Aromatic Plants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

In a world where we often retreat to the comfort of our homes, the indoor air we breathe has never been more crucial to our health. Did you know that the average American spends nearly 90% of their time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency? With so much of our lives happening behind closed doors, the quality of indoor air is an invisible yet powerful influence on our health. 

Yet, despite its importance, indoor air quality is often overlooked and easily compromised. From outdoor air pollution sneaking in through windows and door cracks to the hidden dangers of chemical cleaners, synthetic fragrances, and off-gassing building materials that surround us, the very air in our homes has the potential more than ever in history to become a semi-toxic brew. 

Over time, poor air quality can contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. While air purifiers and UV lights can help, they are often bulky and expensive. But what if there were a simpler, more natural way to cleanse and revitalize your indoor air, turning your home into a sanctuary of fresh, pure air?

One of the most natural and effective ways to improve indoor air quality is through the use of plants. Not only do they add beauty to our homes, but they can also filter out harmful toxins and increase oxygen levels. While many people are familiar with common houseplants like spider plants or peace lilies that help purify the air, there’s a whole world of aromatic plants that can do the same – and so much more. These plants don’t just cleanse the air; they also offer additional benefits such as boosting mood, reducing stress, enhancing concentration, and creating a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

In this blog post, we’ll be focusing on 5 aromatic plants that go beyond the typical houseplants you may already know. These plants are unique in that they provide a dual purpose: not only do they help purify your indoor air, but they also offer therapeutic benefits through their natural scents. 

Whether you’re looking to create a more relaxing environment, lift your spirits, or simply breathe easier, these aromatic plants can make a significant difference in your home’s air quality and your overall well-being. Let's explore how these powerful plants can transform your indoor space into a healthier, more harmonious place to breathe.

Put simply: plants make people happy. You’ve likely experienced it yourself. You’re buried under work projects, your never-ending to-do list feels overwhelming, and anxiety is creeping in. Finally, you decide to take a break and head to a nearby park. The moment you step among the trees, surrounded by their soothing branches and vibrant greenery, a sense of calm washes over you. It feels easier to breathe, and your mood begins to shift. Suddenly, the weight of your worries seems just a little bit lighter.

Many of us live in urban areas, far removed from the natural world, yet we instinctively know that nature has a profound ability to heal. Modern science supports this innate understanding, with decades of research highlighting the positive impact plants and nature have on both our mental and physical health. Being surrounded by plants, whether in an outdoor setting or within our homes, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, elevate mood, and improve overall well-being. 

In fact, a 2022 systematic review revealed that even small touches of greenery – like green walls or potted plants – can effectively lower stress levels [1]. In addition, a recent meta-analysis of 42 studies suggests that indoor plants offer stress relief and enhance cognitive function [2]. Plus, having plants indoors – particularly aromatic plants – can help improve your indoor air quality, and so much more.

Having aromatic indoor plants helps improve air quality by increasing oxygen levels, reducing airborne microbes, and naturally purifying the air. Like all plants, aromatic varieties engage in photosynthesis, a process that converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. By increasing the oxygen levels in your home, aromatic plants help improve air quality and support better respiratory health.

Aromatic plants also contain volatile compounds, often called essential oils, that are emitted into the surrounding atmosphere. These compounds are what give aromatic plants their smell. Some compounds found in certain aromatic plants have natural antimicrobial properties that can reduce the presence of airborne microbes. For example, Eucalyptus and Rosemary have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, which can help keep the air in your home cleaner.

Aromatic plants also can help cleanse the air by absorbing pollutants and toxins. Many plants can filter out harmful substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which are commonly found in indoor environments due to synthetic materials and chemicals. The plant's leaves and roots can capture and break down these pollutants, effectively purifying the air.

Aromatic plants and medicinal plants often overlap in their uses and benefits. Although not every aromatic plant has medicinal properties and not all medicinal herbs are aromatic, the two categories have a significant union. Many aromatic plants possess valuable medicinal qualities, combining their sensory appeal with therapeutic benefits.

Aromatic plants are primarily known for their pleasant scents, which come from the volatile oils found in their leaves, flowers, or other plant parts. These volatile oils can be used to enhance sensory experiences, improve mood, and even purify the air. These oils are captured through steam distillation and sold as essential oils that are commonly used in aromatherapy. Aromatic plants are also often used in natural incense, natural perfumery, topical applications, and cooking to impart fragrance and flavor. Aromatic medicinal plants that are safe for consumption are commonly seen in aromatic medicine preparations like teas, tinctures, cordials, and more. 

Medicinal herbal plants have therapeutic properties and are traditionally used to address various health conditions. Many herbs have a long history of use in ancient medical systems, like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Unani Tibb, Native American Medicine, Traditional African Medicine, and more. They contain bioactive compounds that can have physiological effects on the body and are commonly used in herbal teas, tinctures, poultices, supplements, and more.

