Healing Forest: A Natural Way to Relieve Stress Through Forest Therapy

Forests are considered to have a very crucial role. Not just as green areas, forests can also help calm the soul, especially amidst the increasing pressures of urban life and the threat of the triple planetary crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution). Forest environment expert from IPB University, Prof Siti Badriyah Rushayati, said that besides functioning as a carbon sink and ecosystem guardian, forests also contribute directly to human health. One way is through the concept of healing forest or forest therapy. Various studies show that exposure to a forest environment has a positive impact on physical and mental health. According to her, forest therapy is proven to lower stress levels in the body. “Exposure to forest air can increase the activity of natural killer cells which play a role in fighting infections and cancer cells. In addition, forest therapy has also been proven to lower stress levels and improve mental health,” said Prof Siti in a written statement. She explained that these benefits are inseparable from the presence of phytoncide, a natural volatile compound produced by plants as a defence mechanism against microorganisms, insects, and environmental stress. For humans, this compound has various health benefits. “Phytoncide has antioxidant properties that can protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. Regular exposure to this compound can also help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being,” said Prof Siti. However, Prof Siti said that healing forest cannot be done carelessly. The therapy location must meet a number of requirements, such as low noise levels, good air quality, safe terrain conditions, and an atmosphere that can provide calm for visitors. “In healing forest, all five senses must be able to blend with nature. If the noise level is too high, the relaxation process will not run optimally,” she said.