What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Therapy of Trees: Harness the Healing Energy of Forest Bathing and Natural Landscapes
In The Secret Therapy of Trees , Marco Mencagli and Marco Nieri explore the relationship between plants and organisms, and illustrate how to benefit from nature's positive impact on our psychological and physical well-being.
Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in the history of our evolution. And yet, we have less contact with green space now than ever, and our stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high. The Secret Therapy of Trees helps us rediscover the restorative value of our natural environment and presents the science behind green therapies like forest bathing and bioenergetic landscapes, explaining which are the most effective and how to put them into practice to achieve the best possible results.
Studies have shown that increased exposure to green space can result in a regulated heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, reduced aggressiveness, improved memory skills and cognitive function, and a healthier immune system. Just one visit to a forest can bring positive effects (hint: monoterpenes, the natural essential oils in plants, have numerous positive effects on health), and even a mindful walk through a semi natural park can alleviate physical and psychological stress.
With multiple studies backing its findings and thorough explanations for each technique, The Secret Therapy of Trees is a treasure trove of tips on how to harness the regenerative power of plants and reconnect with our planet's natural spaces, bringing us health and happiness.
You'll also discover:
* Which plants purify the environment at home and in the office
* The benefits of negative ions and where to find them
* How to recharge through contact with trees
Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in the history of our evolution. And yet, we have less contact with green space now than ever, and our stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high. The Secret Therapy of Trees helps us rediscover the restorative value of our natural environment and presents the science behind green therapies like forest bathing and bioenergetic landscapes, explaining which are the most effective and how to put them into practice to achieve the best possible results.
Studies have shown that increased exposure to green space can result in a regulated heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, reduced aggressiveness, improved memory skills and cognitive function, and a healthier immune system. Just one visit to a forest can bring positive effects (hint: monoterpenes, the natural essential oils in plants, have numerous positive effects on health), and even a mindful walk through a semi natural park can alleviate physical and psychological stress.
With multiple studies backing its findings and thorough explanations for each technique, The Secret Therapy of Trees is a treasure trove of tips on how to harness the regenerative power of plants and reconnect with our planet's natural spaces, bringing us health and happiness.
You'll also discover:
* Which plants purify the environment at home and in the office
* The benefits of negative ions and where to find them
* How to recharge through contact with trees
224 pages, Hardcover
Published July 9, 2019
49 people are currently reading
2090 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 19, 2023
I love trees but I found this book too dry and more technical than it needed to be.
I did learn some interesting facts; however, I was not looking for a textbook on chemistry, biology, etc. Nothing wrong with textbooks, but I felt somewhat misled by the title.
Basically, the top advice is to immerse yourself in an old growth forest if you have one nearby, and spend four to eight hours a week in that forest. This will help your immune system based on many experiments that authors, Marco Mencagli and Marco Nieri, have exhaustively researched throughout the book.
To get the full benefits out of the forest, noise pollution should be minimal. In most parts of the US, that means driving a while to get to such "remote, old growth" places that are located away from road and highway noises.
I get the point but is it practical for most working people? I would say it is not.
Other pros and cons of various landscapes are discussed. This includes the landscape both inside and outside one's living space. Some plants are better than others at removing toxins from the air. The types of plants that are most beneficial are listed.
They also discuss the various chemicals released by vegetation such as essential oils and how we are possibly interacting with those chemical properties whether we realize it or not. Apparently, these greenscapes are capable of sending us subliminal messages.
Frankly, I was disappointed with this book. I felt my time would have better spent walking in the forest.
I did learn some interesting facts; however, I was not looking for a textbook on chemistry, biology, etc. Nothing wrong with textbooks, but I felt somewhat misled by the title.
Basically, the top advice is to immerse yourself in an old growth forest if you have one nearby, and spend four to eight hours a week in that forest. This will help your immune system based on many experiments that authors, Marco Mencagli and Marco Nieri, have exhaustively researched throughout the book.
