Do nature prescriptions work for mental and physical health?
Studies show that nature improves mental health and blood pressure. But the evidence on doctor recommendations remains mixed.
Doctors now recommend time in nature to patients. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners supported the practice.
They suggest 20 minutes a day noticing parks, birds and gardening. Studies show benefits.
A review of 47 trials found that 17 showed mental health gains. These were especially for depression and anxiety.
Forest activities also improved blood pressure and heart rate. But the evidence on whether a doctor's recommendation itself helps is less clear.
Improvements might come from nature itself, or from more activity, social connection, or professional encouragement. Not everyone has safe parks nearby.
Researchers say more thorough studies are needed. We need to know which patients benefit most.
We need to know how to make prescriptions work in real life.
- 47
- Trials reviewed
- 17
- Showed mental health gains
- 20 minutes
- Daily recommendation
- almost 3,800
- Trial participants
Why it mattersIf nature prescriptions work, they are low-cost, available ways to improve mental and physical health. But we still need to know whether they actually work in real practice.
AustraliaGPs can now formally recommend nature time as health care, though benefits depend on green space access and people's follow-through.
