Medicinal plants are useful to keep on hand to treat common ailments. You can reach for certain medical plants to relieve headaches, tummy trouble and even irritation from bug bites. Plants can be consumed in teas, used as garnish, applied topically as essential oil or consumed as a pill. It’s important to remember that you should always double check with your doctor before consuming or using anything new for your body. If you choose to grow some of these plants, remember to take proper care according to the plant’s care guidelines and refrain from using any pesticides or other harmful chemicals on your plants. You don’t want any of those chemicals in or on your body! To help you decide what plants are best for you, we rounded up our top medicinal plants, their notable health benefits and how to use them. Medicinal Plants 1. Basil Basil (ocimum basilicum) is a common herb used to garnish salads, pasta and many other meals to add delicious flavor. Thanks to the vitamins and minerals in

A long-time favorite of those with a green-thumb and even those without, Spathiphyllum, commonly known as the peace lily, is an adaptable and low-maintenance houseplant. Peace lilies are not true lilies (Lilium spp.) at all, but rather a member of the Araceae family. Its flowers resemble those of the calla lily (both plants belong to the same family) and is the reason for its name. The showy part of the flower features a white, hoodlike sheath (known as a spathe) which resembles a white flag of surrender. There are a wide variety of sizes and types of peace lilies. Most serve as floor plants since they can reach three feet tall and grow wide with big, bold leaves. Mauna loa supreme (a Spathiphyllum hybrid) is the standard midsize type. It grows up to four feet tall and features bronze-green foliage with an abundance of large, cupped spathes. It finally got the recognition it deserves from the general public after NASA put it on its list of “Top Ten Household Air Cleaning Plants.” This

Epipremnum aureum is a trailing, leafy vine that can reach lengths of up to 40 feet in tropical jungles. Its genus name is derived from the Greek words epi (meaning upon) and premnon (meaning a trunk) in reference to its growing on tree trunks. Indoors, the pothos plant usually confines itself to about six to 10 feet. Its leaves are bright and waxy with a noteworthy pointed heart shape, and are often green or variegated in white, yellow, or pale green. It is rare for them to flower or produce berries, especially indoors, but certain varietals can have tiny, petal-less white flowers that feature small berries. Also called devil’s ivy, pothos can be grown in hanging baskets or as a potted plant on a desk. They are excellent at helping to purify the air and tolerant of fluorescent light, making them a popular choice for office environments. These plants can also help cleanse the air when grown in your home or office, as well. Pothos Plant Overview Most of us, or at least those of us witho

A lack of space is an invitation to get innovative and see how you can add foliage to your home! You can keep it simple with a few small potted plants or get creative with a wall gardens to take advantage of your vertical space. Small DIY projects like modern plant terrariums and kokedama string gardens are other ways to incorporate small indoor plants into your tiny space. Look through our tips and tricks to see how you can take advantage of your small space. Small indoor plants are some of the most versatile greenery you can find. Start by picking out a few of your favorites to see where they can fit. From there, you’ll get an idea about what works best in your space and what other plants you want to add! If you’re up for getting a little more creative, why not try your hand at making a DIY ladder plant stand or DIY succulent wall garden? These projects allow you to have a fun indoor garden without taking up too much space! Unique wall and hanging planters are the way to go if you’re

Houseplants are a tried and true way to bring vibrant color to your home and to bring nature inside. Not to mention, plants are a great way to purify the air in your home. Big and beautiful philodendrons and majesty palms are perfect for adding the finishing touch to any room and for filling in empty corners and walls. However, huge plants like that aren’t always the best for tiny apartments and less-than-spacious homes. Thankfully, there are plenty of choices for small indoor plants that can help provide the right touch of green without taking up a large chunk of your room! Small plants, like succulents and air plants, are perfect for adding greenery to your desk or your nightstand. Slightly bigger plants like peace lilies can take up some floor space, but they won’t overwhelm any corner of the room with lush leaves or big roots. The best part about most small potted plants is that they can fit almost anywhere in your home. You can even get creative! Think about adding some cute plant