
10/12/2025
Spending time in woodlands may strengthen your body in addition to relaxing your mind. It may also help to battle illness. A study highlighted by The Happy Broadcast shows that forest bathing—also known as Shinrin-yoku—may increase the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Essential for battling infections and malignancies are cells. Participants exhibited an 80 percent rise in NK cell activity after just a few days spent in forest surroundings, according to researchers. Effects lasted for more than a month.
Phytoncides, natural chemicals discharged by trees like alpha-pinene and limonene, are related to this immune enhancement. MDPI's assessment on forest therapy shows that these molecules boost the immune system even while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone capable of inhibiting immune response. Exposure to forests, according to Dr. Qing Li of Nippon Medical School, raises levels of anticancer proteins including perforin and granulysin, therefore aiding NK cells in eliminating aberrant cells.
Additionally beneficial for mood, heart rate, and blood pressure, forest bathing is an all-encompassing approach to promote physical as well as psychological health. Engineerine points out that the diversity of microbes and clean air in forest settings might help to boost the immune system. Although more study is being done, the data available thus point to a stroll in the woods as a potent preventative health instrument.