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

Cancer patients who participated in gardening activities—such as growing grass dolls, transplanting herbs, and making tea—reported emotional healing and a stronger sense of personal growth. The activities helped them process their cancer experience and led to feelings of hope, peace, and self-reflection.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Rehabilitation Centers

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Sense of Purpose

Allied Profession Intersections: Counselling

Type of Activity: Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Observational Research, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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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.

Link

Lee, S.M., Gim, G.M., Jeong, S.H., & Choi, Y.H. (2016). Integration of biological and psychological factors in horticultural therapy for cancer patients: Focused on making grass dolls, transplanting, and making tea with herb plants. XIII International People Plant Symposium: Plants, Cultures and Healthy Communities 1246, 23-26

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