As we complain about the growing pollution and the health problems due to it every day, we forget that we can majorly responsible for what we do to the environment, at least your immediate ones. We all like going for a stroll to a garden area or where there is a lot of greenery. But you know you can make your own small garden in your high-rises. You can always grow some small plants and herbs in your window or gallery area. In fact, plants at home have several health benefits. Not just do they help in reducing the carbon dioxide levels, some plants have extensive medicinal properties.

Not just the flowering herbs for decorating your house, you can plant some basic spices which you need in your daily cooking. Trust us, when you use your own grown coriander in your vegetable, you’ll relish it more. There is a certain feeling of self-sustenance in making use of your garden produce.

Take a look at some plants with their health benefits which you can easily grow in your house.

1. Holy Basil

Commonly known as Tulsi, the plant is found in every household in the rural areas. Anyone who maintains their personal garden space will have a plant of Tulsi. Not just the holy angle to it, Tulsi has so many more health benefits.

Tulsi leaves are a widely used ingredient in home remedies. Adding the leaves to water and having it daily helps in building immunity. Tulsi leaves also make a certain kadha which is used for curing bacterial infections. It is also effective in treating skin disorders. Tulsi acts as a detoxifying agent, for cleansing the body internally. How many ever benefits we say it will be less when it comes to basil.

2. Aloe Vera

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We keep seeing advertisements which highlight products with aloe vera extracts in them. But if you have a planted an aloe vera at home, you can apply the fresh and pure extract directly. It works very well for your skin problems. Aloe vera gel acts as a good conditioner for your hair too. Aloe vera juice also helps in digestion and regularizes bowel movements. Aloe vera gel has also proved as a cure for diabetes patients.

3. Lemon

Lemon juice is a relief at any time of the day. So how about growing some lemons at your home itself? Just drinking water by squeezing lemon in it has health benefits. It is beneficial for people who have high blood pressure. Besides, the acidic properties of a lemon can facilitate digestion problems, gastric issue and relieve the burning sensation within. Lemon juice is also beneficial for the skin, being a natural bleaching agent. You can apply it overnight to cure discolouration of your skin. Lemon is also used to prepare anti-wrinkle masks. If you have planted a lemon tree you may not even have to go to the parlour every month for your skin treatments.

4. Peace Lily

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Peace lilies look good as decorative items in your house corners but there is more to them. The peace lily is said to make your room’s air healthier. The peace lily is one of the best plants if you need good air in your house. The plant removes formaldehyde, benzene from the surroundings. Thus, it maintains a purified air and who wouldn’t feel pleasant after looking at the beautiful flowers.

If you love flowers, it will give you another satisfaction to see your cultivated plant blooming up.

5. Jasmine

Jasmine is another flowering plant which can make your garden’s highlight. The fragrant flowers will make you pleasant, no doubts. Flowers are mood changers, so growing a jasmine plant unknowingly leave you with a happy mood. A happy mood is very important to improve productivity.

Jasmine tea is one of the most beneficial teas to consume. It has anti-carcinogenic properties, helps in weight loss, boosts the immune system and maintains a healthy blood circulation. The leaves of the plant also help in scalp treatment, acting as a natural conditioner.

6. Curry Leaves

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Curry leaves add such a lovely flavour to your food. The aroma of curry leaves in a tadka greatly enhances your food taste. It is also a very easy plant to grow within your house. Besides seasoning, curry leaves also have benefits like lowering the cholesterol levels, fighting diabetes, improving digestion. Curry leaves also act as a cure for greying hair. One can apply it on their scalp for your hair woes.

7. Coriander

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Coriander commonly known as dhania is again used for seasoning in food. Coriander other than the aroma it gives to a dish also has health benefits for enriching skin and hair. Coriander is known as a calming herb. Its juice helps to treat anxiety. It is a good drink if you just want to de-stress. The herb helps in reducing fats, aiding in weight loss. The oil extracted from coriander leaves helps in treating mouth ulcers. Coriander juice can treat blackheads, acne and also good for an oily skin. It is very easy to grow a coriander. It hardly takes two weeks before you can use the leaves for your benefits.

8. Spider Plant

Spider plant is a very common plant you’d see in a restaurant or big galleries. The plant, like peace lilies, help in purifying the air. It is advisable to keep this plant in your bedroom corner since it emits oxygen during the night. It ensures a peaceful sleep. The plant absorbs bad odours.

All these plants are pretty easy to maintain. Even if you are not very keen on gardening, you just need to take basic care of these plants. They do not grow widely to cause any discomfort. A pleasant environment in your indoors can help magically to maintain a healthy lifestyle. All it takes is just watering regularly. Go on, plant your own garden, bloom flowers and have a positive energy in your house. Encourage your neighbours to plant some trees as well. Going by the rising dangers to the environment, it is the best we can do.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 26, 2017 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).