20 UNUSUAL USES FOR OLIVE OIL

20 UNUSUAL USES FOR OLIVE OIL

by Stephanie Rogers on November 16, 2011 in FOODlive oil glides into place as a must-have household and beauty product.

Life without olive oil would be sad indeed. Since antiquity, this miracle substance has been revered for its wonderfully fruity flavor, but it’s so much more than a healthy topping for salad and a heavenly dip for fresh-baked bread. Olive oil has dozens of unusual uses around the house, not to mention its powerful moisturizing and healing properties on the hair and skin.  Check out 20 reasons why you should never be caught without it.

Paint clean-up
When your hands are covered in paint, sap or any other sticky substance that’s hard to remove, try scrubbing them with olive oil and a little salt or sugar. The paint will come right off and your skin will be soft and exfoliated.
Eye makeup remover
Even the heaviest, drag-show-worthy makeup job can’t stand up to the removal power of olive oil. Dab a little on a cotton pad and your eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara – including waterproof formulas – will wipe right off.
Furniture polish
Olive oil helps remove dust from furniture and gives it a shine. Add a teaspoon to a quarter cup of lemon juice, and you’ve got a non-toxic, petroleum-free polish that also gently cleans wood surfaces.
Skin moisturizer
You might think using olive oil as a moisturizer would leave you with oily skin, but that’s not the case. Used in small amounts, it seeps in completely, eliminating dryness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles without clogging pores.
Shoe polish
What, exactly, is it in shoe polish that has such a headache-inducing smell? It could be any number of potentially toxic ingredients. Banish them from your house and use olive oil instead. Just buff onto your leather shoes with a cloth.

Hinge lubricant
WD-40 shouldn’t hold a monopoly on squeaky door hinges when simple, natural olive oil works just as well. Wipe it on with a cotton ball or use a spray bottle to lubricate the hinge and eliminate that annoying creak.
Bath oil
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and you’ve got a custom bath oil that will gently scent and moisturize your skin.
Stainless steel shine
Olive oil alone will buff stainless steel and brass surfaces to a brilliant shine. Just wipe off any debris and allow the surfaces to dry completely, then pour a little oil onto a clean, soft cloth. Buff in circular motions with firm pressure.
Smooth shave
Slick and moisturizing, olive oil will help your razor glide along your skin for a super-close, smooth shave with fewer nicks.
Throat soother
Got a big singing performance or speech coming up? Swallow a tablespoon of olive oil just before you step on stage and you won’t have to clear your throat nearly as often. This trick also works to soothe itchy throats and lubricate the back of the mouth and tonsil area, which may lessen snoring.

Hair treatment
Sure, you could buy a fancy commercially-prepared hot oil treatment for your hair – or you could just grab the bottle of olive oil that’s already sitting on a shelf in your kitchen. Apply a few tablespoons of warmed olive oil to damp hair, massage into the scalp and rub through the ends, then leave it on for thirty minutes to an hour. The oil will clean and condition the scalp, soften the hair and help the cuticles lay down flat for a sleek look.
Ear ache relief
A little warm olive oil is a fast, effective means of relieving painful ear aches. Just place the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, then pour a few drops into the affected ear. To cure ear infections, infuse the olive oil with a crushed clove of garlic, strain the garlic out and drip into the ear.
Sticker remover
Dab olive oil onto a sticker or label, let it sit for a few minutes and the sticker will peel right off. No scraping needed, no annoying residue left behind.
Lice treatment
Olive oil has long been a preferred natural treatment to eliminate dreaded head lice. It reportedly helps to dissolve the exoskeleton of these little parasites, and smother the ones that are resistant. Pour it on to dry hair liberally, comb out any visible lice with a nit comb and then leave it on under a shower cap for up to 8 hours. Follow by coating the hair in apple cider vinegar; leave it on overnight, shampoo as usual and then comb out any remaining eggs.
Hairball prevention
Nobody likes the sound of a cat loudly hacking up a hairball, especially since it always seems to happen when you’re trying to eat or sleep. Help it pass through your cat’s system more easily by adding 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil to his or her food each day.


Lamp fuel
A blizzard just hit, the power’s out and you realized that you’re out of batteries and candles. Do you just sit around in the dark? No, you grab that bottle of olive oil – because by now you should know that it’s an absolute essential in your life – and use it to fuel a lamp. You can purchase specially made olive oil lamps, or simply pour it into a glass jar, poke a hole into the jar lid and insert an oil lamp wick.
Chewing gum remover
Whether your child comes home from school with a mass of sticky pink bubble gum in her hair or you find yourself the victim of a wayward wad, you don’t have to resort to any crazy tricks or – gasp – scissors to get it out. Apply olive oil to the gum and the surrounding hair, leave it on for five to ten minutes and then pull the gum out.
Leather conditioner
Just as it cleans and restores leather shoes, olive oil can be used to re-condition cracked, dry leather items like baseball gloves, car seats and saddles. It takes a bit longer to fully penetrate the leather than most conventional conditioners, but it works.

Psoriasis and diaper rash treatment
Olive oil soothes itchy, burning, irritated skin and may help rashes heal. Apply it to a baby’s diaper rash or directly to any eruptions on your own skin for quick relief. Consuming olive oil on a regular basis may also be helpful in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.
Personal lubricant
Squeaky hinges aren’t the only parts that work better when lubricated. But just because you’re in the mood for some slippery fun doesn’t mean you should grab a tube of KY. There are lots of safe, natural alternativesto potentially toxic personal lubricants, but plain old olive oil will do the trick nicely – just avoid using it with latex condoms.

Music composers accuse Suneel Darshan

Filmmaker Suneel Darshan has been accused by  lyricists and music composers of his forthcoming venture Karle Pyaar Karle, for getting credited in the titles for Lyrics and compositions. Darshan says he is not happy with the accusations and will do whatever is needed.

Needless to say, the lyricists and composers are fuming over copyright issues, since sharing credit also means Suneel Darshan will stake a claim on the royalty amount.

Suneel explained, “I have been an active participant and contributor in writing lyrics and composing and mixing of songs, so why shouldn’t I take the credit? This is an allegation. I have been a strong contributor while the film’s music was being composed. I am not taking anyone’s credit nor have I done anything wrong.”

Suneel Darshan also says, “An agreement has been signed by the artists and he had given them a copy as well. So where all the confusion does arises from? And if they claim that I haven’t given them a copy of agreement then why haven’t they asked me for it. I don’t understand why they all have ganged up against me.”

Thought the artists claim that they have spoken to Film Writers Association, and are planning to take legal action if the matter doesn’t get resolved before the release of the film, on the other hand Suneel Darshan also confirms that he hasn’t received any calls or messages from FWA on the same.

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Excessive sweating is a common problem, especially of the palms, armpits and soles. It can be distressing and can have a serious impact on your life.

In some cases, affected people avoid social contact with others because of embarrassment about the problem. However, the condition is usually treatable.

What is excessive sweating?

Normal sweating helps to keep the body temperature steady in hot weather, during a fever, or when exercising.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) means that you sweat much more than normal. Even when you are not hot, anxious, or exercising, you make a lot of sweat.

Excessive sweating is classified into three types (as follows). It is important to know which type you have, as the causes and treatments are very different.

Primary (idiopathic) focal hyperhidrosis

This means that excessive sweating occurs in one or more of the following focal places: palms of the hands; soles of the feet; armpits (axillae); face/scalp.

You sweat normally on the rest of the body. It tends to be symmetrical - that is, both palms, both feet, both armpits, etc, are affected. The exact cause is not known and it is not associated with any other conditions. (The word idiopathic means of unknown cause.)

It just seems that the sweat glands in these areas are overactive or more sensitive than normal. In some people, it may run in the family so there may be some genetic factor involved in causing it.

