Into the forest I go - A perfect natural remedy

Considering we live less than a 30 minute drive from one of oldest areas of natural beauty in England, I was reminded recently of how we often take the proximity of the natural world that surrounds us in this fair and pleasant land, completely for granted.

So, when a limited window of dry weather and blue sky showed up off the back of one of the wettest January’s on record in the UK, we set off. With a hacking cough that refused to budge, a packet of tissues and a large handful of cough sweets, we found ourselves strolling around the beautiful and ancient New Forest.

Despite its name this National Park here on the south coast of England, isn’t new at all. In fact, its landscape, with a unique blend of ancient woodlands, grasslands and open heathland, was named by William the Conqueror way back in the 11th century.

It’s a beautiful area to visit and if you haven’t recently (or at all) I can highly recommend it.

Many of the small villages dotted throughout have a quintessentially English feel to them, with an array of thatched-roof cottages, traditional pubs and quaint tea rooms. The wild ponies, donkeys and cattle that are free to roam their village greens and winding lanes can be found throughout the forest. The whole area radiates a feeling of peace and tranquillity and the promise of a slower paced life.

However, it was as we strolled through the forest we realised that not only do we need to visit it more often, but were also reminded just what an effective remedy nature can be.

After only a short time of walking, I found that I certainly didn’t need the cough sweets.

The great swathes of conifer trees, which make up a whopping 17% of the New Forests total area, include a variety of Pines, Firs and Hemlock which are known for their cleansing, energising and purifying actions on the human body. They are traditionally used to support the respiratory system, as their high terpene content not only gives them their characteristic pine scent, but also makes them strong expectorants and powerful decongestants. Incredibly effective when fighting colds and coughs.

As well as benefits to the physical body, they also have powerful psychological effects, energising and invigorating the mind and I’m sure they help us to find a more positive mindset – after all, who could emerge from a walk through a pineclad forest and not feel uplifted and leaving with a general sense of wellbeing.

In aromatherapy blends, pine is commonly used specifically for these benefits, as it is fairly affordable and among the safest to use therapeutically (although try not to buy too cheap – you could find yourself with a harsh, camphorous scented oil that may not be very attractive to use, or as effective therapeutically to work with).

But would I use it in natural perfumery? Not so much, really. That’s not to say that it can’t or shouldn’t be included. Pine in particular has a strong, fresh yet sweet aroma and in the smallest amounts can provide that evergreen, foresty note to a natural, woody themed blend.

However, because of its cleansing, purifying and antiseptic qualities, it is mostly found in disinfectants, cleaning products and toiletries. Our association with it in these types of products is so strong that while it’s great for use in the household, no one really wants to go around smelling of them!

So, it’s in therapeutic blends where it really shines, through massage, a bath soak or salts, steam inhalation or diffusion. As with all essential oils, when applying topically or adding to a bath, always dilute well in a carrier oil before use, and if in doubt ask a trained aromatherapist for guidance.

I love diffusing pine with cleansing, decongesting oils such as cedarwood atlas, myrtle and a touch of lemon or cypress. If the more medicinal aroma is not for you, then perhaps try the more resinous notes of frankincense or a herby blend of lavender and rosemary with it.

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use essential oils, why not take a long, slow walk through a forest near you.

Pack a picnic, breathe slowly, hug a tree or two. As you walk through their evergreen canopy, stop to crush a few pine needles beneath your fingers to release it’s oil and inhale deeply.

You may well find that you emerge, not only with less congestion and coughing, as I did, but with a deep sense of wellbeing. Being in nature, whether that’s by the sea, up a mountain or in a forest, can gift us a sense of perspective and I think we all need to make sure we are tapping into our own sense of wellbeing and perspective these days, don’t you?

If you’d like more information on safely diluting essential oils, for topical and inhalation use, ask for Essential Oil Blending Guide by clicking here to send a message and I will send it to you.