Walking in the forest changes the gut microbiome. Touching trees calms the mind. Just looking at photos of the African savanna grasslands soothes the soul. Nature makes our bodies healthier. Even if you don't live as a 'nature lover' in remote mountain valleys, there are many ways to enjoy the benefits of nature.

Professor Kashi Willis of the Department of Biology at Oxford University in the UK argues in her new book, "Good Nature: Why Seeing, Smelling, Hearing, and Touching Plants is Good for Our Health," that nature is a remedy for disease.

 

The American popular science media outlet 'Live Science' asked Professor Willis for the evidence. He explained not only the health benefits provided by nature but also how to utilize the natural environment in disease treatment.

Why did you explore the impact of nature on health?

 

There is a study indicating that gallbladder surgery patients who can see trees outside the window use less pain medication and recover much faster than those who see brick walls. It suggests a direct relationship between vision and the speed of disease recovery. I wanted to understand how the body's mechanism works, where viewing nature accelerates recovery and reduces pain.

 

Does this mean that surrounding plants and nature also have psychological and physiological effects?

When the senses interact with a specific type of nature, important changes occur in our bodies. This is an automatic response. For example, hormone levels change, adrenaline hormone drops, or heart rate varies.

 

What is the mechanism that occurs in the body when viewing green?

Green affects in three ways. First, it influences the autonomic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Second, it alters amylase levels related to stress due to hormonal changes. Third, it makes individuals mentally calmer and less anxious.

 

Are you affected just by being surrounded by nature?

Yes, that's correct. The molecules responsible for the smell of plants are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cross the alveolar membrane and are delivered into the bloodstream. Walking through a pine forest increases the levels of pinene (a hydrocarbon abundantly found in conifer essential oils, giving a refreshing scent) in the blood. This interacts with the same biochemical pathways as taking medication prescribed for anxiety symptoms.

When inhaling near the Cupressaceae (mainly conifers with needle-shaped or scale-like leaves) and the Taxaceae family, people not only experience a decrease in adrenaline hormones upon inhaling VOCs but also see an increase in natural killer cells in the blood. These cells attack cancer and viruses. According to a study published in the Journal of Cancer, people living near Cupressaceae forests had a significantly lower incidence of autoimmune diseases. After walking for 5 hours in a Cupressaceae forest, natural killer cell levels increased, and this effect persisted even after 7 days.

Will using artificial plants be effective?

In a study involving Japanese students, blood pressure decreased after viewing real pansy plants for 10 minutes. The same was true for artificial plants made of plastic. However, it is not just visual; the sense of smell (scent) is also necessary.

 

Are there any body systems affected by nature?

Children at a Finnish kindergarten played in one place on concrete, another on mats, and a third in soil brought from the northern forest. The researchers measured the gut microbiota and then assessed blood inflammation markers. After 28 days, a completely new microbial community was found in the children who played in the soil. These children showed a significant reduction in inflammation markers.

 

Is there anything we can do to bring nature into our home?

Let's assume there is a rose vase on the desk. There is research indicating that seeing white and yellow roses can lower blood pressure. Placing a rose vase on the desk is something we can do.

 

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Does just walking along a forest trail help with blood pressure?

Even if it's not a neighborhood stroll, even after the busy farming season ends

My father goes to the field almost every day.

 

This is a good habit.