There’s something about stepping into a forest in autumn that feels different from any other time of year. The air is cooler, tinged with that earthy scent of fallen leaves, and the light has a golden softness to it. Every time I walk beneath the trees, I notice how my whole body relaxes.. my breathing slows, my shoulders drop, and I feel instantly calmer.
Whenever I feel like I'm stuck in a rut or overly stressed I tend to go to the forest.. normally to forage (I rarely come back empty handed!), but sometimes just to walk too.
But here’s the beautiful part: it’s not just in my head. There’s real science behind why forests make us feel so good.
What Are Phytoncides?
Trees release natural compounds into the air called phytoncides (pronounced fai-ton-sides). The name comes from the Greek phyton (plant) and cide (to kill), because these are the chemicals plants use to protect themselves from insects, bacteria, and fungi. It’s a tree’s immune system, in a way.
When we walk through a forest and breathe in these compounds, something incredible happens: our bodies respond. Studies have shown that phytoncides can:
- Boost immunity by increasing the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells in our body, which help fight off infections and even rogue cancer cells.
- Reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which is why you might feel calmer and clearer after a walk in the woods.
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate, supporting cardiovascular health.
- Improve mood and focus, helping with anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue.
This is the principle behind the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. It doesn’t mean hiking or exercising.. it’s about simply being in the forest, breathing it in, and letting your senses open to the experience.
I only learned about the science behind it recently and I found it really fascinating.
Recently my son started coughing.. you know what it's like, kids go back to school/nursery and all of a sudden everyone is getting ill. His cousin, who's at nursery with him, as well as his older cousin, need up unwell. I said that my son must've missed most of it because he's spent a lot of time in the forest (we love mushroom picking). I said that before I actually knew that the forest was truly capable of helping us heal and it turned out I was right! Either that or we got lucky.. his cough went away after a couple of days, never to be heard again!
My Own Forest Walks
When I wander through the woodlands near home, I notice how different the air feels compared to town. There’s a freshness that’s hard to describe.. a mix of pine, moss, damp leaves, and something sharper that seems to clear my mind with every breath.
I like to pause and notice the details: the way the sunlight filters through branches, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the sudden flutter of a bird taking off. These small moments remind me that wellness doesn’t always come from bottles or routines.. sometimes it’s as simple as stepping outside and breathing deeply.
All my children have been brought up foraging the forests from a very, very young age.. and in the world of devices and technology, the answer is never 'no' when I ask if they want to go for a walk in the forest.
The Autumn Connection
Autumn is a particularly powerful time for forest walks. The air is rich with scent, fungi are sprouting from the damp earth, berries still cling to the hedgerows, and leaves turn to fire before falling. It feels like the forest is alive in a different way.. preparing to rest, but offering abundance before winter sets in.
If you’re foraging at this time of year, you’ll know just how much nature still provides in October. From rosehips and hawthorn berries to mushrooms and nuts, the hedgerows and woodlands are full of treasures. I’ve put together a full October Foraging Guide with tips on what to look for, how to harvest safely, and simple ways to use your finds.
So far this month I have collected an abundance of Penny Buns and Bay Boletes (which I have now dried), Birch Boletes and Chanterelles (I made stew and mushroom sauce with those) and Hawthorn Berries (I made some lovely jelly).
Bringing the Forest Home
Of course, not everyone can wander through woodlands every day. The good news is, we can still bring some of that forest magic into our daily lives:
- Make a tea from pine needles or rosehips to capture the scent and nourishment of the forest.
- Diffuse essential oils like cedarwood, pine, or spruce to recreate that grounding woodland aroma.
- Keep houseplants by your desk or in your bedroom.. even a small green corner can help lower stress and improve mood.
The forest reminds me that nature doesn’t just exist 'out there'.. we’re part of it. Every time I take a walk among the trees, I feel that connection more deeply. And every time I return home, I carry a little of the forest’s calm with me.
So if life feels heavy, or if you need a reset, maybe the answer isn’t another supplement or another routine. Maybe it’s as simple as stepping into the woods, breathing in the hidden magic of trees, and letting nature do what it’s always done.. heal.
P.S.. I read somewhere that if you stay in the forest for three days and two nights, the benefits last for a month! Not sure if it's true, but I thought it was interesting!
Cassia x
