A mild, damp, spicy scent is in the air. The soft ground gives way gently under your steps. The light shimmers through green foliage, while a wide variety of birds chirp in the branches and the wind rustles gently through the treetops. A walk in the forest helps you to slow down and free your thoughts. Mysterious, quiet and almost untroubled by the constraints of civilisation, the forest has fascinated people for thousands of years. They are regarded as places of power that affect us with their special energies. In earlier times, clearings, old trees or entire forests were often considered sacred places of worship.
Forest bathing as health therapy
In European Ayurveda we believe in the healing effect of nature on our body, mind and soul. The forest is also a place of tranquillity where you can meditate and move. You can sort out your thoughts, perceive the environment with all your senses and learn to feel yourself better.
Even science has noticed the positive effects of the forest on people. Studies have shown that even the anticipation of a walk in the forest has a motivating and positive effect on your mood. Even a short trip into the countryside lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.
In Japan, the forest has been an integral part of health therapies since the 1980s. "Shinrin-yoku", which can be translated as "forest bathing", is a recognised method in the Asian country to prevent depression, reduce stress or alleviate pain. Forest bathing can also be used as an anti-aging booster.
During forest bathing, flora and fauna are consciously perceived: the rustling of leaves in the wind, the babbling of a brook along the path, the crunching and cracking of branches and small stones under our feet are felt and experienced. You immerse yourself in this microcosm and become a part of it.
Finding inner balance on a berry hunt
There is no concrete concept for forest bathing. You can adapt it to your needs and goals. If you feel like it, do a tree meditation. But even a simple walk or rest among the trees is good for you.
There are all kinds of edible things to be found in the forest. Many people like to go mushroom hunting. In Ayurvedic cuisine, however, mushrooms are among the foods that are "tamas", i.e. difficult to digest and rather sluggish. How about a berry hunt instead? You find different berries in the forest that you can prepare at home. During the hunt, you move around, actively experience nature and eat food that comes directly from your environment. We tell you where to find the most common berries. Make sure you wash them well before eating.
Blackberry: You can find blackberries on roadsides and clearings. Watch out for the thorns when picking. The stone fruits are a delicious ingredient in morning porridge.
Raspberries: Raspberries also grow in clearings and on forest edges and taste somewhat sweeter than blackberries. The small berries are particularly popular in natural yoghurt or as a dessert in a compote.
Cranberry: C ranberries, or blueberries, grow in coniferous forests and on acidic soil. You can use them, for example, as a filling for an Ayurvedic pancake.
Cranberry: The cranberry is a real superfruit! Rich in vitamin C and full of antioxidants, the berry is ideal for snacks and can be stirred into yoghurt or porridge. You can also cook them into jam or compote.