What is the impact of cactus on humans? Is it safe to grow indoors?

The market currently has many different types of cacti such as claw cacti, three-corners cacti, emerald cacti, mini cacti…

This type of plant is loved by many people for its unique beauty and symbolism. The plant is incredibly resilient and can thrive in the harshest environments. Therefore, it does not require much care.

In terms of feng shui, many people believe that cacti should be avoided indoors as they emit negative energy and disrupt the feeling of love and harmony, affecting the flow of positive energy in the house. This belief stems from the characteristic shape of cacti, which has many sharp spikes.

However, in reality, planting cacti indoors can bring certain benefits.

Reduces stress

A study conducted in the US in 2010 confirmed that indoor plants can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and feelings of anger in humans. Many studies have also shown that indoor plants help reduce stress.

Cacti have a beautiful appearance and strong vitality, bringing positive meanings to people. Those who grow cacti do not have to spend much effort taking care of them.

Growing your favorite cacti indoors can enhance your work efficiency and make you feel happier.

Improves air quality

Plants help improve indoor air quality through their photosynthesis process. Growing plants indoors significantly improves the air quality in your home. This often leads to a better mood.

Cacti not only provide clean air for you to work efficiently but also help alleviate headaches. By planting cacti indoors, you can reduce more than 50% of air pollutants, particularly dust and accumulated bacteria.

Enhances memory

A psychological study conducted by the University of Michigan (US) revealed many surprising benefits that humans gain through interacting with nature. The interaction can be walking in the park, looking at plant photos, or growing plants indoors. Through interaction with nature, memory can be enhanced by up to 20%, resulting in improved work performance.

Growing cacti indoors is also a way to interact with nature.

Multiple health benefits

In traditional Chinese medicine, cacti have cooling properties, bitter taste, and the effect of cooling, removing toxins, and treating ulcers. Cacti are also a major ingredient in some remedies for back pain, sciatica, bone aches, etc. The types of cacti used to treat back pain are three-corners cacti and spine cacti.

A study conducted by the University of Vienna (Austria) showed that eating cactus leaves helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Through an experiment on 24 diabetic non-obese patients eating cactus leaves, their blood sugar levels decreased by 11%. French scientists also conducted an experiment on 68 women, having them eat cactus leaves for 4 weeks, and found that both cholesterol and fat levels decreased.

The active compounds in cacti slow down the growth of colon cancer cells, liver, breast, and prostate glands without harming healthy cells.

In addition, this plant has anti-inflammatory effects, enhances digestion, and protects brain cells.

Note that you should not use cacti for self-remedy. Exploring the benefits of this plant helps you know that cacti are beneficial plants, so if you appreciate their beauty, feel free to use them as decorations because cacti are not forbidden to be planted indoors as many people worry.