Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition) A new prescription: Kathy Willis on how nature can improve your health
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Sep 18, 2024 Kathy Willis, a biodiversity professor at the University of Oxford, dives into the healing power of nature. She shares compelling research on how being in green spaces can enhance physical and mental health. Discover why the scent of certain trees boosts immune functions and how birdsong aids pain management. Personal stories illustrate nature’s role in therapy, showing it as a promising alternative to conventional treatments. Willis emphasizes the vital need for equitable access to nature for overall well-being. Nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s crucial for health!
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Nature's Healing Power
- Seeing greenness from a hospital bed speeds up recovery and reduces pain medication needs.
- This suggests a direct link between nature and healing, beyond just fresh air.
Nature's Calming Effects
- Nature's calming effects are both physiological and psychological, lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones.
- Varied, biodiverse green spaces are more effective than simple, uniform areas like football pitches.
The Power of Scent
- Plant scents, like pinene from pine forests, enter the bloodstream and affect biochemical pathways.
- Lavender, for instance, acts similarly to anti-anxiety medication, improving sleep quality.
