Perilla and snake plants offer nutritional and air-purifying benefits

Common household plants like perilla and snake plants offer various benefits beyond simple decoration.

Perilla leaves are noted for their nutritional value, containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene. Beyond being used as a culinary herb in soups or stews, the leaves can be boiled to create a herbal tea, as they contain rosmarinic acid.

Snake plants (Sansevieria) are recognized for their potential air-purifying qualities. NASA research conducted in the late 1980s identified the plant as capable of removing certain volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, from the air in controlled environments. However, experts note that while these properties are scientifically interesting, indoor plants should not be relied upon as a total replacement for proper ventilation.