To get the full benefits out of the forest, noise pollution should be minimal. In most parts of the US, that means driving a while to get to such "remote, old growth" places that are located away from road and highway noises.
I get the point but is it practical for most working people? I would say it is not.
Other pros and cons of various landscapes are discussed. This includes the landscape both inside and outside one's living space. Some plants are better than others at removing toxins from the air. The types of plants that are most beneficial are listed.
They also discuss the various chemicals released by vegetation such as essential oils and how we are possibly interacting with those chemical properties whether we realize it or not. Apparently, these greenscapes are capable of sending us subliminal messages.
Frankly, I was disappointed with this book. I felt my time would have better spent walking in the forest.
February 16, 2024
I picked this book up somewhat at random but I really liked it and it gave me lots to think about. It has inspired me to be more intentional with how I spend time in nature and more grateful for all the ways nature has been designed to care for us. Being in or around nature can literally heal us?!
Going to go walk in a forest and get some more houseplants now!
Going to go walk in a forest and get some more houseplants now!
March 16, 2018
Dans un monde toujours plus connecté, le réel perd souvent plus d’une longueur face au virtuel. Et pour les jeunes générations, c’est sans doute pire.
Sans diaboliser le moins du monde les nouvelles technologies qui peuvent être très bénéfiques également, il serait sage de retrouver les choses simples de la vie et en premier lieu, se tourner vers un environnement plus vert.
Ce n’est pas si facile me direz-vous car suivant son lieu d’habitation, les espaces végétalisés sont plus ou moins présents. Et puis, il y a l’attirance toujours plus forte des écrans et autres activités numériques. Pourtant avec peu d’efforts, on peut prendre des moments remplis de verdure. Surtout avec le retour prochain des beaux jours. Si, si !
On sent bien que c’est mieux pour nous… Et le livre, ici présent, se chargera de vous démontrer avec l’aide d’études très sérieuses et scientifiques que ce n’est pas seulement une vague sensation. Cela a réellement une bonne influence sur notre santé et notre état d’esprit. C’est mesurable.
L’écriture de ce texte est facile d’accès.
J’aurai peut-être organisé différemment les chapitres et la structure du livre, mais cela ne m’a pas ennuyé outre mesure.
J’ai trouvé les arguments pertinents et il est aisé suite à cette lecture d’aller chercher d’autres éléments pour étoffer encore ses connaissances sur la dépendance que l’on développe à nos smartphones par exemple. C’est passionnant, limite terrifiant.
Ce livre propose quelques pistes aussi intéressantes et pas trop compliquées pour pallier à cette dérive de nos comportements si on le souhaite. On n’y trouve pas que de la théorie et c’est appréciable.
Juste, je regrette que les auteurs mettent trop en avant l’Italie (leur pays certes), mais sans doute aurait-il été plus pertinent d’être encore plus généraliste.
Une lecture qui peut faire beaucoup de bien.
Sans diaboliser le moins du monde les nouvelles technologies qui peuvent être très bénéfiques également, il serait sage de retrouver les choses simples de la vie et en premier lieu, se tourner vers un environnement plus vert.
Ce n’est pas si facile me direz-vous car suivant son lieu d’habitation, les espaces végétalisés sont plus ou moins présents. Et puis, il y a l’attirance toujours plus forte des écrans et autres activités numériques. Pourtant avec peu d’efforts, on peut prendre des moments remplis de verdure. Surtout avec le retour prochain des beaux jours. Si, si !
On sent bien que c’est mieux pour nous… Et le livre, ici présent, se chargera de vous démontrer avec l’aide d’études très sérieuses et scientifiques que ce n’est pas seulement une vague sensation. Cela a réellement une bonne influence sur notre santé et notre état d’esprit. C’est mesurable.
L’écriture de ce texte est facile d’accès.
J’aurai peut-être organisé différemment les chapitres et la structure du livre, mais cela ne m’a pas ennuyé outre mesure.
J’ai trouvé les arguments pertinents et il est aisé suite à cette lecture d’aller chercher d’autres éléments pour étoffer encore ses connaissances sur la dépendance que l’on développe à nos smartphones par exemple. C’est passionnant, limite terrifiant.
