Greening the brain: A horticultural stress management program for perimenopausal symptoms.

Researchers have examined the efficacy of a horticultural stress management program for menopausal women. The quasi-experimental research design was employed by providing stress management and horticulture techniques to the experimental group (n = 55), whereas an informational pamphlet was given to the control group (n = 42). Moreover, this management program was comprised of hands-on training (Herb testing and smelling, Rocky Leaf prints, Grass Doll activity, and Kokedama activity), short lectures, and group discussions (sessions) for two hours, once a week, and continued for four weeks. Data was gathered from public-related activities i.e., camps on women's health and it consisted of three stages; before and after management and one month after completion of the intervention. The primary goal was to increase the stress coping ability, while the secondary goal was to enhance the psychological well-being and decrease menopausal symptoms. The aspects of horticultural attitude, cognitive flexibility, manageability, and knowledge of menopause were measured by using ANCOVA on SPSS 17 v. All the aspects significantly improved in the experimental group. Knowledge of menopause, horticultural attitude, cognitive flexibility, and manageability of stress significantly improved in the experimental group.