Seen At 11: Struggling To Get Through The Cold Weather? Experts Say Get A Plant

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- The key to surviving the winter may be in a plant.

Got the winter blues? Get a plant. Tired of scratching your dry skin? Get a plant. Fighting too much with your spouse and kids? You guessed it, studies show you should get a plant.

"There is so much science to back up the power of plants, it's unbelievable," gardening expert Frankie Ferragine said.

Ferragine said it's been proven that plants can help both our physical and mental health.

"There are studied that show having plants around increases serotonin in our bodies. That increase in serotonin makes your feel better," Ferragine said.

Experts say the winter is the best time to reap the benefits of house plants, when the days are shorter and we're cooped up inside.

"I look at plants as like a humidifier and an air purifier," Ferragine said.

One recent study found just three small plants reduce toxic chemicals in a large room by as much as 70 percent.

"It's not undifferent from the idea of going outside and getting some fresh air," Dr. Jake Deutsch said.

Because plants are so good at cleaning the air, studies show they can help reduce our chances of getting a cold.

They can also help with itchy, dry skin.

"You're going to be watering them, as you water them, that water will evaporate putting humidity into the air," Ferragine said.

Plants can also help us be more productive at work, as much as 15 percent more productive, according to a new study out of Great Britain.

"It makes sense that an environment that is more cheerful, that is more pleasant to work in, allows people to work better," Dr. Deutsch said.

Dr. Deutsch likened the effects of plants in the workplace to that of pets and said that like pets, plants can help motivate us to get up and get moving.

"There is a nurturing aspect to that as well if you're a part of the process of tending to the plants. There's a benefit there," Dr. Deutsch said.

If you're worried about not having a green enough thumb, gardening experts say choose hardy house plants like Philodendron, Spider Plants, and Peace Lillies.

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