It usually first develops under the age of 25, but it can develop at any age. Men and women are equally affected. It is common and affects about 3 in 100 people.

The severity can vary from time to time. It may come and go and can be made worse by triggers such as anxiety, emotion, spicy foods, and heat. Anxiety about the sweating itself may make it worse.

However, for most of the time, nothing obvious triggers the sweating. It tends to be a long-term condition, but symptomsimprove in some cases over time.

If you have the typical symptoms of primary focal hyperhidrosis, you usually do not need any tests. Your doctor may suggest one or more treatments (below) if normal antiperspirants do not work well.

Secondary focal hyperhidrosis

This is uncommon. It means that the excessive sweating occurs in a particular focal part of the body. But, unlike primary focal hyperhidrosis, there is a known or likely cause.

For example, a spinal disease or injury may cause sweating in one leg. Any focal sweating that is not symmetrical (that is, just in one hand, or one leg, etc) may suggest a secondary cause rather than primary focal hyperhidrosis which is usually symmetrical.

Your doctor may suggest some tests to look for an underlying cause if one is suspected.

Generalised hyperhidrosis

This means that you sweat more than normal all over. This is less common than primary focal hyperhidrosis. However, it is usually caused by an underlying medical condition.

A whole range of conditions can cause a generalised increased sweating. For example: anxiety disorders, various heart problems, damage to nerves in the spinal cord, side-effects to certain medicines, various hormonal problems (including an overactive thyroid gland), infections, certain cancers, etc.

If you have generalised hyperhidrosis your doctor is likely to examine you and do some tests to find out the cause. Treatment depends on the cause.

What are the possible complications of primary focal hyperhidrosis?

Although not a medically serious condition, excessive sweating can be distressing and embarrassing. For example, if you have bad palm sweating you tend to have a cold, sweaty handshake and sweat may drip from your hands on to work documents, on to computer keyboards, etc.

If you have bad armpit sweating, you may become embarrassed by the frequent wet patch that develops on clothes under your arms. You may need to change clothes during the day. You may avoid social contact or avoid doing sports because of embarrassment about the condition.

Other complications are uncommon. In some cases, the affected skin can become sore, irritated and prone to infection. There is a risk of developing eczema on affected skin.

Initial treatment options for primary focal hyperhidrosis

General tips and advice

The following may be all that you need if the condition is mild. They may help in addition to other treatments in more severe cases.

·         If you find that soaps irritate the affected skin, use a bland soap substitute such as an emollient (moisturiser) ointment or cream.

·         If possible, avoid triggers which can make things worse such as heat or spicy food.

 

·         If you have armpit sweating:

·         Try using normal antiperspirants regularly. (Note: there is a difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants reduce the release of sweat, deodorants mask unpleasant smells. Sweat does not have a smell. It is only sweaty clothes that are not changed that may become smelly.)

·         Avoid clothes that more easily show up sweat marks. As a rule, white and black coloured clothes are less noticeable when wet than other colours.

·         Wear loose clothing under the armpits. Avoid clothes made with man-made fibres such as Lycra® and nylon.

·         Consider using dress shields (also known as armpit or sweat shields) to absorb excess sweat and protect delicate or expensive clothing. These can be obtained via the internet

·         If you have excessive feet sweating, it can help to:

·         Change your socks at least twice a day.

·         Use an absorbent foot powder twice daily.

·         Wear a different pair of shoes on alternate days. This allows them to dry fully.

·         Avoid sport shoes or boots. These are often less breathable than normal shoes are, so are more likely to keep the sweat in.

Aluminium chloride - a strong antiperspirant

If normal antiperspirants do not work, it is worth trying an antiperspirant that contains aluminium chloride. This is a strong antiperspirant.

It is thought to work by blocking the openings of the sweat ducts. It tends to work best in the armpits. However, it may also work for sweating of the palms and soles.

