Did you know in the late 1980s, NASA did a study of common houseplants to see which varieties were best at purifying air inside space facilities? The study was a success and found very specific types of plants that cleaned the air of volatile organic compounds, or airborne chemicals. One of the plants is also one of the easiest to grow: aloe vera. Scientists found this succulent sucked up chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. And one bonus benefit of aloe vera? The inner gel of the plant can help heal cuts and soothe burns.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION