Pollutant purging plants

If your beloved comes home with flowers, it might not be a simple case of romanticism in the air- he or she may be trying to avoid developing any number of ailments. There are many flowers and plants that can help reduce stress, promote good health, and aid relaxes action. They can filter out some quite potent chemicals from the air. For example, columnar cacti can neutralize electro magnetic fields, staving off headaches and fatigue.

Many plants and flowers increase the oxygen levels in the house, improve humidity, and generate revitalizing negative ions. Many plants absorb these chemicals into the root systems and convert them into nutrients according to Chrissie Wildwood, author of "The Complete Guide to Reducing Stress." The longer a plant is exposed to these harmful chemicals in the air, the more efficient it becomes in breaking them down into nutrients. (We are talking weeks and months rather than overnight.)

AZALEAS, poinsettias and chrysanthemums can filter out formaldehyde that is found in foam insulation, sofas, carpets, and cigarette smoke. This chemical causes headaches. ENGLISH IVY, mother in law's tongue, and peace lilies reduce benzine. This is present in gasolene, ink, paint, plastic, and detergents and causes headaches, drowsiness, as well as nervousness. CHRYSAN THEMUMS and peace lilies absorb trichloroethylene, which is used in dry cleaning, some paints, inks varnishes, and also adhesives. This chemical has been known to cause liver cancer.