IUFRO Spotlight #5: Forests: Medicine for Body and Soul

<p>There is growing scientific research that suggests forests and other natural, green settings can reduce stress, improve moods, curtail aggressiveness and even strengthen our immune systems.<br>Numerous studies have shown that people recover faster and better after stressful situations in natural, green environments. The 2011 publication "Forests, Trees and Human Health", discusses the question of whether forests and forest management help in the promotion of healthier lifestyles and improved mental health. It concludes, among other things, that policy decisions in the medical, social, natural resources, forests or urban land-use planning areas should recognize this relationship between forests and human health.</p> <p>