This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
When we put our hands in the soil, without gloves of course, I don’t know about you, but in my Mandala vegetable garden on the edge of the forest, I’ve got a hell of a potato, or a hell of a peach (depending on the season). In short, I’m in seventh heaven!
For a long time I wondered if that was what ‘having a green thumb’ was all about, but no, it’s not just the birdsong that lulls my day.
The culprit is more invisible, crawling under our feet: Mycobacterium vaccae!
Let’s take a closer look…
Impact of Mycobacterium vaccae on humans
Mycobacterium vaccae, a non-pathogenic bacterium found in soils, especially forest soils, is renowned for its beneficial effects on the immune system and mental health. It stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood, happiness and cognition.
1. Immune system and inflammation
- Immune modulation: The bacterium stimulates beneficial cytokines, boosting the immune response and reducing excessive inflammation. It has even been studied as a treatment for inflammatory conditions such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.
2. Mental health
- Natural antidepressant: Mycobacterium vaccae’ s stimulation of serotonin functions as a natural antidepressant, reducing stress, improving mood and boosting concentration. Research has shown that it can also have a positive impact on reducing anxiety.
3. Earth-related well-being
- Gardening and contact with nature: Gardening, walking barefoot in the forest, or even playing in the soil are simple ways of coming into contact with this bacterium, which may explain why these activities are soothing and beneficial to well-being.
4. Potential therapeutic applications
- Use in oncology and cognition: In oncology, it is being explored to improve patients’ quality of life, while its potential to improve neuronal plasticity is being studied in the context of preventing cognitive disorders.
Mycobacterium vaccae therefore has immense potential to have a positive influence on health, whether through better immune balance or improved mental health. Current research continues to reveal new therapeutic applications for this fascinating bacterium.
So get out your rakes and get gardening!