Soil, Microbes, and the Chemistry of Mood

“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.”
- Mahatma Gandhi

There is emerging research suggesting that certain soil-based microorganisms may influence mood regulation.

A bacterium found in soil (Mycobacterium vaccae) has been studied for its potential antidepressant effects. Research published in Neuroscience (2007) indicated that exposure to this microbe stimulated serotonin production in mice and reduced anxiety-like behaviors.

Human research is still developing. But the broader concept, that environmental microbes influence mental health, is gaining traction.

We evolved in contact with soil, plants, and natural bacteria. Modern environments are increasingly sterile.

This is not an argument against hygiene.

It is an observation about disconnection.

Gardening, touching soil, or spending time in biodiverse environments may support immune regulation, which is closely tied to mood stability. Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression, and exposure to diverse natural environments may help regulate inflammatory responses.

When you kneel in a garden bed, something is happening beyond sentiment... you are interacting with a living system that shaped human biology.

Journal Prompts

If you are so inclined ... writing about your emotions and needs has been proven to be beneficial in helping to gain peace and alleviate stress. There’s no right way to answer.

When was the last time I physically touched soil or worked with plants?

What feelings arise when I engage with the earth directly?

Videos & Books

If quiet moments might help you reset, or if you are unable to get to a natural setting, here are some YouTube channels focused on nature, including my own, The Nature Break. Also included are some books on the benefits and beauty of nature.

YouTube Nature Channels:

• Naturescapes: Beautiful long-form nature scenes with minimal editing.

• The Nature Break: Nature walks set to quiet music, short duration 2- 4 minutes

Books:

• Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail by Erin Miller

• The Wild Iris by Louise Glück

Featured Video: Please enjoy this video from the Nature Break…

Comments

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The Nature Break

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