Plant Therapy: A Nature-Based Healing Method

What is plant therapy?

Plant therapy most likely refers to horticultural therapy, a form of therapy in which a person engages in goal-directed gardening activities under the guidance of a horticultural therapist. Evidence suggests that horticultural therapy effectively treats mental health conditions, improves emotional well-being, and increases engagement in meaningful activities. The practice originated in the 1940s and 50s, first used with hospitalized war veterans undergoing rehabilitation. 

Horticultural therapists are not mental health professionals, although they do possess specialized training in their field. Most mental health professionals must obtain at least a master’s degree, thousands of hours of supervised practice, and a license to practice in their state. Horticultural therapists must obtain a bachelor’s degree in horticultural therapy or a related bachelor’s with additional coursework in plant science and horticultural therapy. They must also complete a 480-hour horticultural therapy internship. They do not require a license to use their skills but must register with the American Horticultural Therapy Association. 

Using plant-based essential oil (or essential oils) for personal care and aromatherapy

People sometimes use the term plant therapy to refer to therapeutic products derived from plants, such as essential oils, which can be used to treat mental health conditions. The aromatherapeutic effect of essential oil can potentially lower depression, stress, and anxiety, giving them a place in the mental health community. However, like horticultural therapy, aromatherapy and plant oils are often viewed as adjunctive therapies that work best alongside psychotherapeutic techniques with a substantially stronger evidence base. 

Is plant therapy a real thing?

Plant therapy, or horticultural therapy, does have evidence supporting its effectiveness. One study found that plant therapy significantly reduced the symptoms of mental health conditions and improved overall mental well-being. Another study noted the strong correlation between plant therapy and evidence suggesting that time spent communing with nature will likely produce mental and physical health benefits. Horticultural therapy relies on the use of therapeutic gardens, which are spaces dedicated to the use of horticultural techniques to improve well-being. Therapeutic gardens have a rich history, and their use as a tool in healing was favored by Florence Nightingale, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing. Although there is substantial support for plant therapy in healing, most people consider it an adjunctive approach, meaning it is best used in addition to more robust techniques with a stronger evidence base. 

What therapy uses plants?

Horticultural therapy uses plants and gardening to help improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being. A registered horticultural therapist works with an individual to help them engage in goal-directed horticultural tasks, which may help to lower anxiety, improve mood, and assist physical healing by reducing stress. 

Can plants help with PTSD?

Plant therapy, also known as horticultural therapy, is not considered a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, horticultural therapy may be useful as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD. Adjunctive therapy is used alongside primary treatment methods to improve their effectiveness, speed healing, or bolster overall well-being. Horticultural therapy involves using gardening and horticultural techniques to improve wellness. The study linked above suggests that it may help those with PTSD engage in meaningful tasks, participate in positive social interactions, and improve nutrition by allowing individuals to grow their food. 

While plant therapy may help reduce some PTSD symptoms and improve well-being, it is not a replacement for robust therapeutic techniques with a strong evidence base. Plant therapy is most often initiated with those who are admitted to hospitals or residential treatment centers, but its techniques may be helpful for those with PTSD who are being treated as outpatients. 

Why are plants so therapeutic?

Plant therapy helps those healing from physical or mental health conditions engage in meaningful activities, improve their mood, gain motivation, and improve their strength and movements. It involves structured gardening and horticultural activities that help participants improve their cognitive function, social skills, coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Because plant therapy can potentially benefit many conditions, it is considered a helpful adjunct therapy that, when used alongside robust evidence-based practices, may substantially improve healing and reduce unpleasant mental and physical symptoms. 

Is plant therapy ethical?

Plant therapy, or horticultural therapy, is commonly considered ethical when used as an adjunctive therapy, which is a therapeutic technique used alongside primary therapy to boost its effectiveness. It is important to note that horticultural therapists are not licensed professionals like mental health, physical, or occupational therapists. Nevertheless, horticultural therapists must receive training in their field, typically obtaining a bachelor’s degree with instruction specific to horticultural therapy and completing a 480-hour internship. When horticultural therapy is used within its scope as an adjunctive treatment, and no unsupported claims are made regarding its effectiveness, it is likely an ethical technique that could potentially bolster well-being. 

Do plants help with healing?

Working with plants in a therapeutic setting, known as horticultural therapy, can potentially improve healing by lowering stress, bolstering social interaction, and providing opportunities to improve strength and coordination. Many people also claim that plant-derived products can aid medical healing, which is true in many cases. Many modern medications are derived from chemicals that plants naturally produce. However, this is not the same as herbal medicine, which typically has much less research and a weaker evidence base supporting its effectiveness. It is typically unwise to use herbal medicine as a replacement for modern medications, although they may sometimes be helpful as a supportive therapy.