RESEARCH
Integration of Biological and Psychological Factors in Horticultural Therapy for Cancer Patients: Focused on Making Grass Dolls, Transplanting, and Making Tea with Herb Plants
Summary
This article describes a horticultural therapy program created for cancer patients, using simple gardening activities to help them heal emotionally and mentally. The program involved making and caring for “grass dolls,” transplanting herb plants, and making herbal tea. Patients often saw themselves reflected in the grass dolls—especially the way the grass “hair” grew back after starting bald, just like their own hair after chemotherapy. This connection helped them express feelings about their illness and find hope in their recovery journey.
Transplanting herbs like lavender and rosemary gave patients a chance to reflect on their own growth, especially when trimming plant roots—symbolizing letting go of negative thoughts. Caring for the plants, harvesting them, and making tea helped patients feel calmer, more positive, and more connected to nature. Many reported feeling mentally refreshed and uplifted. Overall, these simple activities helped cancer patients see their illness experience as part of a personal transformation and healing process.
