The health of wood

Since the dawn of humanity, wood has been a constant companion, playing an indispensable role in the development of human society. Wood is ubiquitous in our daily lives, whether used in furniture, interior decoration, architecture, toothpicks, chopsticks, and more. However, most people may not realize that, beyond its use as a tool, wood also has another significant role: its health and wellness benefits.

As an ancient, natural, and green material, wood has long been a pillar of human health. Li Kaifu, President of the Guangzhou South China Home Health Research Institute, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at South China Agricultural University, has spent over 40 years delving into the study of wood. Drawing on cytological principles and a life science perspective, he examines the scent, texture, structure, and properties of wood, profoundly revealing the source of our close connection to wood.

In his article "My Dream of 'Wood Health,'" Professor Li points out that forests are humanity's homeland, where humanity originated and developed. The green environment of a forest can, to a certain extent, reduce adrenaline secretion and the excitability of the human sympathetic nervous system. It not only calms and comforts people, but also lowers skin temperature by 1-2 degrees Celsius, reduces the pulse by 4-8 beats per minute, and enhances hearing and mental acuity. Furthermore, forest plants, such as fir, pine, eucalyptus, poplar, juniper, and oak, secrete aromatic monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes called "bactericides," which kill airborne pathogens such as diphtheria, typhoid, tuberculosis, dysentery, and cholera. Studies have shown that in dry, forest-free areas, air contains 4 million pathogens per cubic meter, while along tree-lined avenues, it contains only 600,000, and in forests, it contains only a few dozen.

Furthermore, the article elaborates on the remarkable properties of wood, such as its ability to improve the human living environment, regulate indoor temperature and humidity, adjust psychological perceptions, prolong human lifespan, and provide health benefits, sterilize, repel insects, activate cells, absorb UV rays, and alleviate fatigue. For example, Dalbergia odorifera has been shown to lower blood pressure and blood lipids, relax muscles and promote blood circulation, benefit the brain, deodorize, and stimulate cell regeneration. Another example is red sandalwood, which has calming effects, soothing the mind, relaxing muscles and promoting blood circulation, enhancing immunity, preventing aging, and reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Thus, wood clearly has a significant impact on human health and well-being, representing nature's most perfect and precious gift to humanity through a long period of evolution.

So, in what ways are wood's health benefits manifested? Professor Li explained that wood's health benefits are primarily manifested in vision, touch, hearing, smell, and regulation. For example, wood boasts beautiful textures and a variety of colors. Furthermore, its light reflectivity reaches 30-40%, providing just the right amount of stimulation for the retina. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays from sunlight, quickly alleviating eye fatigue and promoting a brighter mind. Another example is the sense of smell. Wood gases are volatile, and the aromas of many woods are refreshing, invigorating, invigorating, and soothing, calming the mind and creating a sense of well-being. Therefore, we can leverage the various properties of wood in our daily lives to better benefit human health. For example, when purchasing furniture, we can prioritize green and environmentally friendly solid wood furniture and wood flooring.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, scientific and technological advancements have advanced at a rapid pace, leading to rapid economic growth. However, this has also brought with it increased pollution of air, water, and other environmental factors, posing a threat to human health. In this context, people are increasingly interested in and pursuing healthy, green, and comfortable lifestyles. Therefore, research on the health benefits of wood is of paramount importance. We believe that with continued in-depth research into the health benefits of wood, wood will make even greater contributions to human health in the future.

Note: This article only discusses the relationship between wood and human health, drawing on Professor Li Kaifu's article, "My 'Wood Health Dream.'" In the future, I will explore the health benefits of wood in our daily lives, drawing on Professor Li's research findings and exploring its visual, tactile, auditory, olfactory, and regulatory aspects. Stay tuned!

This column invites industry experts, scholars, and professionals from the Guangzhou South China Home Health Research Institute, led by Professor Li Kaifu, a doctoral supervisor at South China Agricultural University, to conduct home health research and share relevant research results with readers. We also sincerely invite you to join our team if you are interested, to study and discuss together, and to contribute to improving people's healthy living standards!

About Li Kaifu:

Expert Advisor to the Quanlian Artistic Redwood Furniture Professional Committee and doctoral supervisor at South China Agricultural University. He has presided over and participated in 25 scientific research projects, winning one National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Class) and eight Provincial Science and Technology Progress Awards. He has published 18 books and 228 papers. He was awarded the title of Young and Middle-Aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions by the former Ministry of Forestry. He has also received the "National Forestry Industry Outstanding Contribution Award - Advanced Individual," the "Cross-Strait Forestry Dedication Award," and the Guangdong Furniture Association's Special Contribution Award for Education and Outstanding Person Award.