Power of Nature

Nature is the ultimate healer

Waking up to the sound of birds chirping in the trees is priceless. The busy bees make honey to keep our lives sweet and healthy. Without all of these creatures and more, our ecosystem would collapse. These moments are rare. In some places, birds have fled the effects of disease and pest control, flying to safer regions. 

In Japan, farmers use duck armies instead of pesticides.  When we talk about nature, the majestic world wonder, Victoria Falls, comes to mind.  Zimbabwe is a land of striking contrasts, where ancient and recent, natural and built environments coexist. It’s a landlocked country with rich history, vibrant cultures, remarkably varied landscapes, and incredible biodiversity. Zimbabwe is home to some of the world’s most majestic natural and cultural wonders, with a long history of conservation and diverse wildlife. I call it Therapeutic Zimbabwe. A few years ago, whilst going through our mum’s belongings, we came across a very old book. I captured an interesting conversation from the book…….

Extract from “The Story of Rhodesia” by T.G. Standing (Book One-The Present and the Past) 

The above narrative is testimony to the richness of African biodiversity and its healing power since time immemorial. Our pristine environment, fresh and clean air, reaffirms the critical importance of nature as given to us by God Almighty. It is our duty to preserve it or perish. Nature is often described as the ultimate source of our living. Both living and non-living things include nature, and everything is interdependent, which helps maintain the ecosystem. Plants, animals, and humans all depend on nature for their survival. It supplies oxygen, sunlight, soil, water, and other necessary components. If there were a ‘delete nature’ button in the modern sense, everything would cease to exist in a second. So, nature means life. 

Today, we want to unpack this topic of nature and how our health can thrive or perish from it. At the end of this article, we must be converted ambassadors for sustainable living. Recent studies link nature to symptom relief for health issues like heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety, and attention disorders. The real effects are due to the quiet atmosphere, beautiful scenery, good smells, and fresh, clean air in forests. The concept of forest bathing is said to have originated in Japan. The Forest Agency of Japan encouraged people to take strolls in the woods for better health. The practice was called ‘shinrin-yoku,’ and it was believed to lower stress. After this, more studies have been conducted supporting this discovery.

Below are some of nature’s benefits to humanity!

NATURE MAY REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE

Research has shown that spending time outdoors is good for the heart. In the social sense, it removes you from the nagging spouse or problems at home. However, taking a nature walk far from the madding crowd really does the trick! Visiting green spaces rather than a ‘small house’ may be a simple and affordable way to improve heart health. Another 2016 study found that nearly 10% of people with high blood pressure could get their hypertension under control if they spent just 30 minutes or more in a park each week. “If everyone were to make time for nature, the savings on health care costs could be incredible,” says study author Danielle Shanahan, a research fellow at the University of Queensland in Australia. 

Trees’ natural fragrance may also play a role, as some studies have shown that phytoncides lower blood pressure by quelling the body’s fight-or-flight response, which stresses the body. The author emphasises that nature is undemanding and being in unison with it, especially alone or with loved ones, brings peace to the mind, body, and soul.  The drive by our Zimbabwean Government to plant trees is indeed commendable. The Forestry Commission earmarked planting 25 million trees in 2025. With more justification and everyone participating, that target must be surpassed this year, and now is the time to start! Workplaces, schools, and residential homes must also be compelled to align with this national vision. I once visited a rural school which has no single tree on its premises, and I was so disturbed. There was no shade for the children to sit. The authorities, however, never responded to my proposal to mobilize donations. A few years later, whilst passing by, I was happy to see trees greening in the same school yard. 

 NATURE MAY PROMOTE CANCER-FIGHTING CELLS

Did You Know?

The human body has natural killer cells (NK cells) that are out to get cancer cells and destroy them. NK cells are also thought to have a role in combating infections and autoimmune disorders and tamping down inflammation, which contributes to a wide range of ailments, including heart disease and diabetes. When people walk through natural vegetation, they inhale phytoncides that increase their number of natural killer (NK) cells–a type of white blood cell that supports the immune system and is associated with a lower risk of cancer.

Researchers also found that people who took two long walks through forests on consecutive days increased their NK cells by 50% and the activity of these cells by 56%. Those activity levels remained 23% higher than usual for the month following the walks. In another study, it was found that infusing people’s hotel rooms with phytoncides had some of the same anti-cancer-cell effects as those seen among people walking through forests.

NATURE MAY HELP WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

For the roller coaster mood team, nature walks can do the trick. Anyone with depression would know that stepping out in nature can help improve one's mood. In this fast-paced world, sometimes we fail to keep up. The pressure becomes too much and affects our joy and happiness. The good news is that a small 2015 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural setting, such as a forest or a nature park, were less likely to ruminate–a hallmark of depression and anxiety–and had lower activity in an area of the brain linked to depression than people who walked in an urban area. “Accessible natural areas may be vital for mental health in our rapidly urbanizing world,” the study authors write.

