
Forest time may boost lung health through tree-emitted compounds
Nature Outlook reports that time spent in forests may support respiratory health beyond stress relief, via inhaled BVOCs (phytoncides such as terpenes) released by trees that can bolster immune function (including natural killer cells) and reduce inflammatory signals linked to asthma and COPD. However, the evidence is still limited and mostly correlational, with small studies and short follow-ups, so more rigorous trials are needed; in parallel, reducing pollution and restoring forests could offer substantial public-health benefits.



