Title: Oxford Professor Advocates for Nature in Medicine with New Book "Good Nature"

Oxford, UK - In an era where the pace of life accelerates and urban environments dominate, the health benefits of nature are becoming increasingly recognized. Professor Kathy Willis, a biodiversity expert from the University of Oxford, has recently released a book titled "Good Nature," where she explores how nature can be integrated into medical treatments to enhance patient recovery and overall well-being.

Forest bathing, a practice originating in Japan, involves spending time in forested areas to promote health through sensory engagement with the natural environment. Willis delves into this concept, suggesting that such practices could be adapted for clinical settings. Her research, compiled in her new book, provides compelling evidence on how exposure to nature can lead to significant physiological changes beneficial for health.

During an interview with Live Science, Willis discussed the origins of her interest in the therapeutic effects of nature. "I was working on ecosystem services when I stumbled upon a study showing that hospital patients with views of trees recovered faster and required less pain medication than those facing walls," she explained. This discovery led her to investigate how different natural elements impact human health.

Willis outlines in her book that visual exposure to greenery, like looking at trees or savannas, can trigger three major physiological responses:

1. Autonomic Nervous System: Lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Endocrine System: Altering hormone levels, reducing stress indicators like salivary amylase.
3. Psychological Index: Enhancing feelings of calm and reducing anxiety.

Moreover, Willis explores the effects of other senses:

• Smell: Volatile organic compounds from plants like those in pine forests can reduce adrenaline and increase natural killer cells, which fight diseases like cancer and viruses.
• Touch: Physical interaction with natural materials like wood can induce calmness.
• Sound: Natural sounds versus urban noises have different impacts on our stress levels.

Her research also touches on the microbiome, showing how interaction with biodiverse environments can diversify our gut flora, potentially reducing inflammation and improving health. A study involving Finnish children playing in different environments highlighted how soil from a forest could significantly alter their gut microbiome, leading to reduced inflammatory markers.

For those unable to regularly visit natural settings, Willis recommends bringing nature indoors. "Even non-scented roses can lower blood pressure," she notes, encouraging the use of indoor plants or natural elements like vases of flowers at home or in the workplace.

"Good Nature" not only serves as a bridge between environmental science and medicine but also as a call to action for healthcare providers to consider prescribing nature-based therapies. Willis's work suggests that by integrating nature into treatment plans, we might harness its healing powers in ways that are both accessible and effective, potentially revolutionizing how we approach health and wellness in modern society.