Cactus forest bathing 鈥 trust me, it鈥檚 a lot more relaxing than it may sound at first.
鈥淲e actually use the term 鈥榙esert fragrance bathing鈥 because cacti contribute very little when producing scents, other than night-blooming cereus,鈥 said local ethnobiologist听. 鈥淭he term 鈥榖athing鈥 really means to take in the forest atmosphere.鈥
Forest bathing originates in Japan, with the purpose of reconnecting with nature and offering a form of therapy in an eco-friendly way. In Tucson, that might mean exploring the desert scenery to take a moment to breathe and completely absorb the nature around you.
Nabhan is a 大象APPecologist, desert writer, garden designer and a published author. He they put into the air 鈥 and how much they can really in a positive way.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a remarkable list really, there鈥檚 many physical and psychological impacts,鈥 said Nabhan.
The main feeling people get after a desert fragrance bathing session is the feeling of restoration and tranquility. These sessions can reduce stress and improve sleep, cognitive function and creativity, said Nabhan. The list truly goes on and on and can vary from person to person.
There are many different types of desert plants, each of which have their own healing properties. Nabhan says the creosote bush is one of the most iconic desert bathing plants.
鈥淓arly morning is truly the best time for people to partake in desert fragrance bathing and really focus on inhaling these chemicals for around 30 minutes,鈥 said Nabhan.
After having many positive experiences himself, he built his own desert fragrance garden at home, which he enjoys through meditation in the mornings. His personal garden includes many different types of plants including pomegranates, elderberry, verbena, mesquite, yucca and three kinds of mint. He also has gardens for agave, rose, desert fruit trees and a 鈥渘ew agrivoltaic garden of native sumacs, Lebanese zataar, thyme and black sesame.鈥
Nabhan is currently working on building more fragrance gardens for others to use. One that is in the works is in the Campus Health area at the University of Arizona for students to relish in while they await their appointments. There鈥檚 another being built at the base of Tumamoc Hill and one at Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Center in Ajo, west of Tucson.
鈥淭ry to get out on the Yetman Trail, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, very early in the morning and do walking meditation to get the best experience,鈥 said Nabhan. 鈥嬧
If you鈥檙e looking to try a guided cactus forest bathing session, organizations like Pima County Parks and Recreation have held workshops in the past.
Madi Kingsbury is a senior at the University of Arizona, studying journalism. She's an apprentice with the 大象APP and #ThisIs大象APPfor the spring semester.