Canada’s medical biochemist, botanist Diana Beresford-Kroeger and Japan’s Dr. Quing Li, at Tokyo Nippon Medical School are the world’s leading forest medicine experts.
Beresford, the first to write about tree aerosols, says tree “compounds are released like rockets into the air.”
Tree air is loaded with antibiotics, antinflammatories, antiseptics, antivirals, and analgesics writes Forest Medicine expert Beresford in Arboretum Borealis.
Forest Medicine expert Dr Quing Li, an environmental immunologist is the leader in “Forest Bathing” research.
The rigour of Dr Li’s science is lost in the translation of the “forest bathing” moniker. His teams analyzed blood, saliva, urine, and blood pressure according to strict academic research protocol.
Dr Li and his team showed that every minute close to trees lowers levels of adrenaline and cortisol, the stress hormone.
Dr Li’s team found improvement in T cell function, the key to healthy immune systems.
His team showed that time spent close to trees had the following effects:
increase in immune system regulators (T Cell)
decrease respiratory rate
decrease stress levels
decrease in blood pressure
decrease in stress (adrenaline and cortisol)
Forest Medicine experts Beresford and Li give us the reasons why trees are so beneficial for our health.
Trees produce their own self defence mechanisms.
Trees secrete these compounds to protect themselves from insects and microbes.
By simply being close to trees we breathe in these antimicrobials.
A growing body of research has shown that living close to trees has beneficial effects on mental health, as well as well-being, mood, cognition and life span.
Please subscribe for further posts that describe the latest research on the health benefits of trees. In the newsletters I will also pass on deals on clothing and gear to keep you outside longer.
The omni heat jackets are so light they are perfect for those of us who travel. In fact I use mine on the plane for a pillow and then stuff it back in my mini back pack. Kiss those bulky coats goodbye.
“Healthy Tree, Healthy Me”
Verla
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I’m a believer! I feel better as I spend time in the woods. One more reason to hug a tree.
Wonderful Peter. Happy trails. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Makes me want to take a deep breath and look outside into the tree branches.
This was all new information for me! Thanks!
Everytime I read one of your posts I feel bad about not spending enough time outside 😄. I need to get over hating this heat so I can enjoy nature more often.
I’m trying to get out more, Verla! You’re a great source of inspiration, so thank you! BTW, I saw your Columbia ad – awesome! Cheers, friend! Vicky
I’ve always loved being in nature and up in the mountains surrounded by trees. Makes sense!
Healthy trees, healthy me for sure! I had no idea trees could help reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Great info as always!
What interesting information! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Love that every minute close to trees it lowers cortisol and adrenaline levels! No wonder being outside, always makes me happy!
Great article. Who knew that there were so many benefits to trees.
This is so interesting. I’m not naturally an outdoors girl, but I get way too stressed with work, so I’m really wanting to spend more time outside and around trees! The health benefits you discussed are amazing!
Love all the information I discover on your website…Just looking at trees calms my soul! …And to learn how amazing they really are for our well being is fascinating! It makes me love them that much more!
Healthy tree, healthy me! Another reason I’m excited to get going on our RVing adventure…spend some time among the trees.
You always have the best information about trees and our health. Thank you so much for sharing. I love seeing your videos!
Very interesting! I had no idea just how much trees benefit us! Thanks for the information.
I always learn something new about the health benefits of trees after reading your posts. 🙂
Hhhmmmmm, would have never known!
Who knew? ❤️
I did not know trees produced antimicrobials, but it makes sense. Thanks for breaking down this research!
Wow! Amazing! Made me want to go outside and hug a tree! Love reading science-backed info like this
Wow, who knew trees had these kind of powers. To be able to protect themselves and lower our own stress levels is truly magical. The weather was so nice out we took the kids to the beach for a long walk. We all felt relaxed and slept extra well that night.
This is a great article, I had no idea the benefits of just being around trees. Thank you for sharing!
This is such an interesting topic, Verla! Now I understand why we feel so good being outdoors!