If you love nature and spending time outdoors, you may already have experienced “The Biophilia Effect.” This book, by Clemens G. Arvay, introduces the reader to the concept of nature as a healing influence. By using data from various scientific studies, the author shows how nature exposure can be a good influence on human health.

The first part addresses how plants can help us. Did you know that plants produce terpenes (pheromones) which help them communicate? Terpenes also help human health. Japanese scientists have studied the forest bathing tradition, called Shinrin-yoku, and found that this activity has a positive outcome for humans who practice it. We become not only more relaxed, but more creative, in a forest environment. The number of cancer-fighting “killer cells” also increases when you are exposed to a forest. Plants can also help boost our immune system. The author presents many studies that have documented these effects.

The whole book is pretty fascinating reading. As anyone who loves nature will tell you, it’s definitely healthier to go outdoors and spend time in a natural environment. Even if they can’t explain exactly why; they just know it feels better. Reading this book helped me understand this effect much better. The claims are backed up with factual studies, so it is believable.

The writing style at times can seem awkward, but this is because the book was translated into English. I think it was originally in German. It’s not too noticeable, but occasionally there is an awkward sentence structure thrown in. It does not detract from the overall message of the book though.

I found this a very interesting read and think it would be of interest to anyone who loves nature. I also recommend it to anyone who wants to be healthier, which includes pretty much everyone! You will be surprised at all the ways in which nature is good for the human body and health. It really doesn’t take any training at all to go outdoors and just hang out and reap the benefits of nature exposure. You will be glad you did it.

Through his new book, German biologist Clemens Arvay scientifically verifies what I think most of us know instinctively--that spending time in nature is good for us, mentally, spiritually and physically. Biophilia or 'love of nature' is a relatively new term that expresses this need, desire, longing, to interact with nature.

After stating proofs to his thesis, Arvay then gives the reader some concrete suggestions and practical tips to establish this connection; such as taking a two-hour walk in a forest, camping out, gardening. We breathe in beneficial elements from trees, plants and earth that can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost concentration and strengthen our immune system.

Nature has healing power; Arvay's data suggests that surgery patients heal more quickly if they have a view of greenery and trees from their window. It can help alleviate pain and help patients recuperate more quickly. Sex can even be improved by finding a secluded area in nature. (grin)

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an arc of Arvay's interesting book.

I actually have mixed feelings about this book, because I don't believe everything that it is written here, but maybe that is due to the difference between a botanist/biologist and a psychotherapist.

Non é che questo libro mi abbia proprio convinto, ma credo sia dovuto al fatto che l'autore é un biologo/botanico mentre io sono una psicoterapeuta.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

While the central facts of this book - trees produce terpenes and Japanese researchers have found a connection between spending time in the woods and a decrease in some blood hormone levels - there's an awful lot of woo thrown in. The writing is easy to follow and some of the exercises may be of benefit to some.

I can sum up this book for you and save you a lot of time : Go outside. Become one with nature. It's good for your health.