Dr. Allison Galan, ND
Plants have been shown to be effective in removing toxins from air in our environment. They can be especially effective in small areas, where an accumulation of toxins build up over time. As so many products we purchase and consume are filled with chemicals, starting your own household garden can be a good way to clear the air. Here we discuss a few options for plant choices, and what toxins they help to clear.
Spider Plant
The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, helps to clear benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene from the environment. Benzene can be found in many synthetic products, such as plastics, detergents, and pesticides. Formaldehyde is also commonly used in adhesives, and can be found in construction products like paneling and pressed wood.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is commonly known for its skin healing properties. Aloe can also be used to cleanse the digestive tract and promote regular bowel movements, when taken internally. The aloe plant can help to clear formaldehyde and benzene from your home.
Peace Lily
The peace lily, Spathiphyllum, is a beautiful addition to any household plant collection. This plant can also help to break down and neutralize chemicals inside its pores. It is known for clearing chemicals, such as: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene,, toluene, and xylene. Trichloroethylene can be found in dry cleaning agents, and can makes its way into your home with your freshly laundered clothing.
Gerbera Daisy
The Gerber Daisy, Gerbera jamesonni, is a common flower used in arrangements, and comes in a variety of bright colors. This flower also happens to be effective at cleaning the air of trichloroethylene and benzene.
These are just some of the few chemical clearing plants you can start to add to your collection.
Dr. Allison Galan is a licensed ND practicing in Calgary. She has a passion for empowering her patients to be their own catalyst for change, while supporting them in their health and wellness goals. She believes whole-heartedly in the mind-body connection, which is an integral component of her practice.
Allison graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. This strong background in sport science, has allowed her to incorporate sports medicine into her integrated naturopathic practice.