Try growing plants… It's not only healing, but it also reduces inflammation. Reporter Jiwoo Choi's story.

People who have experienced cancer often experience feelings of helplessness and depression due to treatment side effects, as well as fears of recurrence or death. It's important to relieve stress and improve your mental and physical health through hobbies. If you don't have a specific hobby, why not try gardening?

 

Two-line summary of today's armletter

 

1. Gardening activities improve the physical and mental prognosis of cancer patients.

2. Join a professional program or start by planting a small plant!

Gardening Improves Cancer Patients' Prognosis

 

A study found that gardening activities helped cancer survivors improve their overall health.

A joint research team from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Auburn University followed 381 cancer survivors aged 50 to 95 for one year. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a home gardening group and a control group. The gardening group received vegetable seeds and gardening tools to help them start their own gardens, and a professional gardener visited the participants' homes monthly to help maintain their gardens. The research team measured the participants' muscle strength, balance, and agility, collected biological samples, and collected data on their vegetable and fruit intake and physical activity.

 

As a result, the gardening group increased their daily vegetable and fruit intake by approximately one-third. Compared to the control group, the gardening group perceived themselves as "healthier," increased their physical activity, and improved their gut microbiome. The gardening group lost an average of 0.8 kg in weight, while the control group showed no change in weight. Inflammatory markers, such as cortisol and cytokines, remained stable in the gardening group.

 

 

 

Excellent cognitive and emotional enhancement effect

 

Professor Lee Ae-kyung of the Department of Environmental Horticulture at Dankook University's College of Life Resources and Life Sciences (Director of the Korean Society for Horticultural Science, President of the Society for Human Plant Environment) said, "In addition to physical benefits, gardening activities are effective in promoting cognitive, psychological, and social health." She added, "Through the process of focusing on gardening classes and planning activities, problem-solving skills and decision-making skills are improved, and you can feel a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem."

A domestic study also found that gardening activities can have psychological and emotional benefits for cancer patients. A research team from the Rural Development Administration and the Gyeonggi Regional Cancer Center at Ajou University Hospital conducted a four-month horticultural therapy program with 113 adult cancer patients. The results showed that after just one session, the patients' emotional quality of life improved by 13%, depression decreased by 45%, and stress levels decreased by 34%. Blood tests also showed a 40% increase in serotonin, the so-called "happiness hormone," after horticultural therapy.

 

I recommend growing herbs and sprouts at home.

 

So how should you get started with gardening? Professor Seung-yeon Jeong of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Ajou University Hospital (Director of the Regional Cancer Survivor Support Center) recommends participating in horticultural therapy led by experts, such as those at the Cancer Survivor Support Center. Professor Jeong said, "Participating in group programs led by experts allows for gardening activities that foster communication and bonds with others." For example, the Gyeonggi Regional Cancer Center offers various programs that incorporate various craft elements into gardening, such as "Making a Mobile with Natural Materials" and "Making a Moss Terrarium to Welcome Spring." Each program selects plants and themes appropriate for each season.

If you do not participate in the program If you want to do gardening at home alone, try transplanting and sowing ▲herbs ▲flowers ▲succulents ▲sprouts, etc. Professor Lee Ae-kyung said, "I recommend gardening with non-toxic plants, as long as it doesn't put a strain on your body."

 

===========

They say that it's not possible to grow a big tree.

They say that even growing a small flower pot can help heal your mind and lower inflammation levels.

 

Growing herbs seems really difficult.

 

The rubber tree grows well.