show coniferous trees filled with a variety of scents. Some of those scents 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 bioactive compound called alpha-pinene. This compound not only gives the tree its distinctive aroma and helps protect 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, letting the forest atmosphere surround you as you breathe in its scents. Perhaps one reason Japan has so many centenarians is that many people there regularly walk 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 act as a first line of defense against viral infections and cancer.
Holiday Biohacking
So, Christmas trees—which are traditionally coniferous—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 how the human body functions.
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 emotion, 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 advantages can start earlier if you go with a loved one to pick out the perfect tree.
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 can improve cardiovascular health, which in turn can protect against other chronic diseases. The same “forest bathing” effect helps normalize and reduce cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.
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 asthma, 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
