Ten plants that will help beat colds and insomnia, according to Nasa scientists

Turns out having green fingers is pretty good for your health

(iStock )

Nasa scientists have revealed that keeping certain types of plant in your home could actually prevent you from getting sick.

Along with avocado toast and pastel pink, millennials’ obsession with houseplants has driven a spike in sales and it turns out they could be on to something.

The presence of plants in the home can reportedly ease insomnia and improve your overall wellbeing. Experts say is because they reduce stress and anxiety and remove airborne pollutants.

Delving into research by Nasa and the American College, Elle Décor and The Joy of Plants have teamed up to find out exactly which houseplants you should be investing in, and come up with a list of ten types health-boosting foliage that could drastically change your life.

The first of which is Areca palm – a Madagascan plant that researchers say is ideal for anyone prone to colds and sinus problems because it releases moisture into the air, making it easier to breathe and sleep at night.

Similarly, aloe vera and English ivy are both recognised for their ability to purify air.

While the former fights chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, the latter was found to remove an impressive 78 per cent of airborne mould over 12 hours by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Ninth on Nasa’s list of 50 air-purifying plants, the Boston fern is also hailed for its ability to remove formaldehyde, as are Weeping Figs and Lady Palms.

Dubbed the easiest houseplant because it grows well in low light, the Chinese evergreen is said to remove more and more toxins over time, while the drought-tolerant Dwarf Date Palm is brilliant at removing indoor air-pollutants like xylene – a chemical found in many cleaning agents and varnishes.

For those who struggle with dust allergies, investing in an Insta-worthy spider plant is your best bet as it has been found to remove up to 90 per cent of toxins from the air in as little as two days.

Alternatively, it seems the beautiful peace lily does a whole lot more than spruce up your surroundings. This clever plant can actually improve air quality by 6 per cent and absorbs mould spores through its leaves, circulating them to its roots to use as food.