Real or artificial Christmas tree? Which is better for our he alth? Many of us have this dilemma when buying a Christmas tree. A real Christmas tree, especially a living tree that grows in a pot, is worth choosing not only because of tradition - it emits essential oils that are beneficial to your he alth. The only question is which tree species to choose, because spruce, fir or pine have slightly different aromatherapeutic properties.
Is it better to buy an artificial or a real Christmas tree? The temptation is even greater as they look more and more like living trees. There is an ongoing debate as to which of them is ecological: some say that a plastic Christmas tree litter the environment (plastic decomposes hundreds of years), others - that by buying a real Christmas tree, we contribute to the destruction of forests.
Artificial or real Christmas tree?
It is not true that when we buy a plastic Christmas tree, we protect the environment. The production of an artificial tree requires the consumption of non-renewable natural resources (gas and oil), it increases the emission of carbon dioxide. Although we will serve us for several seasons, when it ends up in a landfill, it will decompose for hundreds of years, harming the environment.
It is difficult to recover raw materials, usually Christmas trees are made of PVC, which is recycled in special industrial installations. So let's not feel guilty when choosing a real tree.
Most commercially available Christmas trees come from specialized plantations. Each tree grows up to absorb 25 kg of carbon dioxide in 10 years. A 100-hectare plantation absorbs over 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide annually! There is no problem with decomposition, and in some cities a collection of old Christmas trees for the zoo is organized.
Forhe alth , of course,a real Christmas treeis better. Instead of a cut one, it is best to buy a tree that grows in a pot, with an undamaged root ball - it can be put into the ground in spring. A Christmas tree, like every conifer, emits beneficial essential oils.
He alth properties of essential oils contained in conifers
Pine, spruce or fir? When choosing alive Christmas tree , take into account thearomatherapy propertiesconifers .
- Pine oil has a stimulating and strengthening effect; pine resin is used to produce turpentine - helpful in rheumatic pains and in rhinitis, while pine buds are part of pine syrup soothing cough.
- Spruce oil has a relaxing effect, soothes muscle tension and calms down.
- Fir oil has exceptional properties, it is used in disinfecting throat sprays and in warming ointments and lotions. The Siberian fir oil is used for the sourcing of grape oil. It fights fungi, bacteria and viruses, is used in the treatment of runny nose and recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract. It also soothes headaches caused by migraines.
Watch out for molds in a real Christmas tree!
A live Christmas tree contains a certain amount of mold spores, which multiply quickly when brought into a warm room, causing allergy symptoms in allergic people. If you are allergic to molds or expect an extended visit from someone allergic, give up a real Christmas tree or bring it home "last minute" on Christmas Eve and move it to another room right after Christmas. You can also rinse the tree with plenty of water beforehand, if there is no frost - this way you will get rid of at least some of the allergens.
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