Lavender is famously known for its calming effects on people, and is perfect to keep at your desk or next to your bed to help promote a good night's sleep. "Lavender is a great anxiety fighter," explained Donna Letier, CEO and cofounder of Gardenuity, a direct-to-consumer garden kit brand. "The scent is known to slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure and stress levels. Having this special plant around also relieves some forms of depression".