Healing Green: How Indoor Plants Can Benefit Hospital Patients
When you think of hospitals, you probably imagine sterile environments with bright lights and the constant hum of medical equipment. While this is certainly a reality in many healthcare settings, it doesn't have to be the only one. In recent years, hospitals have been incorporating more natural elements into their designs, including indoor plants.
Research has shown that indoor plants can have a range of benefits for hospital patients, from improving air quality to reducing stress levels. In this article, we'll explore the various ways in which indoor plants can benefit hospital patients and provide recommendations for the best types of plants to include in healthcare environments.
Benefits of Indoor Plants in Hospitals
1. Air Purification
Indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This is especially concerning for hospital patients who may already have compromised respiratory systems. Luckily, indoor plants can help remove harmful toxins from the air and improve air quality.
Plants absorb pollutants through tiny pores in their leaves, which are then converted into nutrients for the plant. This process, known as phytoremediation, can help eliminate toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Some of the best plants for air purification include:
- Spider plant
- Peace lily
- Snake plant
- Golden pothos
2. Stress Reduction
Going to the hospital can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for many patients. However, studies have shown that exposure to nature and greenery can have a calming effect on people and reduce stress levels.
Indoor plants can help create a more welcoming and calming environment in hospital rooms, which can lead to improved patient experiences and outcomes. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients who had a view of nature from their hospital room had shorter postoperative hospital stays and required less pain medication than patients who did not have a view of nature.
Some of the best plants for stress reduction include:
- Lavender
- Jasmine
- Aloe vera
- English ivy
In a hospital setting, where staff are often working long hours and under high-pressure situations, the addition of indoor plants can help create a more positive and supportive work environment.
Some of the best plants for increased productivity include:
- Areca palm
- Gerbera daisy
- Bamboo palm
- Philodendron
Best Indoor Plants for Hospitals
When selecting indoor plants for hospitals, it's important to choose varieties that are low maintenance, non-toxic, and can thrive in low light conditions. Some of the best options include:
- Snake plant
- Pothos
- ZZ plant
- Spider plant
- Peace lily
It's also important to consider the placement of the plants, as certain varieties may be better suited for specific areas of the hospital. For example, a plant that requires high humidity levels may be best placed in a bathroom or shower area.
Indoor plants can have a range of benefits for hospital patients and staff, from improving air quality to reducing stress levels and increasing productivity. By incorporating more natural elements into healthcare environments, hospitals can create a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for everyone.
When selecting indoor plants for hospitals, it's important to choose low maintenance, non-toxic varieties that can thrive in low light conditions. By doing so, hospitals can reap the benefits of nature without adding unnecessary maintenance or risks to patients.
hospital design, healthcare environment, air purification, stress reduction, productivity, indoor plants
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