The health benefits of gardening have been revealed

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People with chronic illnesses can overcome anxiety and depression through gardening. This was revealed by research conducted by scientists from Fudan University and Istvan Szechenyi University.

The specialists analyzed the results of 23 scientific studies involving a total of 4,535 participants. The findings were published in the journal BMC Public Health.

Gardening therapy involves regular engagement with plants and soil, including planting, watering, and harvesting. Such programs are viewed as a way to support physical activity, communication, and connection with nature. In the UK, such activities can be recommended to patients as social therapy.

The scientists studied research involving adults diagnosed with at least one chronic illness. Among them were people living with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, cognitive impairment, and cancer. The average age of the participants was nearly 54 years, and two-thirds of them were women.

The analysis showed that those who participated in gardening programs experienced a moderate improvement in mental health indicators. Participants reported a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. This result was particularly evident in some studies involving the elderly and patients suffering from cognitive impairment.

At the same time, the impact of gardening on physical health turned out to be much lower. The authors did not find significant changes in blood pressure and cognitive indicators. Meanwhile, a smaller positive increase was recorded in general health indicators consisting of quality of life, sleep, and social connections.

The researchers also note that comparing gardening programs with one another is not easy, as they differed in duration, intensity, and format. In addition, some studies had methodological shortcomings, and the high rate of early dropout among participants may have also affected the results.

According to the authors, higher-quality research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of gardening therapy. The data obtained so far suggests that this method helps support mental well-being rather than serving as an independent treatment for chronic physical illnesses.