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Hortitherapy and healing gardens

How big is the influence of community gardening on menthal health?

The history of hortitherapy is as old as the humankind. In ancient times gardens have been known to have positive effect on health and peace of mind of a human. Hortitherapy is a form of using greenery and gardening to fight mental illness, disabilities, and to help people recover from injuries, strokes or in their daily battle with chronic diseases. Being close to nature and focusing on a garden helps patients get better in record time. Hortitherapy is often used in rehab facilities, youth detention centers and prisons.

Gardening therapy combines knowledge from medicine, horticulture, and phytotherapy. It also focuses on interacting with senses. There are a few types of hortitherapy gardens. People interested in garden healing can choose from relaxation, educational or sensorial gardens.

Healing gardens are meant for both young and elderly. Therapy gardens can be found near nursing homes, educational agencies, hospitals, and sometimes even on the public housing areas. Studies confirmed that hortitherapy has positive influence on mental health of the patients and is beneficial to social and rehabilitative processes.