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South of Boston |
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GOOD ALTERNATIVES HOMEGROWN HEALING Plants can make you healthier, happier 
A number of studies link indoor plants to reductions in stress, fatigue, and illness. Here's your room-by-room guide to greenery. Kitchen – Grow rosemary. You can minimize your coffee dependency by raising rosemary; the aroma improved alertness in a British study of 144 people. To keep the plant thriving, make sure it gets sun, and mist the leaves with water every few days to keep the soil slightly moist. Bedroom – Plant lavender. Several studies show that lavender is nature's sleep aid. To grow your own, sprinkle seeds in a south-facing window box in a cool, bright room, and water sparingly. Your room lacks sun? Plant lavender elsewhere, then put the dried blossoms by your bed. Home office – Try blooming plants and a touch of green. When productivity is key, get colorful. Researchers found that volunteers who kept a vase of vibrant flowers on their desks, along with green plants elsewhere in the office, generated more creative ideas than those in a place lacking vegetation. Den – Keep fresh-cut flowers. Spending time with friends is America's second most popular leisure activity, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. First is watching TV. For those social occasions, add a bright bouquet to the den or living room. When scientists gave 122 people a cheery Gerber daisy, a pen, or nothing to take with them on an elevator, they found that the flower folks were most talkative. As a centerpiece, a colorful arrangement may work the same. - Rodale Copyright 2006. All rights reserved by New York Times Syndication Sales Corp. This material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner. |
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