Plants used to be the only way to cure common ailments. Then came the era of doctors and prescription medicine and plant concoctions were scoffed at. However, an appreciation for plants is coming back, not only as medicine but for other areas of wellbeing.

Medicine

In ancient times, wise women or healers went out every day to gather herbs, wildflowers and other things like bark for their formulas. When a person needed healing, a list of tinctures to remedy causes was consulted and the patient was usually cured. Modern society has for the most part lost this intelligence. However, when modern medicine doesn't work, people often look to the past and try things like CBD flower to aid in their recovery. Other plants typically used now are chamomile to aid with anxiety and insomnia and chlorella, which comes from sea algae, which is now considered a superfood. Although you are probably not going to grind up your houseplants to make healing potions, growing herbs in the kitchen is a great option for more delicious meals.

Beauty

Houseplants can take a barren room and turn it into something beautiful. Humans are hardwired to feel good around the color green since it's part of the natural world and helped provide shelter for ancient people before houses and apartments. Despite the misguided idea that green is the color of envy, the color green does many positive things for the human brain. It provides a sense of peace and even prosperity. It is also very soothing and can inspire creativity and a sense of motivation. Use houseplants to decorate empty corners of your home and your space will instantly feel better. The internet is a great place to find care requirements for your new additions. Even if you aren't confident that you have a green thumb, there is plenty of help available. 

Oxygen

As well as looking beautiful, houseplants provide much-needed oxygen to indoor spaces. The relationship between plants and those taking care of them is symbiotic. Humans expel carbon dioxide when they breathe. Plants use this and in turn, expel oxygen for humans to use. This is why it's such a tragedy that the rainforest is being cut down. It provides most of the earth's oxygen and has even been called the "lungs of the planet". As well as providing oxygen, plants and trees absorb and cleanse both indoor and outdoor pollution.

Moisture

In dry indoor winter spaces or in places where it's always dry, humans have two choices: either purchase and use humidifiers or provide more sources of moisture in the home.

Plants are a good choice for extra moisture because they expel water vapor through their leaves and from the top of the soil. Extra attention needs to be paid to each plant to be sure it is getting the water it needs, but this care will be rewarded with a more comfortable living space. 

Hobbies

Growing plants is a fun and interesting hobby. Plants range from super easy (spider plant) to super hard (orchids). If you're up for a challenge, orchids come in many varieties; some are even scented. It is an exciting challenge to keep them alive and have them bloom again. There are groups in social media like the American Orchid Society that are more than willing to help if there is a problem or question. This is a great time to experiment with exotic species. More unusual plants are available at local greenhouses than ever before. There are also many suppliers who do business over the internet. Buying an orchid or other plant online may seem strange but most sellers guarantee that the plant will arrive alive and undamaged. 

Conclusion 

Plants may have been a bit underappreciated in the recent past but are now becoming popular again due to their many benefits. Take a look around your space and see where a plant or two might benefit you.