These days, we spend huge amounts on humidifiers or machines to help purify the indoor air that is often polluted by anything from paints and synthetic materials to dust. The end result is allergies such as asthma and sinusitis.

But nature has its own way of doing this – plants!

Although we have the benefit of good country air at Granny Mouse, we are all too aware that closing doors and windows to keep warm during winter can result in poor air circulation. To improve indoor air quality and add a dab of bright colour, we bring in fresh cut flowers and indoor plants.

Lush green leaves add a splash of freshness when it’s drab outside, while lovely winter bulbs such as daffodils, dahlias and cyclamens or exotic orchids can add a dash of bright colour. At the same time, they help purify the air.

The following are some indoor plants (rated according to ease of maintenance and effectiveness at purifying the air) from NASA’s studies. For more information, see B.C. Wolverton’s “EcoFriendly Houseplants.”

Azaleas

If you use low quality and toxic detergents and cleaners in your home, this plant can help filter the air in your kitchen.

English Ivy

This plant is useful in eliminating airborne fecal-matter particles. It is also great in a smokers’ environment as it is able to soak up carcinogens from second-hand smoke.

Peace Lily

Perfect for any laundry or bathroom, the Peace Lily specializes in the removal of mold spores. The plant itself does not require large amounts of water or sunlight to survive. In addition to mold, it is also known to remove formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. (Warning: Keep your kitty away from your Peace Lily as this plant is known to be extremely toxic to cats if they consume it.)

Bamboo Palm

The Bamboo Palm is recognized as one of the best at filtering out benzene and trichloroethylene. The bamboo palm is also great next to pieces of furniture that may be prone to off-gassing formaldehyde, another toxin it can naturally handle well.

Chinese Evergreen

What truly makes the Chinese Evergreen cool is the development of its effectiveness. The more time the plant spends in a space, the more effective it becomes at removing the air pollutants and toxins in the area.

Aloe Vera

The Aloe Vera plant is incredibly easy to grow and maintain and, like many of its counterparts, is wonderful for filtering out air pollutants and toxins.

Pelargonium

This beautiful flower cleans the air, removes unwanted odours, kills bacteria and also helps to keep moths away.

Spider Plant (Hen-en-Kuikens)

The Spider Plant requires natural light but shouldn’t be exposed directly to the sun. They sequester carbon monoxide so a kitchen is a great place for them.

Rubber Plant

This plant scores very highly in removing toxins and pollutants from the inside of homes. It is especially tough on formaldehyde.

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant does its work at night. It sucks in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during the night, helping people sleep better. Many choose to keep it in their bedroom or carpeted living room. It can even prevent the formaldehyde that leaks from carpets and wood furniture from hanging around in the air.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is a truly luxurious country hotel nestled in the heart of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands Meander, South Africa.

Having recently undergone a breath-taking transformation that has aligned the property with both international and local design trends and created glamourous new spaces, the Mouse House is not only a “home away from home,” but a sumptuous haven away from the rat race.

Join us at this serene and picturesque location along the Lions River and soak in our special combination of country ambience and modern comforts that are all around you in our well-appointed rooms, restaurants, spa and venues.

During our refurbishment, we gutted the Bistro dining area as well as the Mouse & Lion Bar to create a fresh new look for both areas. The Bistro renovation included the addition of a glass conservatory with stacking glass doors allowing for more seating and exquisite views of the stunning night sky or the rolling-green hills of the Midlands during the day.

A new deck was also added to the front of the dining and bar area, wrapping around to join the Caversham Room. The hotel’s main pool deck was upgraded to ensure a consistent flow from one area to the next.

Meanwhile, here’s a perfect winter warmer to try at home from Granny Mouse’s culinary artist Theo Mannie:

Beef Tagine

Ingredients

800g Beef Chuck, cubed
1 Onion, diced
1 Stick of Celery, diced
2 tbsp. Fresh Ginger, diced
30g Fresh Coriander, chopped
¾ tsp. Cumin Seeds
1 tsp. Coriander Seeds
½ tsp. Crushed Chilli
1 ¼ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 ½ tsp. Paprika
½ tsp. Ground Cardamom
½ tsp. Ground Ginger
½ tsp. Ground Turmeric
1 Chilli, chopped
4 tbsp. Tomato Paste
4 Large Tomatoes, chopped
1 litre Beef Stock
100g Prunes, deseeded
100ml Oil

For the Cous Cous

1 cup Cous Cous
1 tbsp. Paprika
1 tsp. Cinnamon Powder
1 tsp. Coriander Powder
½ Green Pepper, diced
½ Yellow Pepper, diced
½ Red Pepper, diced
3 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 ½ Cups Veg Stock

Method

In a casserole dish, sauté the beef in a little oil until it is golden brown on the outside but not cooked all the way through

Reduce the heat and add the onions and celery.

Sauté for a further 5 mins, until they become soft and translucent

Add all the dry spices, including the ginger and chilli

Continue to cook on low to medium heat for a further 3 mins before adding the chopped tomatoes.

Allow to simmer on low heat for a further 5 to 10 mins until the tomatoes begin to break down.

To this, add the chopped coriander and beef stock. Cover with a lid or with tin foil and cook in a preheated oven for 3 hours at 100 degrees.

In the meantime, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl, add the paprika, cinnamon powder, coriander powder and oil. Mix in well.

Bring the veg stock to a boil and then pour over the couscous and cover with cling film immediately. Leave to rest for about 10 mins or until the couscous has absorbed the stock and doubled in size.

With a fork, break the couscous until the grains have completely separated, and has become almost a rice like consistency. To this, add the chopped peppers.

Once the beef has cooked and is so soft it begins to fall apart, adjust the seasoning before adding the prunes and leave for another 5 min.

Serve the beef in a deep bowl and layer the couscous on top of it. Garnish with fresh coriander. This serves 4.