Spending time in nature is beneficial to our overall well being, but sometimes it can be hard to get outside and in nature. Let’s talk about how to bring the feeling of being in nature indoors for those times when getting outside is impossible or for when you just need a mental walk through the woods, but you are stuck at your desk.
In this article, I am focusing on the newest blend from doTERRA, Shinrin-Yoku. This essential oil blend was inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or "Forest Bathing."
Shinrin-Yoku isn't just about a leisurely walk in the woods; it's a practice of cultivating a deep connection with nature, detaching from technology, and an intentional presence in the natural world. It's a practice that renews your mind and body by immersing you in the healing embrace of the great outdoors.
The Making of Shinrin-Yoku Essential Oil Blend
Recognizing that not everyone can indulge in the luxury of spending ample time in the forest due to busy schedules or limited access to natural settings, doTERRA embarked on a mission to bridge this gap. Researchers sought to determine whether the benefits of nature could be brought indoors. They found that trees emit phytoncides, including limonene, α- and β-Pinene, and linalool, into the atmosphere, prompting a fascinating experiment.
In this study, participants were divided into two groups: one group stayed in a hotel room while diffusing essential oils containing these phytoncides, and the other group immersed themselves in a traditional forest bathing experience. Surprisingly, both sets of participants reported experiencing remarkably similar benefits over the course of three days. This discovery showcased the potential to recreate the wonders of nature within the confines of indoor spaces.
doTERRA took this information and created the Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing Blend. This blend captures the essence of walking through the forest, combining distilled Lemon, Magnolia leaf, Patchouli, Siberian Fir, Cypress, Hinoki, Grapefruit, Lavandin, Cardamom, Geranium, and Lemon Petitgrain.
Shinrin-Yoku is available in both 15 mL bottle and a prediluted 10 mL roller bottle (Shinrin-Yoku Touch).
Shinrin-Yoku blend has a captivating scent. There is the crispness of forest air, with a subtle floral and citrus aroma. None of the essential oils included in this blend are overpowering or stand at the forefront of its aromatic profile. When I smell this blend, I am reminded of the crisp, clean, woodsy aroma of nature after it rains. It's a fragrance with a hint of masculinity, not overly earthy, and ideal for diffusing to relax, especially during the evening hours. I can see this creating a relax ambiance in a yoga studio or using this a DIY body scrub recipe or beard oil.
This blend is made up of oils with specific therapeutic benefits that one might receive from spending time in nature:
- Lemon: A purifying and cleansing citrus oil known for its uplifting and refreshing aroma.
- Patchouli: Earthy and grounding, it supports brain health and oxygenation.
- Magnolia: A floral oil that not only enhances mood but also helps balance hormones.
- Siberian Fir: A grounding oil that thrives in the pristine, unspoiled environments of nature.
- Cardamom: Adds a delightful and spicy note, reminiscent of exotic adventures.
- Cypress: An oil associated with motion and flow, akin to the soothing rhythms of water.
- Hinoki Wood Oil: Extracted from the sensitive Hinoki tree of Japan, it thrives only in the purest of surroundings.
- Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, perfect for relaxation.
- Grapefruit: Another purifying citrus oil, renowned for its bright and uplifting scent.
- Geranium: A floral oil that offers support for emotional well-being, helping you find your inner balance.
- Lemon Petitgrain: Shares calming properties with Lavender, contributing to the blend's soothing aura.
One of the joys of essential oils is the boundless creativity they offer. If you're a fan of peppermint, consider blending it with Shinrin-Yoku to create an uplifting aroma with the benefits of nature.
Essential oils are unique in how they interact with our individual body chemistry. What may be a beloved scent for one person might not resonate with another. The aroma of Patchouli essential oil is not one of my favorites, but within the Shinrin-Yoku blend I find it to be beautifully balanced and do not mind the aroma.
Our body chemistry evolves over time. An oil that doesn't appeal to you today might become your cherished aroma in the future. So, don't be too quick in dismissing an oil. Keep it in your collection, revisit it in a few months, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the transformation. All that to say, don’t be afraid to play around with your essential oils, especially when you are discovering a new blend.
There is so much information about the Japanese art of Forest Bathing and how to do it, that I was not able to cover in this article. To learn more about Forest Bathing and the Shinrin-Yoku Essential Oil blend download the eBook from doTERRA below.
Mark your calendars because starting October 1st, 2023, Shinrin-Yoku becomes available for purchase. Whether you prefer it in its pure form, a convenient roll-on touch blend, or as part of an exclusive kit, this is your opportunity to embrace the outdoors, invite nature inside, and savor the rejuvenation it offers.
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