5 Mood Boosting Plants Are Scientifically Proven to Make You Feel Better
It doesn’t take a botanist to know that happy green plants are an instant visual pick-me-up. But these five mood-boosting plants—all of which are scientifically proven to improve your day—take self-care one step further. Add one (or all) to your home this season for an all-natural antidepressant that doubles as decor. 1. BASIL In addition to its lovely silken leaves and delicious scent, everybody’s favorite fresh herb also contains high amounts of an organic compound called linalool (which is commonly used in aromatherapy). A team of Japanese scientists famously conducted a lab rat study that found that exposure to linalool reduces the activity of hundreds of genes that typically go into overdrive during stressful situations. So stop and smell the basil, y’all. 2. ALOE Referred to as “the plant of immortality” by the Egyptians, this beloved green was traditionally hung over doorways to ward off evil spirits. From a holistic standpoint, it’s thought to bring positive energy to the home