Nizha Periaswamy

Would you believe me if I said that certain plants can boost one's yoga practice?

These plants, when placed in a yoga practitioner's personal practice area or studio, can provide an oxygen-rich surrounding and positive energy to the practitioner.

According to NASA and scientific researches, plants can purify the air in our homes, by absorbing gases in the room through surface space on the leave. They can also synthesize light and turn it into energy. Plants also absorb carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen.

Below are some plants you should consider having in your yoga-practising space.

Holy Basil or Tulsi

This plant is considered sacred by the Hindus. Widely used in Siddha and Ayurveda medicines, this plant is also used in meditation. Often kept in temples and homes in India, tulsi has been proven by science to enhance cerebral circulation, protect the brain, and prevent high levels of corticosterone. The natural antioxidants in this plant also helps to fight excessive free radicals in the air.

Aloe Vera

This thorny plant is another good choice to place in your yoga space. It can not only be used as oinment to treat burns, cuts and wounds, but it is also a powerful air purifier. This plant needs very little sunlight, and thus, is suitable to be kept indoors. It is also an easy to grow plant as it needs very little "maintenance".

Snake Plant

Often confused with aloe vera, the snake plant has a striking deep green mottling hemmed in bright yellow. The sturdy and upright leaves of this plant offer any indoor area a lively look. Snake plant clean the toxins in the air and provides more oxygen, especially at night. If you are having yoga classes or breathing and meditations at night, this is the plant that needs to be in your practice space. Like aloe vera, the snake plant also needs very little care and is easy to grow.

Mint Plant

Some plants provide natural aroma to your space. When sunlight hits mint leaves, the latter's aromatic qualities can permeate the air. This gives your yoga studio or room a sense of freshness. Also an edible herb, mint are great plants to grow indoors due to their easy-to-care requirements. While you are practising yoga, pluck a couple of mint leaves and mix them into your drink for that fresh, calming feeling!

Spider Plant

If your yoga studio is in the middle of a polluted industrial area or a place with busy traffic, this plant is perfect for you. It is great at removing poisonous gases, as well as other impurities like formaldehyde and xylene. It does not need much attention and sunlight, a healthy spider plant can grow rapidly.

Chinese Evergreen

The beautiful big leaves of this plant helps to improve the air quality of your indoor space. Its ability to filter indoor air pollutants and toxins makes it the best choice to be placed in your yoga space. If you are conducting breathing and meditation lessons, choose this plant to beautify your space, and provide oxygen, which increase productivity and enriches your health.

There are many other plants capable of giving tremendous benefits to your indoor space, with minimal care and attention. They can increase one's mood, heal the body, provide calming effects, clean the air, among others.

If you are planning to have your own yoga space, consider getting these awesome plants.


Nizha Periaswamy is a yoga instructor and freelance writer.

Photo source: Pixabay