The Science That Fuels Our Work
Plants strengthen, calm, restore, and engage.
Plants engage us and support our well-being in multiple ways. The colors, shapes, and textures of plants can catch our attention and evoke our emotions. The scents of certain plants can promote relaxation and soothe us, while other fragrances from plants restore our alertness and focus. Herb, fruit, and vegetable plants also engage our sense of taste, contributing to improved physical health. The mere sight of plants can offer a respite from modern distractions and pressures, allowing the mind and body to rest, recharge, and strengthen.
Why does the human body respond exceptionally well to plants and natural settings?
Humans have an innate connection to plants, grounded in evolutionary history and genetics.
Early humans depended on plants for food, shelter, and medicine. Over time, the mere sight of plants signaled safety and resources to humans, evoking feelings of calmness and relief. As humans evolved in natural environments, the human brain became hardwired to need plants for the calming and restorative effects that followed. That need has transferred genetically to future generations through human DNA.
How Do Plants Power Wellness?
When we interact with plants, our immune systems are strengthened through a combination of physiological and psychological effects:
Contact with plants exposes humans to beneficial microbes that help maintain a healthy human microbiome
Exposure to phytoncides in plants can enhance the activity of NK cells in the human body, strengthening immune system response
Interaction with plants naturally reduces stress, promoting relaxation and enhancing mental well-being
The tactile experience of touching plants, combined with the sights and smells they provide, offers sensory stimulation that enhances mood and brain function
What Happens When We Touch, Smell, and Observe the Soil?
When humans work the soil by mixing it with their hands, beneficial bacteria in the soil — Mycobacterium vaccae — stimulate the human immune system. Engaging with the soil has been scientifically proven to:
Enhance mood
Reduce anxiety
Sharpen focus
Must One Be Outdoors to Benefit?
No. Indoor plants also play a vital role in supporting human health. Studies, including those by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, have proven the role of indoor plants in removing harmful toxins from the air. Other studies have demonstrated the power of indoor plants to support physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Various indoor plants have been shown to:
Boost concentration and attention
Increase memory retention by 20%
Speed recovery from illness
Increase immune system efficiency and response
What Role Do Trees Play in Wellness?
Trees not only tower over us; they hold great power. Immersion in a setting full of trees has been shown to:
Improve cardiovascular health
Increase brain acuity and learning
Improve children’s attention and test scores
Boost immune system
Reduce stress