Although it may also work on the face, some doctors do not recommend using this on the face as it may cause severe eye irritation if it gets into an eye.

There are several brands of aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants. For example: Driclor® and Anhydrol Forte® come in a bottle with a roll-on applicator.

ZeaSORB® is a dusting powder that contains aluminium chloride. You can buy these at pharmacies. Some are also available on prescription. It is important to use aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants correctly.

Read the instructions that come with the product you use. These usually include the following:

·         Apply to clean, dry skin. (It is more likely to cause irritation on wet or moist skin.) Therefore, wipe the skin dry with a towel or dry flannel before applying. Some people use a hair dryer to make sure the skin is dry before applying.

·         Ideally, apply at night (bedtime) when the sweat glands are less likely to be as active.

·         Wash it off the next morning.

·         Do not shave the area 24 hours before or after use.

·         Avoid getting it in the eyes, and do not apply on broken or inflamed skin.

·         Some doctors do not recommend that you apply this treatment to your face.

·         Apply every 24-48 hours until the condition improves. Then apply once every 1-3 weeks, depending on response. (It may take a few weeks to build up its effect. This is because it is thought to gradually clog up the sweat gland which causes a gradual reduction in sweating.)

·         If successful, treatment can be continued indefinitely. You may only need to apply it once every 1-3 weeks to keep the sweating under control.

Note: aluminium chloride antiperspirants often cause skin irritation or inflammation. If this occurs, it is often still worth persevering if the irritation is tolerable as the benefit may outweigh the irritation.

To reduce the effects of any skin irritation or inflammation that may occur:

·         Reduce frequency of use, and/or

·         Apply an emollient (moisturiser) every day after applying the aluminium chloride, and/or

·          

·         Apply a short course of a mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% to the affected area twice daily for a maximum of 14 days. (Steroid creams reduce inflammation.)

Other treatments for primary focal hyperhidrosis

If the above general measures and antiperspirant treatments do not work, your doctor may suggest that they refer you to see a dermatologist (a skin specialist). The specialist may suggest one of the following treatments.

Iontophoresis

This is a treatment that uses electrical stimulation. It is used mainly to treat sweating of the palms and/or soles. It can also be used to treat armpit sweating. It works well in most cases.

Treatment involves putting the affected areas (usually hands and/or feet) into a small container filled with water. A small electrical current is then passed through the water from a special machine.

It is not dangerous, but may cause some discomfort or a pins and needles feeling. The exact way this helps to treat sweating is not known. It may help to block the sweat glands in some way.

You will usually need 3-4 treatment sessions per week. Each treatment session lasts 20-40 minutes. Most people see an improvement after 6-10 sessions. A maintenance treatment is then usually required once every 1-4 weeks to keep symptoms away.

If the treatment does not work with tap water, a drug called glycopyrronium bromide is sometimes added to the water. This may improve the rate of success.

However, iontophoresis does not work in every case. Also, some people develop side-effects from the treatment, such as a dry or sore mouth and throat, and dizziness, for up to 24 hours after each treatment episode.

Until recently the downside to iontophoresis was that it required a trip to hospital for each treatment session. This can be time-consuming and impractical for some. However, modern machines are smaller and can now be bought for home use.

So, if you find that this treatment works for you, you may wish to consider buying a machine to use at home. However, you should take advice from the specialist who recommended iontophoresis for you before you buy a machine.

You should not have iontophoresis if you are pregnant, or have a metal implant (such as a pin to fix a fracture), or if you have a pacemaker.

Botulinum toxin injections

This is an option that usually works well for armpit sweating. Treatment consists of many small injections just under the skin in the affected areas.

The botulinum toxin stops the nerves in the skin that control the sweat glands from working. Botulinum toxin is not licensed to treat sweating of the palms and face.

This is because there is a risk that the injections may stop some of the nearby small muscles of the hands or face from working.

The downside of botulinum toxin is that the effect usually wears off after 4-12 months. Therefore, to keep working, the treatment needs repeating when the effect wears off.

