05. What is horticultural therapy and how it can help mental health

Publication 5

What is horticultural therapy and how it can help mental health

Horticultural therapy or phytotherapy, describes a process of intentional use of plants and gardens in healing and restorative activities. These horticultural activities are designed to positively affect mood, self-esteem and enhance social interaction. 

Horticultural therapists are trained professionals who are knowledgeable in plant science, humanities, horticultural therapy and are experienced in its practice. Also, the term phytotherapy can also describe the utilization of the healing properties of herbs to provide solutions to the various health problems we face. In the present analysis, phytotherapy is studied as a psychological therapy practice in the context of mental health and is best described by the term horticultural therapy.

Horticultural therapy may include:

1) Practical psychotherapy: Activities such as planting in a pot or garden.

2) Participation, such as walking in a garden and relaxing in nature.

Phytotherapy activates multisensory experiences by engaging all the senses.

Historically: 

Phytotherapy is a relatively new discipline. Although, the recognition of the healing properties of nature and gardening dates back many centuries. In ancient Mesopotamia, and around 500 BC, the Persians created gardens to soothe the senses with beauty, fragrance, running water and cool temperatures. Also, in the late eighteenth century, hospitals and asylums encouraged patients to go to the gardens as a soothing distraction from their illnesses. In the 1940s, the U.S. government established veterans' hospitals to care for wounded soldiers. Working with plants in these hospital gardens, it was observed, resulted in remarkable improvements in their emotional, mental and physical health.

Eram Garden is a famous historical Persian garden in Shiraz, Iran.

How does nature help?

Natural environments can act as a positive distraction, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting health and well-being. 

For example, research has shown that viewing nature through a window had therapeutic benefits in post-operative patients. Those who saw the canopy of a large tree from their hospital beds had a better psychological state compared to those who saw a brick wall.

Spending time in nature or viewing plants and gardens through a window or even in photographs provides relaxation and restorative benefits. 

Numerous studies have reported that experiencing or being in view of nature, gardens and plants helps regulate emotions, reduces stress levels and promotes improved mood.

Example activities:

Some examples of phytotherapy activities include the following:

📌- Plant propagation, plant cuttings and seeds.

📌- Transplants to new pots. 

📌- Garden and plant observations.

📌- Flower arranging.

📌- Nature crafts.

📌- Garden club discussion groups (e.g. talking about past known gardens, seasons, learning Latin names of plants).

📌- Community outings (e.g. visiting public parks and gardens).

Spending time with plants has a positive effect on mood, self-esteem and enhances social interaction.

American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA). (2015). Definitions and positions. Retrieved from http://www.ahta.org.

Ulrich, Roger S. "View through a window may influence recovery from surgery." science 224.4647 (1984): 420-421.

Wong, P. W. C., Lau, B. H. P., Kwok, C. F. N., Leung, Y. M. A., Chan, M. Y. G., Chan, W. M., ... & Gu, D. (1997). Horticultural therapy.