We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
5 healing houseplants to help soothe your January blues
An all-natural, post-Christmas pick-me-up
By 
Houseplants are a great way to brighten up your home. Many also have added benefits such as removing toxins from the air, or adding an all-natural aromatic fragrance to bathrooms and kitchens.
When it comes to banishing the January blues, houseplants can be helpful too. Soothing Aloe Vera, for example, can be applied to sore winter skin, while sleep-enhancing lavender will aid a restful night, and bloat-beating mint helps stressed out stomachs.
Here, Dobbies Garden Centres reveals their five favourite healing houseplants for a post-Christmas, mood-boosting pick-me-up.
Soothing Aloe Vera
This cactus-like plant is easy to grow as it thrives indoors. The leaves contain special aloe gel, and animal studies have shown that when applied topically it can help with wound healing. Research also suggests that aloe gel comes with special antibacterial compounds called anthraquinones which are responsible for minimising infection. Whilst more research still needs to be conducted on the health benefits of aloe vera, there are numerous topical treatments on the market for soothing the skin and reducing inflammation, which may be of benefit when it comes to minimising sunburn, spots or even psoriasis.
How to use: Try snipping off an aloe leaf close to the stem and then rub the gel end on the area you want to treat. You can also try splitting the leaf lengthwise too and scooping out the contents with a spoon to make the most of the gel.
Calming Lemon Balm
The lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family, which comes with a beautiful lemony aroma. It has traditionally been used to improve cognition as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that supplementation with lemon balm may help to induce a sense of calmness which may be of benefit for those struggling with anxiety.
How to use It is important to note that much of the research around lemon balm has been conducted on concentrated extracts incorporated into supplements, or via inhalation of the essential oil. Despite this, lemon balm leaves have been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years and can be easily incorporated in teas, potpourris, cocktails, cooking, salads and anything you think will benefit form a herbal lemony flavour.
Sleep-Enhancing Lavender
Lavender is the plant of choice when it comes to getting a more restful night's sleep. In fact, research has shown improvements in sleep quality in those who are struggling with stress and insomnia, with effects being seen from both oral supplements and aromatherapy.
Whilst lavender tends to be an outdoor plant, growing this beautifully scented plant indoors can be well worth your time. Just ensure that your pot plant has access to bright daylight and fresh air.
How to use: Before bed, simply take a few deep breaths, inhaling the relaxing floral scent of your lavender plant for a calmer, more restful, night's sleep. You can also try drying some lavender buds to make potpourri, then add to a cotton bag and leave on your pillow for scented sheets.
Pain-Relieving Chilli
Not only do chilli plants look stylish, they’re also a super healthy way of adding a hit of flavour to your food. Chillies are rich in antioxidants and contain even more vitamin C than oranges!
A compound called capsicum is responsible for a chilli's spicy nature and comes with pain relieving properties. In fact, the active ingredient in topical preparations of capsicum is approved by the Food & Drug Administration for pain relief induced by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, shingle and even nerve pain due to diabetics. There has also been interesting research conducted on potential metabolism boosting and fat burning properties of chillies, however the evidence is mixed and more research is needed.
How to use: Once your chillies are harvested you can freeze or dry for use at a later date. Chillies make a perfect replacement for salt for a flavoursome punch to your food. Try adding to soups, curries, stews, dressings or your avocado toast!
Bloat-Beating Mint
Not only does a fresh peppermint plant make a perfect addition to any kitchen, but it comes with health benefits too! The active compound in peppermint is called menthol, which may help to improve airflow when our sinuses are blocked. What’s more there have been numerous studies that show supplementation with peppermint oil for two weeks can help to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as gas, bloating and indigestion.
How to use: Whilst most of the research around peppermint has been conducted on concentrated and extracted peppermint oil, fresh peppermint tea can still provide the minty menthol scent and is said to be a refreshing hot drink to soothe the stomach. Try steeping peppermint leaves in hot water for five minutes for a warming beverage. Alternatively infuse cool water with peppermint leaves overnight.
9 hallway runners for an inviting entryway
What do to with linen bedding after a heatwave
Help your sofa last longer: How to care for upholstery properly, without expensive cleaning services
5 Household Pests that love a heatwave
