Yesterday, I met a man who deeply cares about humanity—Michael Stusser, the visionary behind Osmosis Day Spa. His dedication to creating spaces where people can deeply reconnect with themselves, others, and nature aligns beautifully with my own vision. As someone who has spent years studying the healing power of nature, I was eager to experience firsthand the benefits of phytoncides through a cedar enzyme bath at Osmosis.
Now, here’s the funny part. I was told this experience would be deeply relaxing—that I’d sleep like a baby afterward. My journey began with binaural beats in an anti-gravity chair, a practice that quickly quieted my mind. Then came the cedar bath, nestled in a serene space overlooking a stunning Zen garden. The warmth, the scent, the way the finely ground cedar enveloped my body—it was like sinking into the heart of a forest.
And it worked. Maybe too well! I walked out so blissed out that I completely forgot my shoes. It wasn’t until I picked up my two sons for dinner in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, that they looked at me, bewildered—"Mom, what’s up with the slippers?!" I was so relaxed, I forgot my shoes and left in thier slippers!! I only wished I could have stayed longer, wandering the meditation gardens and fully savoring that rare, extended stillness. Next time I will add a massage. I look forward to bring my three sons back here to gift them the experience that I found deeply healing on many levels.
So, what exactly made this experience so powerful? It all comes down to phytoncides—the natural compounds released by trees like cedar, pine, and cypress. Whether you breathe them in, drink them, or absorb them through the skin, they have profound effects on the body and mind.
The Science of Phytoncides: Breathe, Drink, or Bathe?
Phytoncides are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that trees release to protect themselves from pests and disease. When humans interact with these compounds, they provide immune-boosting, stress-reducing, and anti-inflammatory benefits. But the way we absorb them—through breathing, drinking, or bathing—affects how they work in the body.
1. Breathing in Phytoncides (Forest Bathing & Aromatherapy)
Pathway: Absorbed through the lungs, directly entering the bloodstream.
Benefits:
Increases natural killer (NK) cell activity, strengthening immune function.
Lowers cortisol, reducing stress and promoting deep relaxation.
Enhances dopamine and serotonin, improving mood and mental clarity.
Supports respiratory health, reducing inflammation in the lungs.
Best For: Immediate stress relief, immune support, and mood balance.
2. Drinking Phytoncides (Herbal Teas & Extracts)
Pathway: Absorbed through the digestive system, influencing gut health.
Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial, supporting immune and digestive health.
Promotes gut-brain connection, reducing systemic inflammation.
Detoxifying properties in compounds like pinene and limonene support liver function.
Best For: Long-term gut health, digestion, and internal stress reduction.
3. Cedar and Douglas fir or Phytoncide Bathing (Soaking in Infused Water)
Pathway: Absorbed through the skin + inhaled through steam.
Benefits:
Relaxes muscles & relieves embodied stress.
Improves circulation & skin health, enhancing lymphatic drainage.
Dual benefits of inhalation + skin absorption amplify relaxation.
Enhances sleep quality, preparing the body for deep rest.
Best For: Physical relaxation, deep stress relief, and nervous system regulation.
Which Method is Best?
Method | Best For | Key Benefits |
Breathing (Forest Bathing, Aromatherapy) | Mental health, immunity | Lowers cortisol, boosts NK cells, improves mood |
Drinking (Teas, Extracts) | Gut health, internal anti-inflammation | Supports microbiome, fights infections, detoxifies |
Bathing (Cedar Baths, Infusions) | Muscle relaxation, circulation, stress relief | Absorbed through skin, soothes nervous system, improves blood flow |
Each method has its own strengths, but for me, bathing in cedar at Osmosis was a profound experience—one that left me floating through my evening in borrowed slippers!
I believe that reconnecting people with themselves, others, and nature is essential for healing—both personal and planetary. Michael’s vision aligns with my own, and I’m excited to offer an upcoming retreat at Osmosis to help others experience the profound benefits of this practice.
Interested in learning more? Please sign up on my mailing list and check out my upcoming retreats, as I will be partnering with Osmosis, bringing my own toolbelt of relaxation skills for a day of liminality and connection.
And next time? Maybe I’ll remember my shoes. 😊
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