Ce livre propose quelques pistes aussi intéressantes et pas trop compliquées pour pallier à cette dérive de nos comportements si on le souhaite. On n’y trouve pas que de la théorie et c’est appréciable.
Juste, je regrette que les auteurs mettent trop en avant l’Italie (leur pays certes), mais sans doute aurait-il été plus pertinent d’être encore plus généraliste.
Une lecture qui peut faire beaucoup de bien.
July 21, 2021
The main findings of the book are really encouraging-the benefits of green space, health effects from biochemical processes of trees and other plants, and how some countries have taken this info to plan for green spaces. The writing is very dry and scientific though. I kept falling asleep while reading.
August 15, 2019
A very thoroughly researched book on the healing energy of nature. If you need proof, for whatever reason, this is the book for you.
June 28, 2021
This book is a great read. Could not put it down. I have always felt more alive, healthy and calm when surrounded by trees, now I know why.
September 25, 2022
I can only give this bigger stars because it solidifies my whole life of hugging and touching and talking to trees!
But it's way too science-drowned to read as a book.
I read the parts I could understand.
Looked up some parts I didn't.
Learned some really cool facts.
And got so many nuggets confirmed.
There could be a dumbed-down version that the public could better glean from...
But I liked it.
But it's way too science-drowned to read as a book.
I read the parts I could understand.
Looked up some parts I didn't.
Learned some really cool facts.
And got so many nuggets confirmed.
There could be a dumbed-down version that the public could better glean from...
But I liked it.
November 29, 2024
“ Studies have shown that increased exposure to green spaces can result in a regulated heartbeat, lowered blood pressure, reduced aggressiveness, improved memory skills cognitive function, and a healthier immune system. Just one visit to a forest can be beneficial and even a mindful walk through a seminatural park can alleviate physical and psychological stress.”
I knew spending time outdoors was refreshing but I had no idea it could improve my overall health and mental well being. I need to spend more time outdoors.
I knew spending time outdoors was refreshing but I had no idea it could improve my overall health and mental well being. I need to spend more time outdoors.
April 15, 2024
Well researched book, interesting subject. Positive aspect : convinced me to go in nature more often 🌱Negative aspect : long read, very detailed and technical, a lot of physics and chemistry concepts.
July 23, 2023
I enjoyed what this book was trying to do as I love books about reconnecting with nature and the earth, however the language was very scientific that was a bit too much. The information was very good and well backed up though, and I learned things I did not know about trees.
August 2, 2019
Informative, helpful, insightful, conversational.
This book offers a wealth of valuable information, it covers everything you want to know about how nature can help you heal. I was surprised to learn multiple aspects that I've never thought of before. For instance, the location of the tree, or plant is based upon each individuals own space preferences. I love how they differentiated between the outdoors person and the person who doesn't like the idea of dealing with bugs, dirt, and other outside uncomfortable critters. The authors use a pyramid scale for each person to select their level of outdoor activity.
The authors delve into horticultural therapy, forest bathing, essential oils, and even the air "ionization" process. What surprised me the most pertained to the actual location of trees, along with the types of plants and how they significantly help your mental, and health well being. They didn't forget the healing properties of water and how you can easily incorporate a fountain, plants, or even a Koi pond within your own living environment. The resources and index located in the back of the book are an essential tool, making this book a must have as a permanent reference for connecting with nature.
This book offers a wealth of valuable information, it covers everything you want to know about how nature can help you heal. I was surprised to learn multiple aspects that I've never thought of before. For instance, the location of the tree, or plant is based upon each individuals own space preferences. I love how they differentiated between the outdoors person and the person who doesn't like the idea of dealing with bugs, dirt, and other outside uncomfortable critters. The authors use a pyramid scale for each person to select their level of outdoor activity.
