Indoor gardening improves mental health and quality of life for cancer patients
Tending to indoor hydroponic gardens may help cancer patients improve their mental health and quality of life. A recent study found that growing salad greens at home eased depression symptoms and encouraged healthier eating habits among patients.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that indoor hydroponic gardening may improve mental health and quality of life for cancer patients. The research, conducted by a team of public health researchers from Texas A&M University, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Texas A&M, involved 36 adult cancer patients who completed at least one cycle of chemotherapy.
Each participant was given a countertop hydroponic system called an AeroGarden to grow heirloom salad greens indoors. Over an eight-week period, the patients reported improved mental health and an enhanced overall quality of life. The study suggests that indoor gardening could be an effective social prescribing activity to support patient wellbeing, particularly for those who may not have access to traditional outdoor gardening due to factors such as living in dense urban areas or undergoing intense medical treatments.
The hydroponic system eliminates exposure to soil-borne diseases, weeds, and toxic chemicals, making it a safer and more accessible alternative for patients seeking emotional and physical relief from their cancer diagnosis.
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