FOREST BATH

One such doctor is Qing Li, whose book reflects his 25 years of forest bathing research. “This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply being in nature, connecting with it through our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch.” ― Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness

1. Cypress - an evergreen tree native to Asia and the Mediterranean area. Early physicians recommended that patients with lung ailments go to the island of Crete, which had dense forests of cypress trees. It was highly valued as a medicine and as an incense by ancient civilizations and it is still used as a purification incense by the Tibetians.

2. Siberian Fir - an evergreen tree native to North America and Europe. There are about 40 species of the fir tree. The American Indians used every part of the tree for a different remedy. The inner bark was prepared into a tea to alleviate chest pains, the twigs were used as a laxative, the powdered roots were placed in the mouth to soothe sores, the needles and resin were inhaled in the sauna to help relieve colds and coughs. The resin was also applied to the skin to heal burns, sores, cuts, wounds, inflammation, and relieve congestion and itching.

3. Eucalyptus - is native to Australia. The forests of Australia are made up of over 90% eucalyptus trees. There are about 700 different species of eucalyptus. The Aborigines of Australia used eucalyptus as a remedy for colds, sore throats, breathing difficulties, congestion relief, infections, and pain.

4. Tea tree - an evergreen tree native to Australia and is found in wet lowland locations. The Aborigines inhale the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds, they also make an infusion from the leaves to treat skin ailments and sore throat.

5. Pine - an evergreen tree native to Asia and Europe. It is estimated that a pine can live to 1200 years old. The American Indians used pine needles to prevent scurvy and the bark and berries for rheumatism, broken bones, bruises, sores, inflammation, colds, coughs, lung ailments, headaches, and to fight infections.

6. Frankincense - native to Arabia, Africa and India; it is found in hot, dry locations. Traditionally, frankincense was used to fumigate sickrooms. Nearly 5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians burned the incense of frankincense in the temples during religious ceremonies. The Ancients also used frankincense to improve circulation, relieve congestion of the breathing passages, ease muscle and joint aches, regulate menstruation, and reduce inflammations.

7. Copaiba - an evergreen tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Copaiba is the antibiotic of the forest. The natives use copaiba resin as an ointment to heal the skin. Copaiba oil is a traditional remedy for sore throat as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.