Not all of us can grow the garden of our dreams. But a lack of a backyard or large outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty and therapeutic benefits of growing aromatic plants. It’s time to think outside the box – the planter box, that is. Many herbs that are traditionally seen as outdoor garden plants can actually thrive indoors in pots. Plus, their aesthetics and aromatics are not only pleasing to the senses but also help cleanse and purify the indoor air. Growing herbs indoors as houseplants can be a fun and unique way to freshen up your space and add some variety to your plant collection!

Another easy way to introduce these aromatics into your indoor environment is through aromatherapy methods such as herbal steaming, essential oil diffusers, hydrosols, or burning incense. These practices release the plants' volatile oils into the air, helping to cleanse and purify your indoor atmosphere. If you're concerned about adding smoke from incense into your indoor space, take a look at our blog post: 3 Virtually Smokeless Ways to Burn Incense. 

Additionally, to improve air quality, make sure you're using all-natural incense made from 100% raw plant materials without any added chemicals. One of the best ways to guarantee you're using pure incense with natural ingredients is by learning how to make your own.

So, what are the 5 aromatic plants and their scientific names? Let’s dive in.

Jasmine is a stunning vining perennial plant, celebrated for its captivating beauty and fragrant blossoms. Its clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers not only add elegance to any garden or indoor space but also fill the air with a sweet, musky aroma that is both calming and invigorating. Jasmine is more than just an ornamental plant – it's a powerful natural air purifier. Its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties help to cleanse the air, reducing harmful pathogens and improving the overall quality of the environment. 

Many people cherish Jasmine not only for its visual and olfactory appeal but also for its therapeutic qualities, as its scent is known to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and even improve mood. Jasmine is well-known for its calming qualities and has been used for centuries to support the nervous system, helping to ease anxiety and depression. Its soothing aroma creates a peaceful ambiance, promoting rest, relaxation, and better sleep. Additionally, Jasmine is thought to be an aphrodisiac, likely due to its ability to calm and nurture the nervous system. It is believed to inspire feelings of love, confidence, compassion, acceptance, and emotional balance.

Jasmine can be successfully grown indoors in containers and thrives in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight each day. If natural light is limited, you can use grow lights to ensure the plant gets adequate exposure. As a tropical aromatic plant, Jasmine thrives in well-drained, slightly moist soil and prefers a humid environment. In dry climates, using an air humidifier or misting the leaves occasionally with water from a spray bottle can help maintain humidity levels to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Jasmine can also be enjoyed in aromatherapy applications such as herbal steaming, essential oil diffusers, hydrosols, incense, natural perfumery, and natural skincare.

Rosemary is one of the most commonly used and widely known aromatic plants – you’ve likely eaten this herb on your roasted potatoes before. The Rosemary plant has a rich history that extends far back to ancient times. During Medieval times in France, Rosemary was commonly burned as incense – along with other aromatic plants – to fumigate, cleanse, and purify the air in hospitals to help prevent infection due to its antimicrobial properties. 

The aroma of Rosemary not only purifies the air but also cleanses and clarifies our mental and emotional landscape. Its refreshing scent is highly uplifting, and known to dispel stagnant or "stuck" energy while promoting motivation, inspiration, and insight. By clearing mental fog, Rosemary creates space for new ideas and personal growth. Additionally, scientific research has shown that Rosemary can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, further enhancing its reputation as a mood-boosting and cleansing herb [3].

Rosemary is a hardy perennial plant that prefers well-drained, rocky soil and doesn’t need a lot of nutrients or water. It loves the sun, so it will need a bright, sunny location, like a south-facing window. If you notice yellowing needles or a sad-looking plant, it’s likely not receiving enough sunlight, so it’s best to use grow lights to ensure the plant gets adequate light. Rosemary doesn't like to be waterlogged, so only water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and make sure the container has a good drainage hole. The aroma of Rosemary can also be enjoyed in cuisine and aromatherapy applications like herbal steaming, essential oil diffusers, hydrosols, incense, and natural skincare.

When people think of Lavender, they often associate this aromatic plant with stress relief and sleep support. However, Lavender is also a powerful antiseptic that can enhance air quality. The aromatic compounds of Lavender have powerful antibacterial, antifungal, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties that can help reduce pathogens in the air. In fact, the plant’s name is derived from the Latin word “lavare,” meaning “to wash” or “to cleanse,” reflecting its ability to purify both the atmosphere and the mental landscape. 

In addition to its air-purifying qualities, the aroma of Lavender can help cleanse the mind of negativity and toxic, circular thoughts. This powerful plant helps instill a sense of mental-emotional equilibrium, calming strong emotions that threaten to overwhelm and flood the mind. Lavender's cooling and calming properties offer relief from the fiery heat of emotional turmoil. 

Lavender is a lovely perennial plant that can be grown year-round indoors. For best results, you’ll want to place your Lavender in a sunny spot that gets at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Remember, you can use an LED grow light to get consistent, full-spectrum light year-round if needed. Lavender prefers well-drained soil and adequate watering. Water the plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Lavender can also be utilized in herbal teas and aromatherapy practices like herbal bathing, herbal steaming, essential oil diffusers, hydrosols, incense, and natural skincare.

