are filled with a variety of scents. Some of these can enhance our health and well-being.
What You Need to Know Before Heading Out for a Tree
Coniferous trees—such as pine, cedar, fir, and cypress—release a biologically active substance called alpha-pinene. This compound not only gives the tree its distinctive aroma and protects it from insects and bacteria, but it also helps reduce stress levels in people nearby. It forms the basis of the Japanese wellness practice known as shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.”
This practice involves a brief meditative retreat outside the city, allowing the forest atmosphere to envelop you as you breathe in its intoxicating scents. Perhaps one reason Japan has so many centenarians is that its population enjoys walking in coniferous forests.
A 2024 study on phytoncides confirmed that they contribute to an increase in natural killer (NK) cells in the body. These are a type of white blood cell that acts as the first line of defense against viral infections and cancer.
Holiday Biohacking
So, , which are traditionally coniferous trees of various species, emit beneficial chemicals that strengthen the immune system and reduce stress levels.
Dr. Mohammed Enayat, a general practitioner and founder of the HUM2N Longevity Clinic in London, told the Daily Mail that choosing a real Christmas tree instead of an artificial one is “holiday biohacking in its simplest form.”
Biohacking is the use of scientific knowledge to improve the functioning of the human body.
Dr. Enayat explained, “The scent of a real Christmas tree is rich in natural antimicrobial compounds known as phytoncides. When we inhale them, they not only stimulate our senses but also directly affect our nervous system in a way that benefits our health and well-being. They can even have a calming effect similar to meditation or deep breathing. This is a powerful reminder that scent is one of the quickest ways to influence mood and physiological state.”
The aromatic oils released by evergreen plants pass through the olfactory system, which has a direct connection to the limbic brain (the center responsible for , memory, and the regulation of stress hormones).
Healing Trip to the Christmas Tree Farm
To reap these benefits, you don’t have to wait until the tree is in your home. The potential advantages can manifest earlier if you go with a loved one to pick out the perfect tree for your home.
Alex Manos, a functional medicine expert at the HVN Longevity Clinic in London, shared insights that can help you see a visit to the Christmas tree farm in a new light.
As the researcher noted, being among Christmas trees improves cardiovascular health, which, in turn, can protect against other incurable diseases. The same “forest bathing” normalizes and reduces cortisol levels, the primary hormone of .
Sad Exceptions
Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy the health benefits of being around conifers. Some people may experience symptoms similar to hay fever.
Dr. Donald Grant, a senior clinical consultant at The Independent Pharmacy, explained that sometimes Christmas trees are responsible for flare-ups of eczema and , leading to sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and sleep disturbances.
“The main culprits are the sap and oils found in these trees. Additionally, the resin can cause contact dermatitis. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘Christmas tree syndrome.’ It poses risks of breathing problems and allergic reactions,” Dr. Grant said.
“Fir trees are generally less allergenic than pines, so they may be a better choice for homes where people have skin conditions or respiratory issues,” he added.
Photo: Openverse
