MHT (MINDFULNESS HORTICULTURE THERAPY)

My colleague Mojabeng and myself were strategizing on a new concept on

how to implement therapeutic crafting into clinics. Our findings and

research is fascinating which we’d like to share with you:

Imagine using gardening to change lives.

We work with plants and people to improve psychological health.

When patients check out of AKESO they go home with a plant!

Horticultural therapy involves the practice of growing and caring for plants

specifically for therapeutic reasons.

There are many time-tested benefits for anyone who participates in

horticultural therapy programs, including recovering addicts.

Impressive benefits of horticultural therapy

🍀 Benefits for Your Brain

🍀 Developing new skills

🍀 Increased vocabulary and communication ability

🍀 Pursuit of curiosity

🍀 Improved observational skills

🍀 Potential career training

🍀 Sensory and perception stimuli

🍀 Benefits for Your Mental Health

🍀 Greater sense of self-worth

🍀 More confidence

🍀 Physical activity provides a socially acceptable stress release

🍀 Promoting a sense of interest in the future

🍀 An outlet for creativity

🍀 Benefits for Your Body

🍀 Basic motor skills are developed

🍀 Time outdoors promotes overall well-being

Gardening is good for our mental health. Even something as simple as

having a plant on your desk can reduce stress and make you feel more

energized and able to think more clearly, and many that suffer from anxiety

or depression have found gardening and caring for plants to be

incredibly beneficial

Gardening provides many health benefits and may lessen your feelings

of anxiety. From bringing communities together to decreasing anxiety and

your risk of diabetes, gardening has been shown to have numerous health

benefits.

Scientists have discovered that the mycobacterium found in soil can

improve brain functions while boosting moods. The mycobacterium vaccae

found in the soil increases serotonin produced in the brain (also known as

the “happy” chemical). By getting your hands dirty, you're also making your

brain happy!

Gardening helps us relax and let go.

It enables us to escape from other people. 'Flowers are restful to look at.

They have no emotions or conflict,' said Freud. Tending to plants allows us

to tap into the carefree part of ourselves with no deadlines, mortgage or

annoying colleagues to worry about.

Brain health is impacted by gardening in many ways.

Many people notice that their concentration improves, and this helps them

recover more easily from mental fatigue. ... There is growing evidence,

however, that gardening provides wonderful opportunities to

build brain strength and improve mental clarity as well.

Peppermint

Peppermint has been found to lower frustration and also boost alertness.

Menthol, found in the plant, is commonly included in many bath products

as it helps to relax the muscles. Had a stressful day? Why not chop some

fresh peppermint into warm running water for a long soak.

Do plants help anxiety?

They reduce stress and anxiety.

According to a study published in the Journal of Physiological

Anthropology, active interaction with indoor plants (like touching and

smelling) can reduce physiological and psychological stress. What's more,

even the potting soil can help you keep a handle on daily stress and anxiety

Is gardening for old people?

Gardening is beneficial for older people because it: Is an enjoyable form of

exercise. Increases levels of physical activity and helps mobility

and flexibility. Encourages use of all motor skills.

Benefits of gardening for older people

Increases levels of physical activity and helps mobility and flexibility.

Encourages use of all motor skills. Improves endurance and strength.

Helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis

What are the advantages of gardening?

In addition to providing nutritious veggies and fruits for your dinner table

and beautiful flowers to decorate it, gardening offers a variety of health

benefits.

🌿 Exposure to vitamin D.

🌿 Decreased dementia risk.

🌿 Mood-boosting benefits.

🌿 Enjoyable aerobic exercise.

🌿 Helps combat loneliness.

Gardening for mental health | The best plants to use

Guy Barter, the chief Horticulturist at the RHS, has given tips on how to

build a sensory garden to improve mental health.

These are the plants he recommends.

🌳 Sight: Heuchera cultivars are available in many vibrant [leaf]

colours and shades from lime green to red and dark purple.

🌳 Sound: Greater quaking grass (Briza maxima) rustles in the wind

with nodding, lantern-like heads of flowers.

🌳 Taste: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has highly aromatic that

have long been championed to help improve memory.

🌳 Touch: Silver sage (Salvia argentea) large, silvery –white leaves

covered in cotton wool like down.

🌳 Smell: Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) has beautiful,

maroon flowers that give off a chocolate/ vanilla scent