Nature as medicine

Human health and planetary health have always been connected. The more we have disconnected with nature, the worse our health has become. We don’t need science to tell us what nature can do for our physical, mental, social and spiritual health, we all can feel that connection when we allow ourselves to stop and take in a beautiful landscape or the coast. There is a scientific explanation for some of the ways nature benefits health though.

The benefits of green space

Clean air. Green spaces act as natural filters for the air, we are taught from an early age that trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. We need green space, it purifies and removes toxins from our environment.

Phytocides are organic compounds emitted by plants and trees particularly in wooded or forested areas. They protect the plant from insects and toxins and have antibacterial and antifungal qualities to prevent disease in the plant. When we breathe these compounds in we:

·      Increase immune function due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties and so decrease our risk of infection and illness

·      Decrease inflammation in the body

·      Decrease stress levels by decreasing our cortisol (a stress hormone)

·      Decrease our blood pressure and cardiovascular risk

·      Have an analgesic effect (decrease pain)

·      Increase cognitive function, attention and memory

·      Increase mood while decreasing depression and anxiety

Fractals are complex repeating patterns found throughout nature – think of repeating tree branches, the patterns on leaves, acorns, snowflakes.

Fractals:

·      Decrease stress, calm the brain and promote relaxation

·      Increase cognitive function attention and memory as well as increasing creativity and problem solving abilities by stimulating and promoting new connections between neurons

·      Have an analgesic effect (decrease pain)

·      Increase mood while decreasing depression and anxiety

In Japan there is now a celebrated past time Shinrin Yoku – forest bathing which is encouraged – quiet relaxation amongst tress observing nature and breathing deeply to boost health and wellbeing.

A Japanese study showed that natural killer cell activity ( a type of white cell essential for our immune system) from a 3 day, 2 night trip in a forest not only increased but the increase lasted for 30 days.

The benefits of blue space

65% of people find that being near water improves their mental wellbeing according to the mental health foundation. Being by the sea can do the following for our health:

·      Decrease stress – the visual and sensory experience along with the sound of waves has a calming effect decreasing stress and anxiety

·      Better respiratory health – the air quality (sea air) is beneficial for our lungs

·      Enhanced mood and better mental health

·      Increased activity – those living near blue space have increased physical activity scores

·      Possible beneficial effect on social interaction

We all realised how important nature and outdoor space was to us when we were forced to stop during the pandemic. It was also sobering to see how nature started to heal itself in terms of clearer waters and reduced air pollution. It was a time we all appreciated the beneficial effects of nature.

Let’s not forget the food produced by the earth that keeps us healthy. The earth produces a rich array of colourful fruits and vegetables. These are vital for our health and ingesting a diverse range of the fruits vegetables and herbs the earth produces feeds our microbiome and benefits our physical and mental health. Just like the phytocides from trees, fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols that protect them which then have a beneficial effect when inside our body.

So perhaps it is time we stop taking our world for granted and understand how important it is to look after it. As a species we cannot have health if our planet is dying. So what 3 things can we do?

1)    Reduce consumption to conserve natural resources – start recycling/upcycling (reduce reuse recycle) and being mindful on what you really need. Support sustainable practices in agriculture such as no till farming and sustainable industry practices

2)    Eat plant based meals – to reduce your carbon footprint and decrease green house gases. Over ¼ of land on the earth is used to grow food for the animals we eat, we could reduce this by up to 75%

3)    Support conservation to protect natural habitats and preserve diversity and wildlife to maintain ecosystems

I wrote this blog to coincide with Earth day (April 22nd). Perhaps a day to stop and connect with nature, ground ourselves and remember what is important in life. If we don’t look after our planet, it can’t look after us.

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