Growing Bonsai trees is actually considered an ancient art that’s been studied and refined for centuries. The tradition of growing these tiny, delicate trees dates back over 1,000 years, with the goal to create a miniature tree that makes an attractive conversation piece by influencing the direction it grows and the shape it takes. While you help to ensure that it remains healthy, the bonsai tree can benefit your own health in turn.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Taking care of a bonsai tree requires patience and focus. As the dedication required to attend to its demands is considered an art form, it also makes an excellent stress and anxiety reliever. A 2011 study out of the Netherlands suggested that gardening, including growing plants or Bonsai trees, can fight stress even better than relaxing leisure activities.
Improving air quality
As plants and trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, pollution in the home can be significantly reduced by growing Bonsai trees indoors. The trees are great for helping the air in your home during the winter months when the windows and doors are closed, reducing unpleasant smells.
Depression relief
The attention required for growing bonsai trees may even help improve depression symptoms. Norway researchers found that people who had been diagnosed with depression, persistent negative mood or even bipolar II disorder who spent six hours a week for three months growing various types of plants experienced measurable improvements in depression symptoms. The mood of participants continued to be better even three months after the gardening program ended, suggesting that the novelty of growing something was enough to jolt them out of a depressed mood.
Researchers believe that working with soil, which contains a harmless bacteria known as Mycobacterium vaccae, may also play a factor. This substance has been found to trigger the release of serotonin, a hormone known for controlling mood function, similar to the way serotonin-boosting antidepressants work.
As trimming is an important part of growing a bonsai, you can even increase the health benefits by playing your favorite calming music while you prune and shape your trees into beautiful, artful expressions. Trim the leaves and branches to help it grow the way you want to and enjoy – just be sure to be careful to trim the right leaves and branches using sharp scissors to avoid damaging it.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20522508
http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/01/power-plant
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/why-bonsai-trees-are-good-for-your-health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19999748
