People, plants and their interaction

by Palitha SUBASINGHE

All human cultures have been depending and are dependent on plants in different ways, without exception. It has been known from periods far back as 4000 BC with historical evidence of tree worship and gods and goddesses believed to be dwelling in trees. Before the rise of Christianity, nature, especially trees, were widely worshipped in many different cultures and times. Even in Christian times, we have such legendary figures as Blessed Hildegard of Bingen and St. Francis speaking of plants and trees as divine wonders.

Some 2500 years ago the Buddha described a forest full of trees as a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life activity.

Plants and Spirituality

Since time immemorial plants have played a key role in human spirituality. Their sublime beauty has always suggested a connection with ‘the other world’, the non - material world of Gods and spirits, demons and devils.

Aloe -  medicine plant

The Buddhist religious practice of conducting “bodhi poojas” (religious offerings and recitations) at the bodhi trees (Ficus religiosa) may be worthwhile mentioning here. So may be the significance of the Christmas tree, which the modern society has relegated only for the purpose of hanging gifts at Christmas time.

Plants as Oxygenators

Plants are also the only organisms capable of transforming sunlight into food energy, which all other forms of life ultimately depend upon. They are the organisms that make life in our biosphere possible: they make an otherwise lifeless environment habitable, arable and teaming with myriad of life forms that all ultimately depend on the green life force of

plants, even down to the humble and most lowly species such as the ocean algae, which produce most of the oxygen, without which we could not breath. In effect plants regulate the concentration of gases in the air making it breathable and also regulate the water cycles of the planet

Plants as Air Purifiers

Houseplants can also help clean the air. The ability of plants to absorb chemicals from the environment has been demonstrated in many studies. Tests done by NASA have shown that common houseplants remove pollutants as they go through their natural process of photosynthesis-while plants draw in carbon monoxide, they also pick up airborne pollutants through small openings called stomata in the leaves and even through the root system. They are effective at removing gases or volatile organic compounds as they are called, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, benzene, cigarette smoke, and ozone, which are harmful for us to breathe. These are found in personal care products as well as in paints, plastics, room deodorizers, adhesives and a host of products in day- to-day use. Aloe Vera (Komarika-which is now a chief ingredient in a myriad of beauty products), Howea forsteriana (commonly called the Kentia palm- but not the one locally called by this name), spathyphyllum, common chrysanthemums, dracaena, philodendron, spider plants, and schefflera are among the better air filters.

Plants as medicine

Plants also offer multitudes of medicines for all types of diseases, from the common cold to cancer. Plant extracts have played a significant role in the development of many important drugs that have saved thousands of lives over the centuries, and the hunt for new plant medicines is still on. Fruits, flowers, seeds, leaves, roots, bark all contain volatile liquids that can be distilled and used because of their very complex chemical makeup. These plant extracts may be our only hope to combat the new mutations of bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as other deadly diseases that are emerging or re-emerging in our world

On the other hand, in many parts of the world large numbers of people are interested in looking for alternative therapy systems and find them among the ancient healing traditions.

Chinese herbalism, Ayurvedic practices, Aromatherapy and others are also steadily gaining acceptance among the mainstream. According to the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, just in the U.S. alone 56 percent of the top 150 prescribed drugs, are linked with discoveries made in the wild. This amounts to an economic value of $80 billion! It is estimated that of the approximately 250,000 tropical plant species less than one percent has been tested. Yet, the few that have been tested have supplied the pharmaceutical companies with the raw materials of many of their most profitable and widely used drugs.

It may be of interest to state here that our common fruit “katu aatha” or “anoda” (Anonas reticulata) has been found to contain a chemical which is ten times more potent than that used in chemotherapy for cancer patients.

Plants as Mental Catalysts

A study carried out by the American scientists Virginia I. Lohr and Caroline H. Pearson- Mims from the Departments of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture of the Washington State University proves that just looking at trees has a positive effect on people. The aim of the study was to compare the psychological and physiological perceptions of urban scenery with trees with non-living objects. The participants showed more positive emotions, such as happiness, friendliness and assertiveness, and less negative emotions, such as sadness, fear and annoyance, whilst looking at the urban scenery with trees.

In summary it can be said that the study clearly proves what significant role trees, independent of their shapes, play in an urban environment.

They have the effect of a calming catalyst on people, especially those who live in urban areas, and contribute to their well-being and therefore better health. From her study on stress and the effect of viewing urban scenes with and without vegetation, Mary K. Honeyman, landscape architect at Oblinger, Mason, KS, USA concluded that urban vegetation presented important psychological benefits. Her results showed reduced stress for groups that viewed vegetative scenes and increased stress for those who viewed scenes without vegetation.

Other researchers have found that a window overlooking predominately trees or other vegetation has repeatedly produced positive effects on the health of individuals in prisons and in hospitals.

In another study Owen found that visiting a botanical garden lowers blood pressure and reduces heart rate. Other studies by Kaplan, Ulrich and fellow workers show that the presence of vegetation will speed recovery from stress. Different studies show that activities like gardening are associated with health and reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease. Could this be the reason for the hundreds of visitors, perhaps unknowingly, flocking the plant shows held at the Vihara Maha Devi Park almost every weekend?

Plants in Office Environment

The benefits of plants for office workers in a working environment have been examined in different studies. Fjeld and his fellow scientists (2002) did some research into the effects of plants on the well-being and health of office workers. This research shows that there is a positive relationship between plants at the workplace and the health of the office worker.

They also found a decline of health problems like fatigue, headaches and complaints like dry and sore throat and dry hands when plants and daylight lamps were placed in the office.

The attendance of plants seems to have a positive effect on cognitive functioning in terms of attention recovery. Even exposure to plants for a few minutes can lead to positive effects on cognitive functioning. Other research shows a positive relationship between plants and work productivity and a lower blood pressure.

Plants as Therapy

Therapists and participants in horticultural therapy programmes report the positive benefits like social integration, increase of self-confidence, self-esteem and concentration, and learning of practical skills, structure and routine. Ulrich (2004) studied 42 men and women in Nova Scotia (Canada) and compares the meaning of gardening for people with cancer and people without cancer. The study revealed that gardening can be a possible coping strategy for stressful life experiences and can be beneficial for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.

(The writer is the Vice-President/Hony. Editor - Horticultural & Flora Conservation Society-Sri Lanka)