Therapy Plants: The Role Of Plant Therapy In Mental Health

Since ancient times, humans have revered plants for their healing properties and ability to provide a sense of peace and a connection to nature. In modern times, many mental health treatment options may be available, but Pplants and nature still have the potential to provide various benefits to those who participate in therapy. If you are wondering how plant therapy works and why it seems to be so effective for addressing mental health needs, keep reading to get answers to these questions and more.

What are therapy plants and plant therapy?

Depending on the unique needs of the individual, therapists may opt for a range of plant therapy strategies that include:

• Essential oils
• Gardening
• Nature walks
• Raising household plants 

Plant therapy, or horticultural therapy, is distinct from therapeutic horticulture, which can include activities such as casual gardening or caring for indoor plants. Therapeutic horticulture can promote well-being and improve quality of life. It may help people reduce stress, practice mindfulness, and focus on something positive. However, therapeutic horticulture is generally more flexible, offers broader benefits, and doesn’t focus on a specific clinical need.

On the other hand, horticultural or plant therapy is often a more directed, specific, and formalized intervention. Some of its key characteristics include: 

• Specific evidence-based treatment goals
• Support and guidance from credentialed professionals
• Ongoing assessment, documentation, and evaluation of outcomes
• Used for targeted populations (for example, people who need support with cognitive, emotional, or social challenges)

How plants support mental and emotional health

Research has shown that plants can support mental and emotional health in various ways. We take a closer look at the science behind plant therapy below.

Stress reduction and calming effects

Studies suggest that positive experiences in nature can have various benefits, including lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving concentration, and lowering cortisol levels. Experts believe that one reason why nature may have these effects is the stress-reduction theory, which suggests that being in nature triggers “evolutionary psychological responses related to safety and survival.” In other words, during times of stress, anxiety, or worry, exposure to nature may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow the body’s stress response.

Emotional and psychological benefits

Other research has found numerous emotional and psychological benefits of interacting with plants and nature, including:

• Increased self-esteem
• Improved mood
• Reduced anger
• Increased creativity
• Improved attention
• Improved self-esteem

Types of therapy plants and flowers

Numerous types of therapy plants and flowers can benefit mental well-being. From colorful flowers that can elevate mood to leafy plants that contribute to a healthy environment, incorporating plants into daily life can offer a variety of benefits.

Flowering plants that boost mood

Looking at the bright colors of gorgeous flowers and smelling their sweet fragrance can positively affect one's mood. Research suggests that viewing flowers increases parasympathetic nervous system activity, leading to dramatic improvements in mood. Interestingly, blue flowers were favored by most study participants and had the greatest therapeutic effects. 

Leafy plants and air quality

While leafy plants can also be nice to look at, some research suggests they may contribute to a healthy environment indoors by reducing certain toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene, and increasing humidity levels. The presence of greenery indoors has also been linked to reduced stress and improved concentration, making leafy plants a practical addition to homes and workspaces. Some plants that can thrive indoors include snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos, and philodendrons.

Research has also found that taking care of houseplants may provide some important benefits for those who are experiencing mental health challenges. In a recent study, researchers found that caring for indoor plants can help individuals improve mental health and achieve a more relaxed physical state. They reported that individuals who cared for houseplants had improved learning abilities and reduced anxiety symptoms. 

Therapists may recommend that their clients incorporate household plant care into their daily routine as a means of addressing their unique mental health needs. Taking care of plants can offer structure throughout the day by providing set times for watering, pruning, fertilizing, or relocating them. Completing these simple tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment and give individuals something to focus on while working through difficult emotions. This may serve as a helpful tool for those trying to break harmful or unwanted thought and behavioral patterns. 

Herbs and edible plants used in plant therapy

Herbs and edible plants can play a crucial role in plant therapy for various reasons. One of these reasons is the process of growing these plants. Therapists may incorporate gardening into their therapeutic strategies to help their clients discover a deeper connection with nature, increase their physical activity levels, learn new skills, and find solace in the therapeutic value of plants. 