Eucalyptus is probably one of the most popular aromatic plants used for respiratory support and improving indoor air quality thanks to its powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. The Eucalyptus tree, native to Australia, is known for its distinctive crisp, clean, and camphor-like aroma, which originates from its striking blue-green leaves. Aboriginal Australians were the first to harness this plant’s medicinal properties, traditionally using Eucalyptus leaves to address a range of ailments, including colds, sore throats, congestion, respiratory issues, fevers, infections, wounds, and pain. Historically, Australians have even relocated near Eucalyptus forests to benefit from the health-promoting qualities of these trees.

Many cultures have traditionally used Eucalyptus incense smoke to disinfect and purify the air, helping to prevent illness. During World War I, Eucalyptus was extensively used as a general antiseptic and antimicrobial remedy, and it proved particularly beneficial in combating the influenza pandemic that followed the war. Due to its active aromatic compound, Eucalyptol, Eucalyptus is especially effective against respiratory infections, helping to fight off the common cold, flu, pneumonia, and other illnesses. Eucalyptus not only helps soothe symptoms but can also reduce the duration of illness. That’s why this aromatic plant is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter cold remedies and even Vicks VapoRub.

While less common, it is entirely possible to grow Eucalyptus indoors. Since it’s a tree, you’ll want to choose a smaller shrub variety that will do well in a medium to large-sized pot. Eucalyptus needs full-sun exposure, at least 6-8 hours per day, and prefers average, well-drained soil. Eucalyptus trees are drought-tolerant – they thrive in the dry Australian desert, after all – so they can be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

You can also bring Eucalyptus branch cuttings indoors and place them in water vases around your home to enhance the indoor air quality. One of my favorite ways to enjoy Eucalyptus is by hanging a fresh bunch of leaves in the shower, creating a spa-like aromatherapy experience. Eucalyptus is also excellent when used in various aromatherapy practices, including herbal steaming, essential oil diffusers, hydrosols, incense, and topical skincare.

Pine trees have a long history of use in both aromatic medicine and ritual traditions spanning many cultures for centuries. Pine needles and Pine resin are highly antiseptic and antimicrobial, which help cleanse and purify the air, reducing the amount of pathogens in the atmosphere. 

In addition to purifying the air, Pine needles and resin have also been traditionally used by many cultures to spiritually and energetically cleanse a space, person, items, or atmosphere. Pine has been traditionally used in Scotland as an incense to sain mothers and newborn babies to offer cleansing and protection. 

Each winter, the familiar scent of Pine fills homes around the world as countless trees are brought indoors to serve as the traditional Christmas tree. This practice has its roots in pre-Christian traditions from Scandinavia and Northern Europe, where evergreen trees were revered as symbols of eternal life and perseverance due to their everlasting nature and ability to retain their foliage throughout the winter. During Yuletide, Christmas, and the winter solstice, Pine branches were often brought inside and hung up to ward off evil spirits and provide cleansing, purification, and protection against winter illnesses. 

While it’s not common to grow Pine trees indoors, many people do so by choosing smaller varieties of Pine, or by growing bonsai Pine trees. Bringing a live Pine tree into your home each December can also help improve your indoor air quality. If you don't celebrate Christmas, you can still enjoy the refreshing scent of Pine by “decking the halls” with fresh Pine branches as winter decorations on counters, tables, and walls, or by creating a wreath from fresh Pine. 

The aroma of Pine needles and resin can also be enjoyed by practicing herbal steaming, allowing evergreen needles to steep in a big pot on the cooking stove or wood-burning stove during the fall and winter, using essential oil diffusers or hydrosols, or burning loose Pine needle incense or natural Pine resin.

In today’s indoor-centric world, the quality of the air we breathe is a vital aspect of our health and well-being. Fortunately, nature provides us with beautiful, natural solutions to enhance our indoor air quality. Aromatic plants offer a unique and dual-purpose solution for improving indoor air: not only do they beautify our living spaces, but they also act as natural air purifiers, contributing to a healthier and more harmonious environment. 

From creating a calming atmosphere to invigorating your space, these aromatic plants offer a variety of benefits beyond traditional houseplants. By incorporating plants like Jasmine, Rosemary, Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Pine into our homes, we can benefit from their ability to cleanse and revitalize the air, as well as their therapeutic properties that boost mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Whether you choose to embark on the rewarding adventure of growing aromatic indoor plants, simply burning them as incense, or utilizing an essential oil diffuser, their natural scents can transform your home into a sanctuary of fresh air and tranquility.

Article Written By Melissa Szaro

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2. Han KT, Ruan LW, Liao LS. Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jun 17;19(12):7454. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19127454. PMID: 35742700; PMCID: PMC9224521.


3. Azizi, S., Mohamadi, N., Sharififar, F., Dehghannoudeh, G., Jahanbakhsh, F., & Dabaghzadeh, F. (2022). Rosemary as an adjunctive treatment in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 49, 101685.

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*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are for educational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.