Some people get mild flu-like symptoms for a day or so after treatment. Also, the sites of the injections can be sore for a few days after treatment. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur after an injection. It is also very expensive and not usually available on the NHS.

Medication

Medicines that block the effect of the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands are sometimes used. For example, propantheline bromide. These medicines are not used very often.

This is because the success of these medicines is variable. Also, side-effects commonly occur - for example, a dry mouth and blurred vision. However, for some people they work well and side-effects are minor.

Surgery

An operation is an option for people who have not been helped much by other treatments, or if other treatments cause unacceptable side-effects or problems.

For armpit sweating - an option is to remove the sweat glands in the armpit. There are various techniques. For example, one operation is to cut out the area of skin in the armpit that contains the sweat glands.

This usually works to reduce sweating, but a number of people have had problems after this operation due to scarring and a loss of the full range of movement of the arm.

A newer technique is to scrape the sweat glands from the underside of the skin through a small hole cut in the skin. This appears to give good results with less risk of complications.

A recent innovation has been to use a laser to destroy the sweat glands in the armpit - laser sweat ablation (LSA). This may result in less scarring than other surgical techniques.

For palm sweating - an option is to have an operation to cut some of the nerves that run down the side of the spinal cord. These nerves control the sweat glands in the hands.

The operation is called a thoracoscopic sympathectomy. It is done by keyhole surgery, using a special telescope to locate the nerve, and then to cut the nerve. Most people are pleased with the result of the operation.

However, a complication that often occurs following this operation is a compensatory increase in sweating in other parts of the body (such as in the chest or groin).

This can be worse than the original problem in the hands. Because of this effect, a number of people who have this operation say that they regret having it done.

Before you undergo surgery, you should have a full discussion with the surgeon. He or she will explain the pros and cons of the different surgical techniques, chance of success (usually high), and possible risks and complications.

For example, as with any other type of surgery, there is a small risk from the anaesthetic. Also, wound infection and damage to other nearby structures, although uncommon, are other possible complications.

Surgery is not usually done for sweating of the soles. Although cutting the nerves next to the spinal cord in the lower back region may cure the problem of sweating, there is a high risk of this also affecting sexual function.

An Incredible feeling!

AnIncredibleFeeling
-- Steve Goodier

Newscaster Paul Harvey once told about a woman who called the Butterball Turkey Company and said that she had a turkey that had been in her freezer for 23 years. She asked if it was still any good. She was told that if her freezer was at least zero degrees Fahrenheit, then the turkey was probably safe enough to eat. But they wouldn’t recommend that she eat it. The flavor would have deteriorated considerably. She said, “That’s what we thought. I guess we’ll just give it to the church.”
   
I suppose there are many reasons we choose to give. But people who enjoy sharing with others the most do not share simply because they have a need to get rid of something. Those who find the greatest joy from giving have learned to give from a deeper place; they give from their hearts.
   
Santa Claus is becoming a universal symbol of giving. Millions of children write letters to Santa each year in hopes that they won’t be forgotten during his annual giving spree. Did you know that the US Post Office actually found ways to answer those letters to Santa Claus? They used to just stick them in the so-called dead letter box. But now some cities have programs that allow people to sort through these hand-written pleas, hopes and wishes and become “Santas” to others in need. They choose a letter and respond however they can. Most anyone can play Santa.
   
One letter that might have been discarded a few years ago, but was picked up by a volunteer Santa Claus, came from a boy named Donny. He wrote that he wanted a bike for Christmas and “some food and what I really need is love.”
   
Another volunteer Santa latched onto a letter from a young mother who wrote, “I lost my job...and I cannot afford to give my two children the things they need for the winter months.” That generous spirit helped with some necessities for the children.
   
“I like to go to their home on Christmas Eve,” one joyful Santa said. One year he bought presents for four children and a ham for their mother. Then he added this poignant observation: “The feeling you get is just incredible.”
   
I admit it – I don't always get that feeling when I give. But then I don't always give out of untainted motivations. Sometimes I give from other places. Sometimes I give out of social obligation or out of guilt. Or I give with an expectation for receiving back. But I give best when I give from that deeper place; when I give simply, freely and generously, and sometimes for no particular reason. I give best when I give from my heart.

And isn't it true? Opportunities to give from the heart are not limited to a particular holiday season or cultural tradition. Whether we give food, money, an hour of time or a hug, we can give it sincerely and joyously.

But let me offer a word of caution. If you choose to give from your heart, be careful. The most incredible feeling might just overwhelm you. And if you continue in this behavior, that feeling may become permanent.

Types of Houseplants
That Clean Indoor Air

Why invest in expensive electrical air purifiers when you could purchase a few types of houseplants to clean and filter the air naturally and inexpensively?

Photo Credit
 244K 

Much of the research on these beneficial houseplants has been done by NASA scientists researching ways to create suitable space station habitats. All indoors plants (flowering or not) are able to purify indoor air to some degree through their normal photosynthesis processes. But some were found to be more beneficial than others in removing harmful household toxins, even removing 90% of chemicals in the air in only twenty-four hours!

The three main household toxins of concern are:

• benzene
• formaldahyde
• trichloroethylene

These carcinogenic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of synthetic substances and materials and are off-gased from new materials for some time (up to several years, depending on the material of product in question). Benzene can also be emitted from gas ranges during use, making some types of houseplants below great for use in the kitchen.

This means these types of houseplants may just decrease your risk of cancers, asthma, allergies, auto-immune disorders and other diseases.

Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Plants

Below you'll find the common name and botanical name of each plant, its benefit to you and your home and a few ideas of the type of care it needs.

Along with a corresponding photo and the following tips, you can decide which plant is best for your home.

• Choose one 10- to 12-inch potted plant per 100 square foot of your home for the most effective air purification.
• Cross-reference several care guides to check for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• Because common names can very, be sure to cross-reference the botanical name of any plant you get to ensure it will do the job you need it to do.
• Consider where you might place your plants and the amount of sun they will receive to ensure your plant will thrive in that area.
• Make note of the water needed and write it on a calendar so that you can keep the watering schedules balanced.
• Periodically dust the leaves of each plant with a damp cloth to ensure proper absorption of air particles and toxins.
• Keep their soil replenished with rich compost or compost tea. Avoid non-organic or synthetic fertilizers.
• Whenever possible, capture rainwater for your plants. All types of houseplants thrive best with natural sources of water.

IMPORTANT: Please note that these houseplants are good for purifying air, but that doesn't mean they are safe for pets or kids who like to put things in their mouth. Check out this list for more details, read the descriptions of each plant and do some research on any plant you bring into your home.

Nineteen Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air

The following list of beneficial types of houseplants should get you started in finding the right plants for your home.

Common Name: Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Photo Credit

Benefits: Not only can it be used for burns on the skin, it is also known to remove formaldahyde from the air.

Notes: Needs well-drained soil with slight drying between waterings, full sun is best with protection from high heats. Although largely known for its healing properties, it is considered to be an irritant to some.

---

Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Photo Credit

Benefits: General air purifier, especially as it grows larger. It's known for being one of the better performers in purifying the air.

Notes: Moderately drought tolerant and prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.

---

Common Name: Baby Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia or Ficus robusta

Photo Credit

Benefits: These houseplants clean the air by emitting high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde or other toxins.

Notes: Likes filtered light, infrequent watering and rich soil. I've found conflicting information as to whether or not this plant contains any poisonous parts.

---

Common Name: Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm
Botanical Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii

Source: Bamboo Palm Tree

Benefits: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and prefers to remain moist but not too much and doesn't like sitting in water.

---

Common Name: Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata Bostoniensis

Photo Credit

Benefits: Said to act as a natural air humidifier, removes formaldahyde and is a general air purifier. Said to be among the best in air purifying houseplants.