Herbs that promote relaxation

Not only can herbs promote relaxation and stress relief, but many are easy to grow in small pots, either outdoors or on a sunny windowsill. Whether you plan to use them in cooking, for aroma therapy, or to make tea, the following herbs may promote relaxation: 

• Lavender
• Lemon balm
• Maypop
• St. John’s wort
• Valerian root

Growing vegetables and fruits for well-being

Growing fruits and vegetables can also benefit mental health. While growing things you can eat can be fun and instill a sense of self-efficacy, the process itself can also affect mental health.

This type of gardening may give people a sense of purpose or achievement and allow for self-reflection in a calming environment. Through plant therapy sessions focusing on growing fruits and vegetables, clients can engage with nature in ways that are enjoyable and meaningful while receiving support from therapists throughout the process. Clients may participate in activities such as planting seeds, caring for outdoor gardens, and creating handmade planters or garden decorations. 

Gardening may also offer physical benefits that increase feelings of happiness and peace. Working in a garden encourages physical activity, which may have a positive influence on both physical health and mental well-being. Physical activity and getting fresh air may help release feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. These hormones act as natural painkillers that can reduce stress and depression symptoms. Additionally, sun exposure from working outside helps to normalize sleep cycles and boosts vitamin D levels, both of which can be important factors in combatting depression and anxiety.

Proper care and placement of therapy plants

In plant therapy, you will likely work with your therapist or other professional on the details of what you should focus on and how you should care for your plants. Generally, though, there are some things to consider when tending to plants, whether indoors or outside.

How to care for therapy plants

Plants can thrive in the right environment with proper care. That said, every plant is different and has unique needs. For example, some prefer soil that drains quickly, while others do better in soil that remains moist. Work with your therapist to learn more about the specific plants you are caring for and what type of environment may work best for them.

Where to place plants for maximum benefit

Plants have different needs when it comes to sunlight, too, which can influence where you place them. For example, some people may bring potted plants indoors when temperatures drop. Keeping indoor plants on a windowsill can be a good choice for plants that prefer full sun, but this level of exposure can be too much light for those that prefer indirect light. Generally, keeping indoor plants at eye level can make it easier to check on them regularly. However, larger plants may need to be placed on the floor, and trailing plants may be better if hung from the ceiling.

Plant therapy and online mental health treatment

The use of plants in psychological treatment has been around for centuries, with many cultures using them to help alleviate physical and psychological ailments. Taking care of plants, whether by establishing an outdoor garden or propagating houseplants, can be considered a form of self-care, a way to develop coping strategies to manage stress and find balance in your life. 

However, in modern times, plant therapy has evolved into a more structured approach used alongside talk therapy that can help individuals engage in healthy activity while working through the healing process. Through horticultural activities such as planting, gardening, or tending to plants, individuals may develop mindfulness skills and learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions healthily and effectively.

Plant and online therapy in mental health treatment

Online therapy and plant therapy may be used in combination to treat symptoms of mental illness. For individuals who experience symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, participating in online therapy from the comfort of their own homes may be a more flexible option for getting the care they need. In this scenario, online therapists may recommend that individuals take care of household plants or engage in any of the other horticultural methods mentioned above to process information discussed during sessions. 

If you’re searching for a therapist who can incorporate your preferences into your treatment plan, consider connecting with a provider through an online platform such as BetterHelp. Online platforms remove the need to conduct your own research by matching you with a therapist who meets your preferences and needs. You can match with a provider in as little as a day and start speaking with them through video chats, phone calls, or in-app messaging according to your comfort level and availability.

The efficacy of plant therapy and online therapy in improving mental health

Online therapy can be a helpful resource for individuals who would like to address mental health disorders and other life challenges. Research has consistently shown that online interventions can be just as effective as those delivered in person. For example, the result of one study suggests that online therapy is “a viable care alternative with no significant differences between in-person and telehealth groups in depressive symptom reduction, and significant increases in self-reported quality of life across both groups.”