Going regularly to green spaces to make “nature baths” would reduce the consumption of drugs, both psychotropic drugs and those for high blood pressure and asthma.
- More than 4 million people suffer from asthma in France according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm).
- One in three adults is affected by high blood pressure (HTA) and only half know it, according to Inserm.
THE contact with nature has many mental and physical health benefits. According to a new study, published in the journal BMJ Journalsspending time in green spaces may even reduce drug use.
Take nature baths at least 3 to 4 times a week
To reach this conclusion, the researchers of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare analyzed data from 16,000 people aged 25 and over living in three major Finnish cities. Specifically, these were Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.
The participants had to answer questionnaires on some of their habits and living conditions: presence of green spaces near their homes – i.e. parks, forests, beaches, etc. -, consumption of drugs daily and physical exercises carried out outdoors, in these green spaces. This information was collected between 2015 and 2016.
Based on this data, the scientists concluded that going to green spaces, what they call “nature baths”, at least three or four times a week, reduced drug consumption.
A reduction in the intake of psychotropic drugs and other medications
In detail, there was a 33% reduction in the likelihood of taking psychotropic drugs – particularly due to insomnia or anxiety – by going to green spaces at least three to four times a week, compared to participants who only went there once.
On the other hand, they also observed a benefit for other types of medication, in particular those for high blood pressure and for asthma, with reductions in the probability of consuming them which were respectively 36% and 26%.
Are there people for whom contact with nature has more benefits? It would seem, according to the authors, that those with lower incomes take less medication when they often go to green spaces. On the other hand, this was not the case for individuals who earned a better living.
So, even if you live in the city, it is strongly recommended to take walks in green spaces. Three or four times a week seems to be the right frequency to limit medication intake but also to reduce sedentary time and clear your mind.
