To live a truly healthy lifestyle one must also live in harmony with nature and our surroundings and environment. We are all well aware that there are certain plants and flowers that can enhance our gardens aesthetically. The likes of roses, lilies, tulips, daffodils and sunflowers each offer their own uniquely appealing appearance. However, some garden plants, house plants and flowers can be useful in other ways, too. Here, we take a look at some of the superpowers held by our favourite outdoor companions.
Cabbage
If you have space for your own allotment and can grow your own vegetables, you’ll likely have a cabbage patch. Of course, this is a tasty addition to your meals, but did you know that this biennial plant gives off a volatile gas so it can warn others that there are insects and animals present? These plants can then alert their family members of the dangers that are ahead.
Marigold
This is sometimes referred to as the herb of the sun. It’s said that the marigold symbolises passion and creativity. However, in ancient Indian, Roman, and Greek society, marigold was used to treat an array of health ailments and to induce psychic powers.
Dracaena
Translated, this means the dragon tree. It’s said that this plant has great powers that should make it onto your list of house plants. Not only is it easy to maintain, the dracaena is one of a number of plants that actually can purify your home’s air supply.
Catnip
Okay, so this may seem like a very random addition to the list. While this may be the case, catnip — as well as causing cats to enter their zen mode — can relieve humans of toothache. Chewing catnip can also help you to sweat more, which can reduce a fever according to WebMD. The oil from catnip is also said to be up to 10 times more effective than DEET as an insect repellent.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is possibly one of the most recognised ‘super’ plants of them all. You can find aloe vera in an influx of beauty products, including lip balm and hand cream. It also holds medicinal purposes, such as healing wounds and skin disorders. As well as this, it’s full of vitamins and minerals, which is making it become a prominent feature in many health-focuses juice and drinks.
Dandelion
You may think of a dandelion as an invasive and annoying weed. However, were you aware that its presence can actually be a good thing? For some, dandelion can be used as a treatment for eczema, while others think that digesting it can help with any intestinal disorders. As well as this, its leaves are thought to regulate blood sugar levels.
Peruvian Apple Cactus
If you are concerned about the levels of radiation in your home or office because of an increase in electrical appliances, purchase a Peruvian apple cactus. This prickly plant has the powers to absorb and reduce electromagnetic waves.
Impatiens pallida Nutt
In translation, this plant means ‘pale touch-me-not’. It’s a summer wildflower which can amazingly identify who its family members are. Okay, so to humankind this may not seem like much of a ‘super power’, but this is remarkable for a plant to be able to do. It’s even capable of sharing nutrients with its relatives. According to scientists, it can shield itself from viruses, which proves that it’s possible for plants to decipher that exposure to light can lead to certain dangers.
Earth is home to almost 400,000 species of plants and it’s clear that some have great powers that we simply didn’t know about. So, next time you see that weed that you dislike, think about what other benefits it may hold.
