Winter often seems endless, gray, and dreary to many people, which quickly affects their mood, leading to the “winter blues”. The dark season can have a significant impact on people’s well-being, and searches for “seasonal affective disorder” have surged by 47% in the past month in the country, as reported by Münchner Merkur.
However, there are natural helpers against the winter blues. Certain plants possess potent mood-enhancing properties that can help endure until spring. Four specific potted plants are known for their pleasant scent and psychological effects, making it valuable to have them in your environment. These plants are lavender, citrus plants, rosemary, and jasmine.
Lavender is a well-known remedy against stress and nervousness. Lavender promotes good sleep, which is known to help against bad moods, and it has a proven ability to lower stress levels and improve sleep. According to the University of Freiburg, lavender’s essential oils are said to have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
Having lavender plants around the home, especially in the bedroom, can help alleviate anxiety and ward off the winter blues. Lavender is easy to cultivate and care for, even for novice plant owners, and requires just a sunny spot to thrive. It is also a relatively affordable addition to the bedroom, costing between £5 ($6) and £20 ($25). While lavender flowers have the strongest scent, valuable ingredients are also found in lavender leaves, Münchner Merkur mentions.
Citrus plants, such as lemon and orange trees, not only remind people of summer and vacation, but they are also reputed to be good for the soul. Essential oils from citrus fruits are said to brighten the mood, relax, and enhance concentration. Researchers at the University of Graz found that these oils can have positive effects on mood and cognitive functions.
Citrus fruits are the perfect countermeasure against winter slumps. They have a pleasant aroma, with the best scent coming from the fruits themselves, and their flowers and leaves also emit a pleasant fragrance. The flowering period of citrus trees is beneficial; for instance, the orange tree blooms around February, sweetening the last weeks until spring begins. Some lemon trees even bloom year-round.
Rosemary, commonly known for its culinary use with potatoes, can also be a beneficial houseplant. The scent of rosemary improves memory, according to a study by the University of Northumbria. What actively revitalizes the mind also benefits mood. Unlike some plants, rosemary does not require waiting for a bloom; its leaves smell year-round, especially when rubbed between fingers.
Jasmine is a traditional fragrance plant that has long been used for perfumes. Münchner Merkur notes that jasmine has a proven relaxing effect. Essential oils from jasmine help against stress and tension in stressful situations. Jasmine comes in many different varieties, and house jasmine blooms from December to April, during the time when many people feel cooped up and long for a bit of cheer.
When filling a room with strongly scented potted plants, it is important to do so thoughtfully. Not every scent pairs well together, and some plant scents are so intense that they are sufficient on their own.
Incorporating these four indoor plants into your home can provide natural assistance against the winter blues. Their pleasant scents and psychological effects can help improve mood during the darker months. As the days remain short and the weather stays cold, having lavender, citrus plants, rosemary, or jasmine in your living space might just be the boost you need to make it through until spring.