The authors delve into horticultural therapy, forest bathing, essential oils, and even the air "ionization" process. What surprised me the most pertained to the actual location of trees, along with the types of plants and how they significantly help your mental, and health well being. They didn't forget the healing properties of water and how you can easily incorporate a fountain, plants, or even a Koi pond within your own living environment. The resources and index located in the back of the book are an essential tool, making this book a must have as a permanent reference for connecting with nature.
April 13, 2021
I learned so much from this little book about how humans and trees can influence each other for the better. To be honest, some of the more scientific explanations did go over my head, but the fascinating facts about our connection kept me interested. Especially interesting was the fact that humans have felt connection to trees for millennia- long before they had the language to explain science- and were able to connect certain trees to their corresponding health benefits. I recommend this read for all tree huggers.
August 10, 2020
While this gets a little science technical it's worth the read...tree huggers are finally vindicated...trees do..they really do love the hugs and the hugs are just as good for us as it is for them. I really loved the world of Avatar..with the blue aliens that live in such an interconnected world...this shows that we have the possibility of living that way if more of us just acknowledges it more. If you can you really should try to read this book in a park with trees in it.
March 10, 2025
I will have to reread this book at some point. I listened to it on Audible but I would like to actually own it and go back through it. I found myself listening to chapters over again due to the amount of information presented.
This is presented not so much as a self help or therapeutic book but rather very scientific and research based. Absolutely fascinating to learn:
*Tree essential oils and the effects they have on healing our immune system.
*Trees have an organic? structure similar to humans.
*Our interactions with trees and plants have been shown to have either a negative or positive effect on them.
*Hugging a tree is a literal and legit thing that has a positive effect on our mental health (I've hugged trees. They're scratchy. So the idea of this made me giggle. I'm not the only weirdo out there trying to hug a tree.)
I have always been in love with trees. When I was younger, I loved climbing them and feeling their leaves. Now I enjoy lying in my hammock underneath them in my yard while reading a book and watching my cat roam about. Each time, I stare up into the vastness of their branches. It's like being closed off in another world. Peaceful, safe
This is presented not so much as a self help or therapeutic book but rather very scientific and research based. Absolutely fascinating to learn:
*Tree essential oils and the effects they have on healing our immune system.
*Trees have an organic? structure similar to humans.
*Our interactions with trees and plants have been shown to have either a negative or positive effect on them.
*Hugging a tree is a literal and legit thing that has a positive effect on our mental health (I've hugged trees. They're scratchy. So the idea of this made me giggle. I'm not the only weirdo out there trying to hug a tree.)
I have always been in love with trees. When I was younger, I loved climbing them and feeling their leaves. Now I enjoy lying in my hammock underneath them in my yard while reading a book and watching my cat roam about. Each time, I stare up into the vastness of their branches. It's like being closed off in another world. Peaceful, safe
June 28, 2022
Interesting book; goes into great detail about how trees and plants are beneficial to us health wise by their presence. Some things, like filter pollutants, even indoors, I knew about and the science is there. Other things, like the author's discussion about electric charges and how trees can help address negative effects from them, sound a little new agey and would require some research. I also was not happy about the statements being made about some species being bad for our health; cypress are an important part of wetland ecosystems, which are beneficial to humanity and survival and the way that was presented could encourage people to cut down certain tree species in a detrimental way.
November 8, 2025
Opposed to some other reviewers I’ve seen here, I was looking for a book with technical aspects. However, like those looking for a more frufru text appealingly surveying the relationship between mental health and the natural environment and were disappointed by this dry and discursive, possibly AI-generated essay… I was disappointed by the unnatural lack in these words.
Unfortunately, even in its dry, unexceptional state, the book fails to provide a minimally scientific perspective on interdisciplinary studies, fails to present any cohesive train of thought, and fails to minimally attend to the task at hand or understand what is relevant or irrelevant to readers in any possible universe.
Oof. Please stop writing/publishing/buying books like this. I regret checking it out at the library.
