Mother-in-law’s Tongue Health Benefits

Have you heard about the unique plant known as the Mother-in-law’s Tongue and its many benefits? Unlike most plants that are solely used for decoration, the plant has both aesthetic and health purposes. Its scientific name is sansevieria trifasciata, and it is also known as the snake plant in various regions. Originally from Asia and Africa, the plant has evergreen tongue-shaped leaves that resemble artificial foliage.

The Mother-in-law’s tongue plant gets its name from its physical appearance, as its leaves have a unique shape with sharp nodes that resemble a tongue. However, its distinctive appearance is not the only remarkable thing about this plant, as it also has numerous health benefits.

See, 12 Fast Growing Fruit Trees and Benefits And Care Of Indoor Plants

Health benefits

The Mother-in-law’s tongue is a plant with hundreds of health benefits; it plays a role in improving your overall health.

• Reduces blood sugar level

Diabetes is a painful condition because this condition promotes other health issues. The Mother-in-law’s tongue plant extract is good for diabetic patients because it helps to lower blood sugar level.

In a study by mauhibah yumna and co-workers, it was proven that Mother-in-law tongue extract is effective for diabetic patients.

• Purify Air

Mother-in-law’s tongue is an excellent air-purifying plant that removes harmful pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. This makes it an ideal plant to have in your home or office. A NASA report showed that Mother-in-law’s tongues are good for cleaning the Air in your house.

According to studies, the Mother-in-law’s tongue plant removes toxins from the Air, such as formaldehyde and benzene, and makes your Air suitable for you.

If you live near a factory or a well-polluted area, you must have Mother-in-law’s tongue planted at your home.

Mother-in-law’s tongue removes harmful air pollutants. In addition to it, it resorbs cancer-causing pollutants like

• Co2
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• Trichloroethylene

• Reduce allergy

• Provides oxygens

Mother-in-law’s tongue requires extreme heat and drought for growth, and it has a unique breathing system that provides fresh air in the house.

In addition, Mother-in-law’s tongue is known for its ability to improve respiratory health by releasing oxygen at night and removing carbon dioxide, which can help people with breathing problems. If you live in a congested or small home,

it is recommended as a houseplant for those living in congested or small homes to help maintain a healthy oxygen level.

• Improve the mental health

Various factors can lead to mental health issues, which are prevalent in many people. Fortunately, the Mother-in-law’s tongue plant can assist in alleviating conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. In fact, a 2018 study revealed that Mother-in-law’s tongue plants have positive effects on mental health.

Furthermore, the Mother-in-law’s tongue also has therapeutic benefits, making it a popular choice for horticultural therapy. While there are various treatment options available for mental health issues, growing a Mother-in-law’s tongue plant is a simple and cost-effective option. These plants are harmless, easy to maintain, and can improve the overall environment.

Whether in offices, schools, or medical facilities, this plant is an excellent choice for enhancing mental well-being.

• Improve sleep

Mother-in-law’s tongue, also known as Sansevieria, is a plant that releases oxygen at night, which is a unique characteristic. This process, known as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), is the opposite of photosynthesis, which is how plants typically produce oxygen during the day. By releasing oxygen at night, the Mother-in-law’s tongue can improve the air quality in the room where it is located.

In addition to improving air quality, the release of oxygen from the Mother-in-law’s tongue can also have a positive impact on sleep quality. Oxygen is essential for healthy sleep, and having a good oxygen supply in the bedroom can lead to better sleep. Research has shown that the presence of plants in the bedroom can lead to better sleep quality, and the release of oxygen from the plant may be a contributing factor.

Furthermore, the Mother-in-law’s tongue can also help reduce snoring and sleep apnea. Poor air quality can cause narrowing or blockage of airways during sleep, worsening conditions such as snoring and sleep apnea. The plant can improve air quality and oxygen supply in the bedroom, potentially reducing these conditions and promoting better sleep for sufferers.

• Skin Health

the gel from the leaves of Mother-in-law’s tongue has been used to treat minor skin irritations such as cuts and burns. The gel contains several bioactive compounds, including saponins, phenolic compounds, and polysaccharides, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

The anti-inflammatory properties of the gel can help reduce swelling and pain associated with minor skin irritations. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the gel can help prevent infection in the affected area, while the antioxidant properties may help promote faster healing of the skin.

• Relieve headaches

There is some evidence to suggest that the fragrance of Mother-in-law’s tongue may have a positive effect on headaches, specifically migraines. Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, studies have shown that certain triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, and strong smells, can increase the likelihood of an attack.

One study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience investigated the effects of fragrances, including the fragrance of Mother-in-law’s tongue, on migraine patients. The study found that the fragrance of Mother-in-law’s tongue had a positive effect on the patients, as it helped to reduce the frequency and intensity of their headaches.

Researchers believe that the fragrance of Mother-in-law’s tongue may have a calming effect on the nervous system, which could potentially lower the risk of experiencing a migraine attack. It is also crucial to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical conditions or symptoms.

How to take care of a mother in law tongue plant?

The Mother-in-law’s tongue plant is a great choice for your home garden, as it can thrive in both pots and on the ground. One of the best things about this plant is that it is low-maintenance and easy to care for.

If you decide to have a Mother-in-law’s tongue plant in your bedroom or home garden, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure its health and growth.

• Avoid over-watering

As you may already know, over-watering can be detrimental to plant growth. Therefore, it is important to avoid over-watering your Mother-in-law’s tongue plant. To achieve this, it is recommended to plant the snake plant in a well-drained pot to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy growth.

• Avoid direct sunlight

The  plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight, and it thrives in partial sunlight. Therefore, it is important to keep your plant away from direct light to ensure healthy growth.

• Don’t overuse fertilizer

While fertilizers can be beneficial for plants, the Mother-in-law’s tongue is a plant that does not require frequent fertilization. If you find that your plant is not growing or looking healthy, it is recommended to fertilize it only once or twice a year.

• Keep it at a normal temperature

It is recommended to maintain a temperature range below 10 degrees Celsius for Mother-in-law tongue plants.

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Conclusion

Mother-in-law’s tongue, which is native to Africa and America, offers numerous healing benefits. It is an excellent air purifier that eliminates harmful substances such as toluene, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. Additionally, it can relieve headaches and congestion, reduce inflammation, and aid in wound healing.

Moreover, it is considered to have properties that provide oxygen and moisture, creating a fresh environment. Therefore, growing this plant in your home can offer many advantages.

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