The pleasant coniferous aroma not only creates a nice atmosphere but also strengthens your health—both physical and mental.
Putting up a Christmas tree at home is one of the main traditions of Christmas and New Year. The coniferous aroma creates a pleasant festive atmosphere in the house. But did you know that having a live tree at home is also very beneficial for your health? This fact has been confirmed multiple times by scientists.
Special Composition
Coniferous trees emit a phytoncide called alpha-pinene. In a 2024 study, scientists found that the effect of phytoncides increases the level of natural killer (NK) cells in the body. NK cells are a type of leukocyte that acts as the first line of defense against viral infections and cancer.
Moreover, phytoncides help calm the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress levels in the body.
In experiments involving the Japanese Institute of Public Health, it was discovered that even a 20-minute walk in the forest helps lower the pulse and regulate blood pressure. Additionally, after such a short walk, participants in the study experienced a decrease in cortisol levels in their blood.
So, coniferous trees are the best friends of city dwellers whose lifestyle is associated with constant stress.
Better than Plastic
General practitioner Mohammed Enayat notes that a pleasant scent is one of the simplest and quickest methods to influence well-being and mood. So, when you choose a real tree over a plastic one, you are making a significant contribution to your health.
The smell of fir, according to the specialist, can have an effect on us comparable to that of meditation or breathing exercises. So, that special feeling you get when you enter a room with a coniferous scent is part of the body's reaction.
However, there is a nuance to consider before you finally decide on the main symbol of the New Year. The most beneficial substances will be emitted by a live tree in a pot, so this type of tree is the optimal choice for your well-being. A cut tree still has a scent, but the amount of beneficial compounds in it decreases quickly.
It is also important to remember: for some people, a live fir tree can provoke an allergic reaction.
"Many trees contain rosin, which causes contact dermatitis and irritates sensitive skin. This phenomenon is known as 'Christmas tree syndrome' and is associated with dust, pollen, and terpenes that cause breathing problems and allergic reactions," explained therapist Donald Grant in an interview with Daily Mail.
