If you want functional decorations, look no further than the houseplant. Some well-placed greenery can not only brighten a space but also purify the air -- and they're also helpful in creating a more relaxing, restful ambiance in any room. We know that spending time in nature is linked to reduced stress levels and tension relief. What's more, in a 2008 study, Dutch researchers found that hospital patients with indoor plants in their rooms reported lower stress levels than patients without them. That's why we've rounded up 10 beautiful houseplants that are easy to take care of and effective at increasing oxygen and clearing out toxins for cleaner breathing air, some of which even have the NASA stamp of approval. Try adding one to your bedroom or office space for a little dose of zen. What are your favorite decorative plants? Tell us in the comments below! The gel of the aloe plant has a number of healing properties. Not only does it soothe skin burns and cuts, it can also help to monitor the air quality in your home.

The plant can help clear the air of pollutants found in chemical cleaning products, and when the amount of harmful chemicals in the air becomes excessive, the plants' leaves will display brown spots. Just an FYI: It grows best with lots of sun. NASA scientists listed the English ivy as the number one best air-filtering houseplant, as it is the most effective plant when it comes to absorbing formaldehyde. It's also incredibly easy to grow and adaptable -- try it as a hanging or a floor plant. Grow in moderate temperatures and medium sunlight. Rubber trees are good for cleaning the air and are one of the easiest plants to grow, as they thrive even in dim lighting and cooler climates. The low-maintenance plant is a powerful toxin eliminator and air purifier. Snake plants don't need much light or water to survive, so they're an easy choice for any corner of your home. The plant absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night (while most plants do so during the day), so add one to your bedroom for a clean-air boost.

The attractive bamboo palm also made NASA's list of top clean-air plants with a purifying score of 8.4. It's also particularly effective at clearing out benzene and trichloroethylene. These need to be well-watered, in shade or indirect sunlight. The heart-shaped philodendron is a popular plant choice for indoor areas, as they're easy to care for and can grow decorative vines. Like the English ivy, they are particularly good at absorbing xylene. hunter hepatech room air purifierThey can also last for many years when properly cared for. air purifier ha120eGrow with moderate water and some sunlight and they'll be fine.edenpure gen 2 air purifier kit One of the most common house plants, spider plants are decorative, easy to grow, and also make the NASA list of the best air-purifying plants.

Spider plants are effective at fighting pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. This beautiful, vibrant plant can grow to be ceiling-height (15-foot dracaenas are common), making it a great plant for decorating and filling up space. It also removes toxins including xylene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air. Grows best in sunlight. Huffington Best House Plants Houseplants Ficus-tree Best Indoor PlantsSick building syndrome refers to ailments that occur as a result of spending long periods of time in well-sealed, poorly ventilated buildings that contain indoor air toxins. In 1984, the World Health Organization reported that the materials used in up 30% of newly built buildings might cause acute illness. [1] That means that, as of 1984, almost a third of all buildings were contaminated with harmful products! Unfortunately, with the continued use of synthetic building materials, the situation has only gotten worse. Toxins present in “sick” buildings include synthetic fibers from furniture, formaldehyde, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and VOCs, just to name a few.

It’s not limited to chemical pollution, either. According to the American Phytopathological Society, biological contaminants such as mold and pollen also contribute to indoor air pollution. Common symptoms of sick building syndrome include headache, irritated throat, itchy eyes and nose, coughing, nausea, and fatigue. As you can see, the symptoms are generic and varied, which makes it especially difficult to pinpoint sick building syndrome as the cause. One of the most problematic issues related to sick building syndrome is that it often goes misdiagnosed and untreated. Many people assume their illness is the result of a “bug” and fail to consider their home or workplace is the cause. A telltale sign are ailments that flare up when you are in a specific building and pass after you leave. Another indication is if your colleagues experience similar issues. If your symptoms are prolonged, even beyond leaving the building, this may be an indication you’re suffering from building-related illness, or BRI.

To avoid suffering from BRI, it is important to recognize the symptoms of sick building syndrome and address them quickly. If you think your home or office may be causing sick building syndrome, you need to improve the quality within. Once the building stops giving off toxins, your symptoms should go away. Sometimes this is easier said than done, and, depending on the scale of the problem, might require a massive renovation and replacement of toxic building materials with non-toxic replacements. In some situations, an air purification system or even quick and simple methods may work. Nature has very powerful tools to clean the air. The natural negative ionization and UV waves from sunlight work wonders and opening the blinds to let in some rays is an easy way to reap those benefits. Additionally, open the windows and doors and let the ozone and negative ions help remove toxins from the air. Avoid toxic room sprays and deodorizers. There are natural alternatives for air fresheners, cleansers and other chemical toxins used to cleanse the home.