Forest Therapy by Sylva Fae, Featuring Hannah Foley As a woodland owner, it’s no surprise that I love trees. It’s not just the trees themselves, it is the feeling of calm they bring as I wander aimlessly between them. I take great pleasure in watching the seasonal changes, the fresh new leaves springing forth and signifying an end to the harsh weather of winter, then broad leafy branches providing shade from the hot sun, and those same leaves changing colour, delicately drifting down to enrich the soil and give nutrients for new growth. Even the silhouetted, bare, twisted branches of winter add subtle beauty to the ever-changing skyline.
its own growing habitat. They are the tree’s immune system, if you will.
I’m no expert but I know my trees, the ones that share my little English woodland, and I appreciate the part each one plays in creating my haven away from the real world – the graceful birches that sway gently in the breeze, the old oak that has seen two-hundred plus years of change, the cheerful sycamores, the chestnuts and hazel that offer autumn treats, the hawthorn that decorates the hedgerow…. Each one is a delight to the senses as I amble along, or sit quietly among them, breathing in their healing scents.
These phytoncide compounds are commonly referred to as terpenes, which is in essence a simplified terminology for a very vast and complex subject. Phytoncides are the essential oils of a tree. The number of phytoncides in any given area is unique to that specific growing habitat and has many variables and determining factors, which makes each cubic foot of forest air utterly unique. Why should we be aware, and begin to appreciate these phytoncides?
I’ve always intrinsically felt that time spent in the forest has a healing effect on both the body and mind, so it is no surprise to discover this has been scientifically proven. One of my like-minded friends is Hannah Foley, who runs Boudicca Bushcraft & Forage School, based in South Wales. Hannah has recently undertaken a course in forest bathing, but I’ll let her explain in her own words:
Well simply there are several benefits to the interaction, both physically and aromatherapically. Firstly, I will break down for you the main types of phytoncides (or terpenes) you may come into contact with if you partake often in activities in the forest. Examples of Common Terpenes: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
*** Shrinrin-Yoku – by Hannah Foley
Having just completed my qualification in ShinrinYoku, aka forest bathing, which is scientifically proven to have many physiological and psychological health benefits, I thought I would share with you some of the simplified, and more concise science in regards to a phenomenon that trees produce, namely phytoncides. Essentially these are the compounds the tree produces to protect itself and assist
D limonene - lemony scent Alpha Pinene - piney scent Beta pinene – basil, dill scent Camphene - resinous, camphorous scent
It has been scientifically researched, under the blanket subject of aromatherapy, that these phytoncides can have great benefits for the human body and condition. Phytoncides can be used to increase the body’s immune system, actively stimulating natural killer cells within the immune system, and have - 42 -
