Do Trees Have Healing Power?
Have you ever felt nice after taking a long walk or stroll in a forest? Ummm, YES it felt refreshed, rejuvenated, calm, and more peaceful. Trees have much more impact on us than we understand.
As we all know, Trees inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen in return during our primitive years. But there is more to it, to better understand this, let’s look at the photosynthesis process- Tress intake CO2, water, and sunlight to convert this into chemical compounds such as sugar that acts as food for trees in turn Trees release oxygen- this O2 supply can be sufficient 4 people in a day.
According to the Arbor Foundation, big trees absorb 48 pounds of CO2 and supply oxygen in exchange. Not only that, Trees releases a natural oil called Phytoncides that protects them from all kind of bacteria, insect, and fungi, these phytoncides also gets absorbed in the forest air. There are several benefits if one inhales the natural oil combined with oxygen- improves mood, and immunity, and decreases anxiety, depression, and anger. In Japan, they offer a forest bath called “Shinrinyoku”. Incorporating the forest bath has a drastic and positive impact on human physical and mental health proposed by the Japan forest department in 1982. Incorporating a regular forest bath lowers heart rate and blood pressure along with a strong relaxing effect.
In a recent study, it was found that Microbials found in the roots are similar to bacteria found in human’s GUT, which further proves that we are all part of nature and inter-connected.
Interestingly, few Trees emit oxygen at night for example- Neem & Peepal trees. Neem trees that are mostly grown sparsely in the southeast part of Asia have many properties like solving skin allergies and other skin issues. They also act as air purifiers and natural pesticides. Even Eucalyptus trees that are commonly grown in California are known to relieve cold and flu symptoms. I remember going camping on channel islands (Islands in southern California) with a bad cold, after camping under larger Eucalyptus trees, the next morning my cold symptoms literally subsided.
Additionally, the most amazing about Trees is that- they can also support and create a meditative environment because it is known to retain energy for a prolonged time. Even today, people worship the “Bodi Tree” a large sacred fig tree where Gautam Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment.
Trees such as Peepal and Banyan trees that grow sparsely in tropical regions are considered highly spiritually in Vedic tradition, People worship these trees for healthier, long life and to dissolve past karmas. These trees are said to be manifestations of a higher self.
I sometimes ponder, somethings that are free of cost and easily accessible (hopefully) have such a tremendous impact on our minds and body, yet we fail to protect them. So much land has lost its productivity and turning futile. According to the United Nations, about one-fifth of the land is turning into deserts. Addressing this issue is a dire need for humanity and future generations. Having said that, next time just skip the resort and go for a camp in a rich and lustrous forest, and in return plant a tree to help restore our forest glory and make this a better place for the coming generation.
Happy Reading!
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793341/
https://www.ishalife.com/downloads/portfolio/a-tree-can-save-the-world/
https://www.itswellness.org/english/l-japan-forests/
