Magic of Phytoncide

#VitaminN

Do you feel especially energised and invigorated after a trip to nature? It’s not just a placebo effect! Since Japan’s Forestry Agency started promoting forest bathing in the 80s, Japanese researchers have conducted a series of research on the interactions between humans and nature, hoping to understand more about the benefits different elements in nature can bring to us.

In this series, we are going to explore why the increasingly advocated Vitamin N ( N for Nature) is an essential element for the human body and understand how nature can improve our health.

Among numerous research, the earliest and most representative was oneabout Phytoncides. The term “Forest Bathing” (Shinrin-Yoku) was coined by Japan’s Forestry Agency in the 80s to promote forest walks. “Bathing” refers to the practice of immersing ourselves in the forest—phytoncide being one of the better known forest elements.

What is phytoncide? It is a volatile organic compound given off by plants to protect themselves from harmful bacteria, fungi and insects. Different plants will secrete different amounts of phytoncides, with conifers releasing the most. Research showed that two hours of exposure to phytoncides in the forest could increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells by 50% and enhance the actions of anti-cancer proteins, significantly improving our immunity [2].

A follow-up study demonstrated that even after one month, the NK cell activity in participants was still 20% more than before the forest walk. In other words, staying in the forest for two hours every month can already strengthen our immune system. On top of that, phytoncides can help reduce stress, fight fatigue and improve sleep quality, offering a whole host of benefits to the human body.

So every time we feel calm and relaxed after a hike we probably have phytoncides to thank. Outside of the forest, phytoncides can also be found in essential oils made of conifers as well as food like ginger, garlic and onion. The effects of these essential oils and foods on our bodies await further research.

If you are interested in learning more about phytoncides ➤

[1] Li, Q., Kobayashi, M., Wakayama, Y., Inagaki, H., Katsumata, M., et al. (2009). Effect of phytoncide from trees on human natural killer cell function. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 22(4), 951-9.

[2] Li Q. (2009). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 9-17.

For more information about Into the Woods ➤➤➤ https://www.lungfushannaturalist.hku.hk/intothewoods