Our local authorities have parcelled out almost all the land reserved for recreational purposes, leaving us depressed. A policy shift is required for such facilities to be restored. We are witnessing the proliferation of gaming shops and beer outlets, which generate noise and chaos in the neighbourhoods. Time in nature lifts the spirit. We pray that nature is restored and happiness returns as more trees and parks come back to life. This may reduce our drug related challenges amongst many other social ills. When youths are engaged in uplifting activities like tree planting and maintenance, it instills a sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility. 

The exact mechanism of how nature helps mood disorders is unclear, but researchers agree that at the very least, “When you have a short blast of nature exposure, people’s moods go up,” says Ming Kuo, an environment and behavior scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Another possibility is that the air near moving water, forests, and mountains contains high levels of negative ions, which are thought to potentially reduce depression symptoms, according to a study in Frontiers in Psychology.

NATURE MAY HELP WITH ADHD SYMPTOMS

Children often beg for attention by throwing tantrums. In our African setup, it’s called mischief, and the rod is the answer. It’s heartwarming to know that these tantrums have a scientific name called Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), referring to a long-term condition that affects millions of children. It may continue into adulthood if left unattended. ADHD includes a mix of ongoing problems. These can include having a hard time paying attention, being hyperactive, and being impulsive.

Scientists suggest that nature walks could be a potential natural treatment to improve attention. In one study, a team led by Kuo of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign had kids with ADHD take three 20-minute walks, without their medication, in different locations: a park, a neighborhood, and an urban area. When the researchers tested the children afterward, they found that after a park walk, the kids were able to concentrate substantially better than after a walk in the other settings. In a separate 2011 study, Kuo and her colleagues found that children who regularly played in outdoor areas had milder ADHD symptoms, according to their parents, than children who played indoors or in areas with less nature access. “Nature gives the part of the brain that’s used in effortful concentration a rest,” says Kuo. “If you spend time doing something mentally relaxing, you feel rejuvenated.”

NATURE PROVIDES US ANTIOXIDANTS 

When was the last time you walked barefoot? When you walk barefoot, free electrons are transferred from the earth into your body. This grounding effect is one of the most potent antioxidants ever known. Antioxidants are molecules that protect your cells from damage by neutralizing unstable molecules called free radicals, which are byproducts of normal metabolism and environmental factors like pollution. They work by donating an electron to free radicals, stabilizing them and preventing them from damaging cells, which helps reduce risks for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.

NATURE BOOSTS PHYSICAL HEALTH

Some people love to exercise indoors, but weather permitting, it's always encouraged to seize the joy of being in harmony with nature. Natural environments promote physical activity (hiking, walking) and can strengthen the immune system through exposure to phytoncides. Sunlight exposure helps regulate sleep cycles.

 Forest with sun beams

NATURE HAS COGNITIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS

During our hay days, children used to love playing and running outside, whilst adults worked on their household chores. For some of us, we would come back covered in dust except for the eyes, yearning for an invigorating bath. But the length of the bathing ordeal would match the level of dirt. The dirtier you were, the longer and more painful the bath was. And each day, we looked forward to playing again!  Nature boosts memory, attention span, and creativity. As they play hide and seek in the shrubs, children breathe in the natural scents of flowers and leaves. For children, regular contact with nature supports healthy development and academic achievement. 

NATURE ACCELERATES HEALING

Many times, I visit the Victoria Falls, I bump into senior citizens on wheel chairs enjoying the majestic rain showers. The walk brings serenity and grounding.  Studies show that viewing nature can accelerate healing, reduce pain, and lessen the need for pain medication in hospital patients. It is hoped that as hospitals are built, they will consider big gardens where the sick can rest and relax. Providence St. John’s Health Centre (Santa Monica, CA) offers a jasmine-scented garden behind the emergency room with benches for quiet reflection. 

NATURE CREATES SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY

These days, we are witnessing an awakening to wellness consciousness. Every other month, we have marathons and golf tournaments, encouraging people to get off their couches and reconnect. Nature creates opportunities for social connections, thereby boosting mental and physical health. Green spaces, such as parks and forests, provide areas for social interaction and community bonding. For us to be able to fully embrace the benefits of Mother Nature, we need to repent from a careless culture. Waste mismanagement is our greatest sin. Lack of proper planning in the use of land is also letting us down. The spirit of caring and consideration must continue to grow. Earth does not need us, but we do! Next time you come across a forest, remember it is for rest. 

Key points

·       Spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health, and emotional well-being.

·       Feeling connected to nature can produce similar benefits to well-being, regardless of how much time one spends outdoors.

·       Both green spaces and blue spaces (aquatic environments) produce well-being benefits. More remote and biodiverse spaces may be particularly helpful, though even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes.

·       We must strive to restore nature and maintain what God has given through massive tree planting campaigns.

·       Homes, public places, and tourist attractions must beautify their exterior spaces to enhance better health.

Disclaimer 

This article intends to share with readers the healing potential of nature, supported by research. The information shared is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dr Precious Sibiya is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on

Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com

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