Notes: Likes bright light and damp soil but can be tolerant of drought or partial light.

---

Common Name: Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema sp.

Photo Credit

Benefits: Emits high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde, benzene or other toxins.

Notes: Does well with full shade and good draining; variegated plants need more sunlight. The sap of this plant is considered poisonous and is an irritant.

---

Common Name: Corn Cane or Mass Cane
Botanical Name: Dracaena massangeana or dracaena fragrans Massangeana

Photo Credit

Benefits: Known for removing formaldahyde and known generally as one of the houseplants that clean the air.

Notes: Does great with low light and low water.

---

Common Name: Dwarf/Pygmy Date Palm
Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii

Source: Pygmy Date Palm Tree

Benefits: Said to remove formaldehyde and xylene (a chemical found in plastics and solvents) from the air.

Notes: Loves lots of sun, moist soil and warm water.

---

Common Name: English Ivy
Botanical Name: Hedera helix

Photo Credit

Benefits: It's known for removing the chemical benzene, a known carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, detergents, pesticides, and the off-gasing of other synthetic materials, is said to be fantastic for asthma and allergies and also removes formaldehyde.

Notes: Can be invasive, making it great for a potted plant.

---

Common Name: Ficus alii
Botanical Name: Ficus maeleilandii alii

 Source: www.O2foryou.org

Benefits: Said to be a great overall air purifier.

Notes: These types of houseplants love indirect sunlight; be careful not to overwater. Those with allergies to latex may react to this plant!

---

Common Name: Gerbera Daisy
Botanical Name: Gerbera sp. or Gerbera jamesonii

Photo Credit

Benefits: NASA says this plant is fantastic at removing benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical. It also absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight, which is said to improve your sleep!

Notes: Likes bright light

---

Common Name: Golden Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum syn. Scindapsus aureus

Photo Credit

Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants great for removing formaldhyde. Also known for removing carbon monoxide and increasing general indoor air quality.

Notes: Needs less water in colder temps and partial sun.

---

Common Name: Janet Craig
Botanical Name: Draecana deremensis

Photo Credit

Benefits: Lady Palm is said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.

Notes: Prefers indirect sunlight, and watering without fertilizers.

---

Common Name: Kimberly Queen Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata

Source: plant-care.com

Benefits: These types of houseplants clean formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene out of your home.

Notes: Prefers bright but indirect sunlight, with dry soil between waterings (but not dry for too long).

---

Common Name: Lady Palm (plus 10+ varieties)
Botanical Name: Rhapis Excelsa

Photo Credit

Benefits: These types of houseplants are said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.

Notes: Prefers partial sun all day and shade in the winter, with more frequent water in hotter months, but never allow to sit in water or be overwatered.

---

Common Name: Marginata or Dragon tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata

Photo Credit

Benefits: Known for purifying the air of the carcinogen, benzene, commonly found in the off-gasing of synthetic materials, ciagerette smoke and other household chemicals. Also known for removing formaldahyde, xylene (found in varnishes, paints and paint thinners) and trichloroethylene (found in solvents) from the air.

Notes: It requires little attention, tolerates dry soil and irregular watering and prefers no direct sunlight. It is, however, susceptible to fluoride toxicity (so fluoridated water sources may need to be avoided).

---

Common Name: Moth Orchid
Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis

Photo Credit

Benefits: Said to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldahyde commonly off-gased from paints, solvents and other synthetic materials.

Notes: Thrives in high humidity, lots of light (but not hot, mid-day sun) and thorough waterings with, unlike many types of houseplants, almost complete drying out between.

---

Common Name: Mums
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum sp. or Chrysanthemum morifolium

Photo Credit

Benefits: Very effective at removing benzene, a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) associated with most chemicals, plastics, cigarettes and off-gasing. Also removes trichloroethylene (found in solvets and cleaners), formaldehyde and ammonia.

