The therapeutic effects of tending plants had been recognized as early as the 19th century by the "Father of American Psychiatry' Benjamin Rush. At the time, war veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder had widely accepted horticulture therapy.
Horticulture therapy reaps benefits for both mental and physical wellness. It improves memory and cognitive abilities while enhancing language skills and socialization as patients learn how to plant and take care of gardens.
During physical rehabilitation, the muscles of patients strengthen over time while balance and coordination improve. Here are four benefits of practicing horticulture therapy at home.
Growing Herbs
Growing herbs at home are an easy activity that can be shared with children. Most herbs thrive in the sun or at a window in the kitchen for easy access.
Various herbs might need different amounts of water per day, so it would also help you become organized by creating a schedule and keeping track of the needs of various herbs. Different flavors, such as the sweetness of basil or the versatility of parsley can also inspire people at home to experiment with new recipes.
Starting with Seeds
Although it's much easier to start caring for plants by buying a young seedling, there's something different about starting from the seed. Even more, most seeds that are easy to grow are probably already in the refrigerator, such as tomatoes, peas, squash, and lemons.
Starting to sow seeds and caring for them until they sprout, grow, and eventually produce flowers and fruits or vegetables teaches many lessons. Patience is the most valuable lesson to learn from planting and growing seeds, as well as resilience, perseverance, and developing healthy habits.
Picking Fruits & Vegetables
Another reward of growing your own fruits and vegetables and having access to public places like forests that grow wild, edible berries is picking your own produce instead of doing a grocery run. Picking berries, fruits, or harvesting vegetables can even become a family activity.
The sense of family and togetherness doesn't just end at picking fruits and vegetables but can be continued in the kitchen as the fresh ingredients are prepared for the next meal.
READ: 7 Plant-Based Diets to Help Lower Your Blood Pressure
Propagating Succulents
One of the trending activities during quarantine had been collecting, swapping, selling, and growing succulents. The best part is that succulents are relatively easy to propagate and multiply. Succulents range in colors, shapes, and textures. Unlike other plants, a variety of succulents can easily be replanted together to create succulent collections in a single pot or container.
The reason that gardens and nature are naturally therapeutic even if you're just walking through them or sitting down in the middle of a beautiful view is that the natural colors, especially green, are relaxing to the eyes. Since plants produce oxygen, frequently being in a garden gives you access to fresh air. The natural fragrances are also relaxing, especially mint species.
Moreover, talking to plants is therapeutic both for people and plants, as it helps them grow faster. Overall, plant therapy helps people build up self-confidence and grow in emotional well-being as they continue to grow and take care of plants.
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