In recent years, the health benefits of immersing oneself in nature have become a topic of growing scientific interest. Biologist Kathy Willis, a professor of biodiversity at the University of Oxford, explores these benefits in her new book Good Nature, providing evidence that observing and experiencing nature can play a crucial role in the healing process. Her research suggests that natural settings can positively impact various bodily systems, and her findings open the possibility for prescribing nature immersion as a treatment option for some patients.

Willis’ journey into this field began while working on an intergovernmental project about ecosystem services. She came across a study that showed patients recovering from gallbladder surgery needed fewer painkillers and healed faster when they had a view of trees rather than a brick wall. This discovery inspired Willis to explore how simply looking at nature could influence healing. She found that visual exposure to greenery can lower heart rate, reduce stress hormones, and increase calmness.

Willis also investigated how other senses, such as smell, respond to natural surroundings. Research shows that breathing in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from trees and plants, such as pinenes from pine forests, can significantly impact physical health. Inhaling these compounds can lower adrenaline levels and increase natural killer cells, which help combat infections and even cancer. One study highlighted that those who walked in forests abundant with cedar trees retained higher natural killer cells for a week after their visit, indicating the long-lasting effects of nature exposure.

As per a report by Live Science, in her research, Willis also found that our preference for landscapes with moderate complexity, such as savannas with scattered trees, may be rooted in evolutionary biology. This preference is consistent across cultures, even among those who have lived in entirely different environments. Such landscapes can evoke feelings of safety and relaxation, enhancing the mental and physical benefits of natural surroundings.

However, not all forms of nature offer the same effects. Artificial plants, for instance, were found to lack the calming influence of real plants, suggesting the importance of genuine sensory experiences. Willis encourages people to incorporate live plants into their homes, which can help bring some of these benefits into daily life.