Notes: Likes partial sun, and lots of water. Although they're among the houseplants that clean the air, they only flower once and are generally annual plants, especially when planted outdoors.

---

Common Name: Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum sp.

Photo Credit

Benefits: Known for removing benzene, a common household chemical and known carcinogen. It's also said to remove mold spores in the air, making it great for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms; purifying the air of trichloroethylene, a chemical found in cleaners and solvents; and removing alcohols, acetone, and formaldehyde.

Notes: Easy to care for, it prefers lots of water, less often and bright, indirect light.

---

Common Name: Philodendron
Botanical Name: P. cordatum, P.scandens or P. selloum

Photo Credit

Benefits: Also noted by NASA among the best tyoes of houseplants for removing formaldahyde, especially higher concentrations.

Notes: Philodendrons are considered poisonous, so keep out of the reach of children and pets.

---

Common Name: Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata

Photo Credit

Benefits: Found by NASA to absorb toxins, such as nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.

Notes: It tolerates low light levels and irregular watering (and needs only a few waterings throughout winter).

---

Common Name: Schefflera, or Umbrella Tree
Botanical Name: Brassaia actinophylla

Photo Credit

Benefits: Said to remove benzene (a carcinogenic substance) from the air.

Notes: Can be toxic to pets and children. Prfers bright but indirect sun and lots of water and humidity.

---

Common Name: Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum

Photo Credit

Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities.

Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and lots of water while growing.

---

Common Name: Warneckii or Dracanaena warneckei
Botanical Name: Dracaena deremeusis or Dracanea deremensis warneckei

Photo Credit

Benefits: Known for removing trichloroethylene, a chemical found in many solvents, dry cleaning solutions and refrigerants. Also said to remove benzene, a carcinogene.

Notes: Moderate sun and water needs, but, like most types of houseplants, dislikes sitting in water. Avoid fluoridated water sources.

---

Common Name: Weeping Fig or Ficus Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina

Photo Credit

Benefits: Known to remove common airborn toxins and increase oxygen levels.

Notes: Prefers bright light and sun, but is also shade-tolerant. Moderate water needs for these types of houseplants.

Reader Questions

I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor. The people below me smoke. It comes through the air vents (I think) in the bedroom and bedroom bathroom. The bathroom gets absolutely no light. The bedroom has a large window facing southeast but also gets late afternoon sun. What kind of plants might survive in the dark shower/toilet area? What plants for very indirect lighting in the sink and dressing area? What plants for the bedroom? (For the moment I have open baking soda containers in each area.) Thank you so very much. - Susan S.

Hi Susan! I'm so sorry to hear about this. What a yucky situation. All plants need at least some light, but from my own personal experience the plant that has been the best for us has been Philodendron (a pic of which can be found above). We've had it in some really low light situations and it still lived (although didn't thrive until it gone a little more light). What you might find necessary though is to take your plants and outdoors for a few hours or place it in a full sun window, doing either 1-2x a week.

If that doesn't work it may well be worth it in this scenario to invest in an air purifier (or even a grow light for hydroponic plants that you can use a coupe hours a day, perhaps on a timer). I'd also highly recommend looking into local laws as I do believe that the apartment management may be liable by law to better seal the vents or air exchange between apartments for this reason. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Looking for more ways to purify the air?

Sometimes we need a little boost in the air. Maybe the flu is going around, or you've recently painted and you want to purify the air.

Purify essential oil is made up of six high-quality essential oils that have been shown to remove odors from the air, and disinfectant and remove harmful airborne micro-organisms. It includes lemon (antiseptic and antiviral), lime (antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic), pine (antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-infectious), citronella (antiseptic, deodorizing, sanitizing and purifying), melaleuca (antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic and antiviral) and cilantro (uplifting and refreshing).

This oil blend can be easily diffused or added to a pan of hot water to make airborne. You can also add it to cleaning products, washing machines, or create a room spray with distilled water.