest air purifier that promises to turn your house into a haven of pure oxygen, even as the city you live in reeks of smoke, dust and harmful pollutants. Packaged with images that promise to bring ‘nature’ into your home. But if you are so keen on bringing nature, why not get a plant? – and while you’re at it, a few more to guarantee clean, fresh air at less than quarter of the cost!
Don’t get us wrong, mother nature didn’t pay us to write this article. But there are thousands of indoor plants that may in fact be more beneficial for your health than your latest air purifier or that face mask that is fast becoming a fashion statement in many Indian cities.
Money plant (Epipremnum aureum)- Money plant is your lung’s best friend. Originally from central and south America, this plant is abundantly found in India. It is very easy to grow and can survive with very little care. It removes formaldehyde and carbon monoxide (CO) from that air, improving its quality. Keep the plant on your bedside and try to bathe it every morning to wash off all the pollutants and toxins it absorbed.
Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)- Grown naturally in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, these palms are natural air purifiers that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. 4 shoulder high plants should suffice to provide clean air to one person 24/7 and can be kept in living rooms beside doors and windows.
Mother-in-law’s tongue or snake plant (sansevieria trifasciata)- This south African beauty is a survivor. You don’t have to worry about killing it with neglect, as it has a natural tendency to revive itself using the smallest act of kindness (read: water) from you. It absorbs harmful toxins such as nitrogen oxide, xylene, carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde. And produces oxygen at night, even when it’s dark ! Making it a perfect bedroom plant! This plant also functions as your very own air freshener, as it helps in removing trimethylamine, typically produced while cooking fish. 6 plants per person are ideal for its beneficial effect.
Bamboo or reed palm – Best kept in large terraces or open lawns, this plant can also be kept indoors especially because it can lessen the off gassing from furniture. They remove formaldehyde and act as a natural humidifier. They do not require any soil or fertiliser to grow and can be kept in water. You will require 4 shoulder high plants per person for its ideal effect. They also say this plant brings good luck. I haven’t seen any air purifier, make THAT claim.
Still worried about the effect of pollution in your body? We can help!
Truth is, no amount of air purifiers or plants can undo the damage that has already been done to your body. If you have already been over exposed to heavy metals, chelation therapies and intravenous detoxification offered at the Smart Metabolic Anti Agin centre, is your first step towards a corrective lifestyle. A full body metal and mineral scan followed with an innovative diet and lifestyle consultation will help you get rid of the toxins and pollutants much faster. And the plants can maintain that!