getting your hands dirty
Plant Therapy may sound like a new therapeutic fad to some but in reality it holds ties to ancient Mesopatomia. There is much to be said about working with your hands, connecting with nature, and watching the fruits of your labor flourish. The American Horticultural Therapy Association defines this type of therapy as “the engagement of a person in gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic treatment goals” (Undlin, 2022).
There are three key factors in plant therapy: a growing relationship between people and plants, human instinct to be interested in nature, and the positivity that radiates from green and colorful plants. Not only can this therapy help mentally (memory, brain cognition, and socialization) but also physically (stamina, muscle strength, and balance) (Undlin, 2022). Interestingly, there is a bacteria in soil that helps release serotonin which is a hormone that affects anxiety and depression. When there is a rise of serotonin in the brain then an individual’s mood begins to increase.
Simple ways to begin this practice is by starting with a regular walk… this will help you to recognize which types of plants you enjoy and would like to start working with. Then you can get houseplants, and try to get big leafy plants. There are also opportunities to volunteer at a local community garden. Below is a helpful list of other plants to help you get started!
1. Snake Plants – Scrub the air of airborne toxins that impact your sleep, mood and energy
2. Jade Plant – Cleanse the air of indoor pollutants from paint and cleaning products
3. English IVY – Divests homes of up to 94% of its mold in as little as 12 hours
4. Fern – Good Humidifier
5. Bamboo Palm – Natural Humidifier
6. Aloe Vera – Great for healing surface wounds and skin ailments
7. Basil – positively impact your blood pressure, mood and stress levels
8. Chinese Evergreen – Filters toxins from the air and emits oxygen
9. Flamingo Lilly – Purifies surrounds of airborne toxins like Formaldehyde, Ammonia, Toluene, and Xylene
10. Lavender – Relieving stress and anxiety
Resources: https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-plant-therapy/
—Madeleine