Plants are more than just handy sources of fresh, nutritious food. They are also an extension of therapy for those suffering from mental illnesses. This form of therapy is called horticulture therapy.
There is ongoing research on whether gardening can be a therapeutic way to heal the mind. The process involving gardening to improve a person’s physical and mental health is called horticulture therapy. It has also been a prevalent and effective therapy since the Egyptian period. During that period, the physicians were already recommending walks around gardens. But, even now, therapists prescribe this therapy for people with depression.
Spending time in the garden with plants stimulates a person’s inner sense of fascination. Plants seize our attention involuntarily. It lets us take a break from the most stressful and arduous tasks that demand our direct attention.
Horticulture Therapy In Brief
In horticulture therapy, there is involvement of plants and plant-based activities. Human rehabilitation is the key purpose of this therapy. There has also been extensive research supporting the benefits of horticulture therapy. This is especially beneficial for those with mental, social, or emotional disabilities.
What Is The Science Behind Horticulture Therapy?
As you take part in horticulture therapy, you undertake a caregiving role. You get a broad sense of responsibility and motive by caring for your garden. Gardening is beneficial in enhancing motor skills, and it can even give respite to your innate soul. Research reveals this is due to being outside, spending time in the sun, and gaining vitamin D.
How Does Gardening Reduce Stress And Supports Mental Health?
Like everyday workouts or morning walks, gardening is also a hobby to add to your routine. When we plan a healthy routine, we are ready to experience several positive emotions. These can be joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment. As a result, you can relish good feelings the entire day.
Incorporating a new habit or altering your schedule might not be easy. But, to yield results, you need to carefully nurture your garden regularly. This motivates them to go out and relish the stress-relieving benefits of gardening every day.
Getting your hands dirty can be good for your mental wellness. Research also shows a link between soil bacteria and resilience to stress. To give clarity, it has been shown that the microbiota in our gut (microbiome) interacts with the mind. So, it aids in managing stress-related changes incurred in our behavior and brain function.
Horticulture Therapy’s Success
Presently, horticulture therapy is on an unimaginable elevation. For those suffering from mental health issues, it is a pioneer. The effectiveness of this therapy is shown by many success stories. These cover a diversity of populations and conditions:
Prison Rehabilitation
Many prisons worldwide are promoting horticulture therapy for the rehabilitation of prisoners. With gardening or plantation, there can be a productive outlet for creativity. This may help develop important skills and foster a sense of responsibility. Some studies exhibit a drop in the recidivism rates among those who participated in gardening programs.
Autistic Children
It has also been shown that horticulture therapy is helpful for autistic children. Gardening has a structured nature, and that helps in increasing focus and communication. It enhances sensory integration, as well.
Exposure to plants and soil gives a multisensory experience. This encourages a holistic development approach.
Rehabilitation Facilities
Horticulture therapy can also aid people recovering from surgeries or any addiction. Experts say that indulging in activities like harvesting reinforces motor skills and mobility. It also creates a sense of achievement that helps in recovery.
Veterans Healing Gardens
Horticulture therapy programs can help address problems such as PTSD and physical injuries. These are among the troubles faced by returning veterans, and horticulture therapy acts as an excellent solution.
In addition, the veterans who partake in gardening report a lower stress level and boosted mood.
Also Read: What Are The Horticultural Crops and How to Sell Them?
Does Being Outside Have Any Effect On Our Mind?
The time spent out lowers stress and anxiety levels. Along with that, according to research, spending time outside limits rumination.
What is rumination? Rumination is the act of thinking recurrently about ourselves and the problems that we are going through.
Researchers have also deeply analyzed the Japanese practice of forest bathing. It can lessen cortisol levels and trigger the nervous system’s relaxing reaction. So, it is found that some of the benefits of gardening may arise from just being close to nature.
Organic Food Is Nutritious And Good For Mental Wellness
Horticulture therapy connects you with what you eat. Packaged or processed foods are vastly popular, and many Americans do not know where their food comes from. This is mostly the case with children. But gardening can help kids and teenagers understand the source of their meals, bringing them closer to nature.
It can be less frightening for kids with eating disorders as now they are producing their own food. Also, it gives them a sense of control over the food they consume.
Studies show the benefits of having organic food over other foods. Planters or gardeners worldwide who do not use pesticides enjoy more mental health benefits from what they cultivate.
Organic foods have a higher concentration of antioxidants and other potentially beneficial compounds. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that help reverse mental illness. Some examples of these fruits and vegetables are:
Beets, Spinach, And Artichokes
These vegetables have tyrosine, which helps neurotransmitters ward off stress, and tryptophan. This keeps the hormones in balance and helps in the production of serotonin.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges have folic acid. The deficiency of folic acid may lead to depression. So, one should get enough of these fruits in your daily diet.
Cauliflower, Tomatoes, And Broccoli
All these vegetables are rich in vitamin B12 and other B vitamins. These vitamins are important for producing brain chemicals. These chemicals influence mood and other brain functionalities.
Conclusion
People can refocus their minds and bodies on certain behaviors with gardening. It can bring serenity, stimulate the senses, and elevate mood. Extensive research has been done to realize the effects of horticulture therapy.
If you are living with a mental health condition, it may be tough to manage your emotions. Horticulture therapy can help reconnect with nature and rebuild social connections. Gardening makes you learn how to take care of another living being. This gives you more confidence and sense of purpose. You can see a more positive image of yourself while managing your feelings.
Want to know more about horticulture therapy for mental health? Stay connected with Fall & Fallow. We aim to build a solid bond among plants and people. Let us together spread awareness, discover new ways of addressing plant blindness, and promote horticulture practices.