You are standing in a special garden of desert plants rich with fragrant compounds known to reduce physiological and psychological stress in humans.
The desert can cure!
Just as “forest bathing” trails are lined with pine and hinoki cypress in the Far East, Sonoran Desert plants are rich in aromatic volatile oils known to promote well-being when inhaled. Desert shrubs have leaves full of aromatic oils which are produced by the plant to protect itself from drought stress, sun burn, or pest damage. These oils release fragrance into the air when volatilized with the onset of warmer temperatures or summer rains. In fact, the warmer weather we are experiencing as a result of climate change is generating more of these fragrant emissions - it seems, the very same antioxidants that buffer desert plants from stresses may also buffer us from psychological stress and perhaps even diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Relax as you walk among these therapeutic desert plants growing around the perimeter of the Highland Quad. Take a few deep breaths. Exhale knowing the plants in this garden support you.
This Desert Fragrance Garden is a collaboration between The University of Arizona Campus Arboretum, Campus Health, and the Southwest Center.
