Students, please take your seats because the class is now in session. Today, we are discussing all things trees and happiness!
The exclamation point means this is an exciting topic that we care about and enjoy discussing. We hope you find this blog post fun and engaging, leaving you curious about trees and full of wonderment.
Let's get started! The fact is, trees make us healthier... and as a side effect, happier!
Quick History Lesson → Shinrin-yoku
Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese term for taking a forest bathing trip. The Japanese did not invent this concept but were responsible for reintroducing it at the beginning of the technological boom in the 80s. Forest bathing, also known as eco-therapy, encourages us to unplug and connect with nature to help improve our physical and mental health.
Lesson 1 → The Science Behind It
Ok, that all sounds great, right? So, what's the science behind it? This all happens on a chemical level. Phytoncides are essential oils that are emitted by trees. These oils contain antimicrobial and insecticidal components that protect the trees from germs and parasites.
There are different types of phytoncides:
a-pinene
d-limonene
β-pinene
sabinene
myrcene
camphene
What do all of these "science-y" words mean? According to the National Library of Medicine, the oil a-pinene is found in coniferous trees such as cedar and pine. This chemical contains antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. All of this means health-boosting superpowers to us laymen. No, but really, these different types of phytoncides offer different kinds of health benefits. For example, some are anti-inflammatory, some are considered to be sedative, others anxiolytic (antidepressant), and more.
Lesson 2 → Enter— Forest Bathers
The phytoncide essential oils emitted by trees can be inhaled by visitors to the forest.
When we inhale phytoncides, our blood pressure begins to lower, and as a result, we begin to relax. As this happens, our brows unfurrow, our shoulders lower, jaws unclench, our muscles untighten, and we feel a sense of serenity and tranquility.
The benefits don't end there! Check it out, when we inhale phytoncides, they help us to:
— Increase our pain thresholds
— Decrease the production of stress hormones
So there you have it. Trees are basically superheroes helping to defend and protect us. They help reduce stress & anxiety, fend off deadly diseases, (and more) all of which will ultimately make us happier!
Here's your homework →
Take a field trip →
Go on, get out there. Give forest bathing a try. Connect with nature & unplug from those devices.
Do you need help finding a place to experience nature? You can find a local tree-related event near you and head out on a guided hike or forest bathing tour. Check your local park district or forest preserve webpages for events. Also, we've done some of this leg work for you. We post current Chicagoland tree-related events and learning opportunities each month on our website. Check them out here.
Grab this book →
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li
Check your local library to see if you can borrow it for free, check your local bookstore, or order it online.
Do your own research →
There is a surplus of resources available on this topic, and we encourage you to have fun learning more about the benefits of trees! As with anything you read online, this is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace actual medical advice from your healthcare practitioner. Always first seek medical advice from your doctor.
References →
Phytoncides: The Science Behind Forest Bathing Benefits
National Geographic: The Secret to Mindful Travel? A Walk in the Woods
Citations:
Li Q. Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):9-17. doi: 10.1007/s12199-008-0068-3. PMID: 19568839; PMCID: PMC2793341.
Li Q, Morimoto K, Kobayashi M, Inagaki H, Katsumata M, Hirata Y, Hirata K, Shimizu T, Li YJ, Wakayama Y, Kawada T, Ohira T, Takayama N, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. A forest bathing trip increases human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins in female subjects. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2008 Jan-Mar;22(1):45-55. PMID: 18394317.
Khan-Mohammadi-Khorrami MK, Asle-Rousta M, Rahnema M, Amini R. Neuroprotective effect of alpha-pinene is mediated by suppression of the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway in Alzheimer's disease rat model. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2022 May;36(5):e23006. doi: 10.1002/jbt.23006. Epub 2022 Feb 17. PMID: 35174932.
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6654, alpha-Pinene; [cited 2022 Dec. 20]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/alpha-Pinene
Basil.Star. Phytoncides: The Science Behind Forest Bathing Benefits. 2020, Dec 8. Retrieved 2022, Dec 20.
Fitzgerald.Sunny. National Geographic. The Secret to Mindful Travel? A Walk in the Woods. Retrieved 2022, Dec 20.
.png)
