All the Good that Comes from Gardening
Studies have pointed to the fact that those who spend time gardening may well have better brain function in later life than those who do not.
And if they sniff some Rosemary while out in their garden every day, they give their brain an additional boost!
What did the authors of the study at the University of Edinburgh find?
They observed that gardening involves: "Not only physical exertion but creativity and planning. Engaging in gardening projects, learning about plants, and general garden upkeep, all involve complex cognitive processes such as memory and executive function."
They go on to say: "Consistent with the 'use it or lose it' framework of cognitive function, more engagement in gardening may be directly associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline."
Increasing hand strength will boost brain health
There is such a wide range of benefits that gardening can bring. One such benefit is the digging, planting and even pulling weeds will increase your hand strength. Research has found that such hand strength will in turn boost your brain health.
Growing your own food is another benefit
It is clear that gardening for mental health is more than a passing trend. Here in the UK, doctors are even prescribing gardening for that very reason, helping those with mental health problems escape from the pressures and stress of everyday life.
And then there is all that fresh food to help you eat a healthier diet. You can even pick some crops and eat them raw outside while still gardening. Peas, carrots and of course all the different fruits are good examples!
When you are out in the sunshine during the warmer months, you will also benefit from the vitamin D your skin will absorb. Strip off to reveal as much skin as possible for some twenty minutes or so to get the sun. Once your skin starts to turn pink, cover up again.
Top of the list, soil is excellent for your mood
This is because the smell of mycobacterium vaccae (a microorganism found in soil, in compost and in leaf mold) lights up neurotransmitters that release serotonin.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps brain and nervous system cells communicate. Its main function is to stabilize your mood - as well as your feelings of happiness and well-being.
Serotonin can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety and increase feelings of joy or happiness.
Mycobacterium vaccae the 'friendly' soil bacteria has been shown to alleviate symptoms of allergies, asthma and psoriasis - all of which can stem from a weakened immune system.
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Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.