The Impact of Real vs. Fake Plants on Health and Well-Being.
A recent visit to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) revealed an unexpected surprise. Among the department’s efforts to promote nature conservation, I found a realistic-looking polyester plant in a meeting room. This discovery led me to question whether artificial plants provide the same health benefits as real ones.
As the founder of an institute at Oxford dedicated to biodiversity, I was intrigued by the evidence comparing the effects of real and fake plants. A 2015 study highlighted significant differences in how real and artificial plants impact our well-being. Researchers had students look at either real or polyester pansies for three minutes. The students who viewed the real flowers experienced reduced stress and reported feeling more relaxed compared to those who saw the fake versions, according to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The research suggests that interacting with genuine nature—touching, smelling, and observing—yields notable benefits. This is something I observed firsthand during my time at Kew Gardens, where visitors frequently engaged with plants beyond mere observation.
The Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary, a herb native to the Mediterranean, is known for its distinctive aroma, which comes from compounds like 1-8-cineole, pinene, and camphor. Research published in 2022 in Frontiers of Neuroscience indicates that the scent of rosemary can enhance alertness and productivity. The compound 1-8-cineole inhibits enzymes that typically break down neurotransmitters, thereby prolonging their effects and keeping us more awake and alert. The herb has also shown potential in combating dementia-related enzymes.
Healing Views from Hospital Beds
The view from a hospital bed can significantly impact recovery. A 1984 study from Pennsylvania found that patients who could see trees from their windows recovered faster and required less pain relief than those who faced brick walls. This suggests that natural views may positively influence emotional and physical recovery by reducing stress and promoting a more favorable physiological response.
Lemon Scent and Respiratory Health
The smell of lemon, due to a compound called d-limonene, is not only refreshing but may also benefit those with respiratory issues. Preliminary studies indicate that d-limonene can reduce lung inflammation, potentially easing symptoms of asthma and bronchitis. The compound’s ability to provide rapid relief by inhalation is currently being explored.
The Calming Effect of Cypress Forests
Walking through a cypress forest can have profound calming effects. Known as forest bathing, this practice has been used in Japan for nearly 40 years as a therapeutic intervention. The scents released by cypress trees, such as ß-cadinene and cedrol, contribute to reduced heart rates and stress levels. A 2018 study at National Taiwan University found that a five-day trip to a cypress forest increased natural killer cells, which are crucial for fighting tumors and infections.
Spider Plants and Air Quality
Spider plants are not just easy to grow but also improve indoor air quality. A 2015 study in Frontiers of Microbiology found that spider plants enhance the number and diversity of beneficial bacteria in the air and reduce pollutants like formaldehyde and toluene. This effect is similar to receiving a probiotic dose through the air.
The Power of Birdsong for Post-Operative Pain
Listening to birdsong can significantly alleviate post-operative pain. A 2019 study in Iran found that women recovering from cesarean sections reported less pain when exposed to natural sounds, including birdsong. Further research published in 2021 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that nature sounds improved various clinical measures, including pain and heart rate variability, more effectively than urban sounds.
Wood Panelling and Cognitive Performance
Wood-lined rooms can enhance well-being, reduce eye fatigue, and improve cognitive performance. A 2014 Japanese study compared rooms lined with cedar to those with other materials and found that cedar rooms caused less stress during anxiety-inducing tasks. The natural wood’s aroma and visual qualities, including its texture, may contribute to these benefits.
Roses and Driving Behavior
Roses may also help reduce road rage. Researchers at the University of Sussex discovered that inhaling rose scent led to lower driving speeds, fewer crashes, and a more relaxed driving experience. The study also found that peppermint scent had a beneficial effect, while civet odor produced negative results. This suggests that incorporating rose and peppermint scents in cars could improve driving conditions.