Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels and provide relief from tension, but you likely already knew that from experience. So it’s easy to understand why bringing plants into our homes can provide a more relaxing environment. After all, home improvement doesn’t have to just be remodeling!

On top of that, plenty of good house plants are extremely effective at purifying the air of toxins and known carcinogens that are found in cleaning products and other household items.

So if you’re looking for an easy way to de-stress and purify the air in your home, take a look at this list of best plants for the home.

Snake Plant

You’ll find it hard to kill a snake plant because they don’t need a lot of light or water to survive. This makes it an excellent choice for even the most forgetful plant parent. Like other plants, a snake plant will absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

The cool thing about this plant, though, is that it releases oxygen during the night instead of during the day like other plants. Stick one of these in your bedroom for a boost of clean air while you sleep.

Peace Lily

These pretty plants are popular house plants because they’re low-maintenance and easy to grow. They will help reduce mold spores in the air. This is the best indoor plant for rooms that experience humidity or dampness, like a bathroom.

Aloe

Aloe is easy to care for, although a sunny kitchen window is best for this sun-loving plant. It’s a succulent, so it won’t require a lot of water. Keep this plant in the house to help purify carcinogens, like benzene and formaldehyde, from the air.

You can also use the gel from inside the plant to soothe and heal burns, cuts, and scarring.

Golden Pothos

This plant is one of the easiest plants to grow and will thrive even if neglected or in low light. It has the ability to clear formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air, and keeping this little plant around can also help eliminate odors.

Lavender

Aside from being really pretty and smelling good, lavender provides a lot of health benefits, as well. It’s extremely effective in reducing stress and anxiety, alleviating headaches, and can help improve your sleep. Bonus points for being edible!

Use it to make some lavender lemonade, and you’ll wonder why you weren’t keeping lavender plants all along.

Bamboo Palm

This plant is very effective at removing carcinogens like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air in your home. They prefer shade or indirect sun, making them great plants for indoors. Make sure to keep your bamboo palm well-watered, as they need plenty.

Philodendron

These are a popular choice for indoors because they are easy-going. They only need moderate watering and some sunlight. They’re known to remove xylene from the air, which is a toxin found in glues and leathers.