Flower Power: Menstrual Cycle Mood Boosting Plants

Looking for ways to uplift your wellbeing during your period and beyond? We have one you might not have considered… the secret power of flowers. Yes, they brighten a room, but they are known to brighten your mood too, and there are plenty of times during your menstrual cycle where this could come in super handy. In fact, flowers have been found to have positive impacts that lasts for days, making them more beneficial than eating chocolate. We’re sold...

Why keep plants around?

The positive power of plants and flowers comes partly from their attractive colours and smells, but benefits can also be found just from the act of giving or receiving flowers. Consistently seeing and being around plants is thought to help people feel more calm and relaxed, and as a result, lower levels of anxiety. 

By caring for a plant, you can reduce the physiological and psychological symptoms of stress, as the act of caring for them is thought to suppress your sympathetic nervous system activity and promote feelings of comfort and relaxation. Also, being around plants is thought to spark creativity, and increase focus and memory by up to 20%. And if all that wasn’t enough, this study found that when a few houseplants were added to workspaces, employee productivity increased. Flower power indeed! 

Let’s get into some specifics. What plants should you keep around to benefit menstruation? 

Lavender 

Commonly associated with sleep (and for good reason), over the years lavender has been recommended for those with insomnia and other sleep disorders, and today many aromatherapists still use lavender oil to ease headaches, promote calmness, and reduce stress and anxiety. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine even found that topically applying lavender, plus sage and rose, could reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Time to dig out that lavender scented hot water bottle?

While there are lots of pillow sprays, microwavable bean bags, and other gizmos and gadgets to help you get the benefits of lavender, all you need is an actual lavender plant next to your bed. Yes, the O.G. lavender dispenser. If you struggle to sleep at certain times throughout your period, this could be exactly what you need to finally catch those Zs. 

Peace Lillies

Just looking at the gorgeous peace lily or saying it’s name out loud is sure to calm you down. This plant is known to clear toxins from the air, and is even thought to remove harmful ones like benzene, a known carcinogen. The peace lily is actually believed to improve air quality by as much as 60%, so this is more than just wellness folklore. 

Not only does it clear the air, but as the name suggests, the peace lily is thought to promote peace and relaxation by improving the flow of energy in your home. It has balancing qualities that could benefit you during your cycle when you’re feeling out of sorts. 

Snake Plants

Snake plants are easy to care for, and that low-maintenance can come in handy when you’re on your period and don’t feel like getting up to water them! They are thought to have the ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen throughout the night, so adding some of these plants to your home could help create a steady flow of oxygen, which has all sorts of wellness benefits - improved sleep being a big one, as well as improved energy levels. 

If you find your energy taking a nose dive at certain times during your cycle, for example during your period or after due to blood loss, don’t be afraid to go hang out with your snake plant, breathe in its goodness, and replenish those energy stores. 

Aloe Vera

Another one for the bedroom, aloe vera has many benefits that could come in handy at different stages of your cycle. It’s a great houseplant as it’s known to purify the air in the room, and while it won’t have the same power as an air filter, it could help detoxify to remove harmful chemicals and promote a restful night’s sleep. 

Plus, the leaves of aloe vera can easily be cut or popped off and used as a natural method of soothing skin wounds and inflammation. One study found that a cream combining acne medication with aloe vera gel was drastically more effective than a placebo or the medication alone, so if your hormonal acne gets out of control during your period, try rubbing a little of the juice from the aloe vera plant on red, irritated areas to soothe and calm your skin. 

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is often recommended for relaxation and to promote better sleep health, but the truth is you can get the same benefits when you keep the chamomile plant nearby. This plant contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which is known to affect receptors in the brain to reduce insomnia and in some cases even decrease blood pressure. 

Exposure to chamomile has been thought to alleviate symptoms of depression caused by sleeping issues, so it’s a great little flower to have around, especially if you find yourself suffering with regular low mood during your cycle. As always, if you are experiencing severe depression or anxiety that affects your life, you should see your GP for advice. However, if your symptoms are short-lived and manageable, these flowers and plants could provide that little mood-boost you need when menstruation’s got ya down. 

Have you added any flowers or plants to your home for their wellness benefits? Did you notice a difference in your mood or health? We’d love to know your experience, and if it helped. Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can ge organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, which gives you more time to care for your lovely new plant-babies!