The 3 James Wong's wellbeing tips we all need right now
Liz Earle Beauty Co. Ethnobotanist James Wong provides advice on simple ways to boost wellbeing and connect with nature during lockdown.
According to new research, which was conducted by Liz Earle Beauty Co., 84% of us say that spending time outdoors helps relieve everyday stress and worries, both of which are at a nationwide high in the current climate (Research conducted with 2,000 adults by Opinium in April 2020).
As part of series two of our podcast, Nature Bantz, we chatted to Liz Earle Beauty Co resident ethnobotanist, James Wong to discuss easy ways to connect with nature to help boost wellbeing right now. Some top tips from the podcast include…
1. Creating a green view at home
Studies suggest that having a green view can measurably reduce healing times in hospitals, reduce pain levels and even improve exercise performance. In fact, one US study found that patients recovering from gall bladder surgery in a Pennsylvania hospital had a 12.5% shorter hospital stay on average, and were even able take less pain medication, if they had a view of trees from their beds rather than a brick wall. The most intriguing thing to James is that, when you look at the nurses notes about patient mental well-being, those with a green view were 80% less likely to show signs of emotional distress.
While only a few of us can be lucky enough to look out onto nature from our windows, with houseplants anyone can create their own green view, even if they live in a small flat in the heart of the city like James.
James said that Cacti and succulents are a perfect choice for a windowsill garden, as they can stand the harsh sunlight and fluctuating moisture levels of these areas. While other plants may need almost daily watering in these conditions, cacti can go for months with no water at all. Perfect for forgetful gardeners. As a general rule they need to be within 1 metre of the window pane and you can't go wrong.
2. Fill your home with beautiful scent
Evidence has consistently shown that some plant-based scents can improve mood, reduce anxiety, even help improve sleep quality. One study by Florida Atlantic University found that graduate students taking nursing exams consistently reported lower levels of anxiety, even showed significantly reduced heart rate, when given lavender or rosemary essential oil to inhale beforehand. As the ethnobotanist at Liz Earle, one of his favourite parts of the job is tracking down and trialling the amazing scents we use in our products, from high altitude lavender in Southern France to Damask roses in Turkey.
James’ current fascination us with Gardenias, which contain compounds that have been shown in some early studies to have a similar effect on brain cells to drugs like Valium. If you want to grow gardenias successfully, the key is to remove them from their pots and divide them. Growers tend to pack lots of plants into small pots to give them a fuller look, but this means most die as soon as you get them home. Lifting and dividing them suddenly turns one of the hardest houseplants to grow into the easiest.
James Wong, Liz Earle Beauty Co. Ethnobotanist says ‘Gardening can be a powerful and therapeutic tool for a sense of escapism and wellbeing. There is a growing body of research suggesting that being around plants can reduce stress and anxiety. It can provide not only a welcome distraction from the headlines, but much-needed signs of growth, positivity and a chance to see the miracle of nature at work.”
3. Make an indoor edible garden
A range of studies have consistently shown how gardening can help measurably improve depression. One trial at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, for example, found clinically relevant improvements in over 70% of trial participants, showing an average 9.7 points drop on the Beck Depression Index. A reduction of this scale would be enough to take someone from being borderline clinically depressed, to well within the normal range.
James loves growing unusual citrus plants indoors, like the Japanese Yuzu or Italian Bergamots. These plants not only provide year-round scent from their flowers and beautiful glossy green leaves, but offer up fruit that are hard to find even in the poshest supermarkets. Like all at-home attempts to grow your own, you will get only modest harvests, but even you get 5 bergamot fruit from your living room plant all year, that’s enough for at least 25 bergamot-infused martinis. A whole other reason why these plants can boost your mood!