Hiking is Healing

I know when you hear the word herbalism, your first thought is ingesting plants for medicinal purposes. But there is more to herbalism than just that. Forest Bathing concept was introduced from the Forest Agency of Japan in 1982. With dedicated research over the years, it has shown that walking, meditation, exercising, and playing among the trees has physical and emotional benefits. Even as simple as sitting in the woods on a blanket with yourself, children, or friends and gazing upon the scenery has merit. In one Japanese study, just 20 minutes spent stating at a natural vista decreases stress hormones by 13 percent compared to those in a city environment. If you have a view of water whether it is a river, pond, lake, or waterfall—it improves the effect.

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Other benefits include:

- Improves cardiovascular health, including blood oxygenation and heart rate variability (which relates to nervous system health), along with decreased pulse rate and blood pressure.

- Reduced levels of cortisol, a stress triggered hormone related to blood sugar balance and metabolism.

- Improves mood, self-esteem, decreases stress, resulting in fewer symptoms of depression.

- Decreases brain fatigue and attention deficit; improves cognition, focus, and creativity.

The healing power that comes from nature is incredible. Nature can nurture and heal the human body. Herbs are great, but sometimes all you need to do to feel better is sit under a tree for 15-20 minutes while listening to the sounds of nature or taking off your shoes to put your toes into that refreshing river. Digging your hands into the dirt is another way to replenish your soul and brighten your mood.

Many studies now show that many of the illnesses of our youth tracts back to “nature deficit disorder” and lack of unstructured playtime in natural environments. The natural world calms, intrigues, and challenges us. Exposure to minute amounts of bacteria and soil organisms refocuses a wayward immune system, reducing tendency for autoimmune disease and allergies.

I am constantly wondering off to the woods with my children, jumping in streams and making “confetti” with the ferns. Last month we started pulling our shoes off to hike through the woods barefoot (if you do this always be sure to have that first aid kit)! By doing this we started connecting with the earth in a new way. You must move slower, enjoying every step and feeling the earth between your toes with every step. Some steps hurt I won't lie, but your feet over time will start to adjust and change shape to handle situations like this. It has been proven in research that if you walk barefoot, you can release your tension by 62%! By walking barefoot, we are increasing the endorphins hormones in our body and making our minds more relaxed and stress-free. It’s a beautiful thing!

The point of this is to remind you that herbalism isn’t just about intaking plant medicine. It can also be simply feeling and connecting with the plants in nature to heal. Next time you are out there, don’t be afraid to peel those socks and shoes off!

Thank you for reading!

Kelly