This Christmas, one of the season's most iconic aromas offers more than just festive cheer—it delivers scientifically proven health benefits. While many might crave the sweet smell of chocolates, it's the sharp, refreshing scent of pine that can genuinely improve your wellbeing.
The Healing Power of Forest Air
Many plants release protective compounds called phytoncides to guard against insects and diseases. Conifer trees—including pine, cedar, fir and cypress—produce a particular phytoncide called alpha-pinene that has been demonstrated to reduce stress levels.
This forms the scientific basis for Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese wellness practice of 'forest bathing' that involves immersing yourself in woodland atmosphere. In Japan, where life expectancy reaches around 85 years compared to Britain's 81, spending time in forests is considered an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
A comprehensive 2024 study reviewing previous research confirmed that exposure to phytoncides increases levels of natural killer (NK) cells, white blood cells that provide the body's first defence against viral infections and cancer.
Your Christmas Tree as Wellness Tool
Dr Mohammed Enayat, a GP and founder of London longevity clinic HUM2N, told the Daily Mail that choosing a real Christmas tree represents 'festive biohacking at its simplest'.
'The scent from a real Christmas tree is rich in natural antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides,' Dr Enayat explained. 'These compounds, released by pine, spruce and fir trees as part of their own immune defence, are biologically active, and when we inhale them, they interact directly with our nervous system to offer health benefits.'
He added that the aromatic oils from evergreens travel through the olfactory system directly to the limbic brain, which controls emotion, memory and stress hormone regulation. 'That instant sense of grounding you feel when you walk into a room with a fresh Christmas tree is your biology responding,' he said.
Considerations and Alternatives
However, experts note some limitations. Alex Manos, Functional Medicine Expert at exclusive London clinic The HVN, pointed out that most Christmas trees are cut without roots, meaning they're effectively dying and may release fewer beneficial compounds over time.
Additionally, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that 'real' trees can cause 'Christmas Tree Syndrome' in some people, triggering eczema breakouts and allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing and streaming eyes.
For those who can't have a real tree, there's a hypoallergenic alternative. Pycnogenol, an extract from the French maritime pine tree, offers similar anti-inflammatory benefits according to pharmacist Deborah Grayson, who recommends it to patients 'at least once a day' for conditions including menopause, eczema, asthma and high blood pressure.
Whether through a real tree in your living room or a walk through a pine forest, the evidence suggests that embracing this classic Christmas scent could be one of the simplest ways to support your health during the festive season.