Unfortunately, even in its dry, unexceptional state, the book fails to provide a minimally scientific perspective on interdisciplinary studies, fails to present any cohesive train of thought, and fails to minimally attend to the task at hand or understand what is relevant or irrelevant to readers in any possible universe.
Oof. Please stop writing/publishing/buying books like this. I regret checking it out at the library.
June 24, 2023
After reading this book, I will add some new house plants to my plant family, and start hugging trees to make them happy.
Some questions I have after reading this book:
Does Wifi harm trees? I find this claim questionable and will do further research.
Does the result of Plants in offices really exclusivly produce: new ideas in men, and cerativity and flexibilty in women exclusively, as this book claims? It seems unlikely for plants to be able to produce different reactions in different genders.
Some questions I have after reading this book:
Does Wifi harm trees? I find this claim questionable and will do further research.
Does the result of Plants in offices really exclusivly produce: new ideas in men, and cerativity and flexibilty in women exclusively, as this book claims? It seems unlikely for plants to be able to produce different reactions in different genders.
August 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book, however, due to its formal composition, it was hard to digest. I found myself re-reading passages consistently to grasp the meaning of the statements, and would easily get bored or distracted. This is independent of the book’s quality: if you are searching for a well-supported and factual book about the relationship between plants and humans, this is it! There are several pages for citations at the end, and the content is well-supported. I will definitely be referring back to the list of plants to add to my home or workspace.
October 13, 2019
Probably 3.5 stars. Lots of good scientific information which made me want to hug some trees. Except here in the Northeast I’d probably get bit by a tick, sigh. I had just finished Qing Li’s Forest Bathing, which covers a lot of the same ideas and science ( and which I liked a little better), so this was perhaps not as earth shattering as it might have been...but do read one of them— and then go for a tree lined walk!
April 6, 2021
I’m not sure whether to rate this 4 or 5 so I decided to round up. Although a little dry and scientific at times, this book has a wealth of knowledge summarizing research that has been done on the many physical and psychological benefits of immersing ourselves in the natural environment. I enjoyed the discussion of how to choose spaces that work for you and how to choose plants to bring into your home and work space.
Read
October 25, 2019Read Harder 2019: A translated book written and/or translated by a woman
I thought this might be too woo-woo for me, but now I’ve got a plan to stock up on some house plants and hugs more trees (seriously). I may also be scheming to tour a selection of the bioenergetic gardens and natural spaces in Italy that are mentioned in the book.
I thought this might be too woo-woo for me, but now I’ve got a plan to stock up on some house plants and hugs more trees (seriously). I may also be scheming to tour a selection of the bioenergetic gardens and natural spaces in Italy that are mentioned in the book.
July 8, 2020
Another good research-based book about the benefits of forest bathing. This text really got into the science of what is going on with the trees. I hope one day to visit all of the parks and forests mentioned around Italy. The last few chapters were helpful about incorporating good houseplants in the home to get extra boosts from the bioenergy!
February 17, 2021
I am interested in the healing properties of nature so finding this book was a joy. Although at times it was a little to science heavy for my layperson brain, the overall ideas spoke to me. I am inspired to make a conscious effort to get outside more often and get in touch with the forest.
January 20, 2022
Very interesting book. As if I needed an excuse to go buy more plants. Is a bit dry and really had to work my through some of the sections but if you’re interesting in knowing the “why” behind “nature is healing and good for us”, this could be the book for you.
February 15, 2023
To be honest, I skimmed quite a lot from chapter 7 onward. It felt pseudo-sciencey to me. I can definitely appreciate the stress reduction (with associated benefits) from being in nature (or even your own garden) though!
September 2, 2023
I liked the content, but the writing style wasn't my favorite. I had read The Nature Fix a few weeks prior to this book and feel I learned more from that, than this book. Despite the title of this, it talks about plants just as much as trees.
April 29, 2020
When you can't hug friends, hug trees.
May 6, 2020
Just didnt click with this one although it did learn from reading it.
May 10, 2020
Informative!
May 29, 2020
I listened to the audio. I feel it would have been much more enjoyable if I had read the physical book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews