Exploring the Intelligent Design of the Planet's Rainforests and Old Growth Forests

Our planet’s forests have many special attributes. They are some of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, and they are home to a vast array of plant and animal life. But there is also something else that sets them apart from other ecosystems.

An underground network system…

Indeed, underneath all that forest soil, there exists an intricate pulsing network that connects one tree to the next. Quite frankly, these networks are the lifeblood of trees, as they enable trees exchange nutrients as well as communication signals in times of danger or evolution. Because of this, some scientists believe that forest networks are set up like the neural networks in our brains.

If so, it’s important to understand, determine, and perhaps establish just how smart trees are.

The Science Behind Forests’ Intelligence Network

For many people, these forests have a higher intelligence. They are seen as part of the divine creation, and as such, they are revered and respected as being the heart of the planet. The Hermetic saying of "As Above, So Below" implies to some interpreters that the seven chakra systems seen in our body can be found at the larger planetary level. And that the forests represent the earth's heart chakra.

This higher intelligence is said to be present in all types of forests, from rainforests to old growth forests to jungles. So what exactly is this higher intelligence?

Some believe that it is a consciousness that pervades all of nature—a consciousness that exists non-locally but everywhere. Others believe that it is a specific force or energy that exists within the roots of the planet's forests, in their underground network. And forest ecologist, Suzanne Simard, believes that like Mother Earth, forest systems have “Mother Trees” that regulate not only the trees but all of a forest‘s life.

Piecing Apart the Forest Ecosystem

As research increasingly supports the aforementioned theory, we can no longer neglect the intelligence that trees carry. After all, they play a huge role in why we exist, how we live, and how we evolve as a human species.  The intelligence network of forests is vital to our survival, but how does this enigma function?

Forests have something called the mycelia network. This is a network of tiny fungi that live in the soil. It is sometimes called the "wood wide web" because it connects all the plants in the forest together. The mycelia network allows plants to share water and nutrients and also helps them communicate with each other.

A better way to envision this is the town center in your neighborhood; all roads lead to and from that center. And this is exactly how the Mycelia network operates.

The Mycelia Network is a Breathing, Living Membrane

Many scientists believe that the mycelia network is actually smart. It has to be, because trees, through the network, can reach out to other trees located miles apart and send them nutrients and resources when they are in nutritional distress. How do we know this? How can we prove that trees, in fact, communicate?

Well, have you ever been to a forest or even an orchard? What do you notice?

The silence…

But if you listen closely, the forest has no real silence. The trees are always communicating, making odd noises and filling in the gaps between animal noises, insect sounds, and bird songs. Just listen closely and you’ll hear the plants humming…

This communication is essential to how trees live. It is an intelligent network system that is fascinating to observe and admire. Our trees have a higher intelligence that governs and protects our planet, and it does this primarily through the Mycelia network. We cannot comprehend such intelligence, because it may be beyond us just yet. But the more we study forests, the more we appreciate how they keep the world in balance, and how they keep us alive.

Do Certain Tree Habitats Perform Different Functions?

Yes, they do. Old-growth forests and rainforests (new growth forests) do indeed possess separate attributes.

Old-growth forests are integral to sustaining life on earth. They play a vital role in maintaining the planet's climate, cleaning the air and water, and providing homes for innumerable plants and animals. Old-growth forests are also some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on the planet; they contain a wealth of unique plant and animal species.

Rainforests, on the other hand, are equally important for sustaining life on earth. These lush ecosystems are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Rainforests play a vital role in regulating the global climate, filtering the air and water, and providing homes for innumerable plants and animals.

Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between old-growth forests and rainforests.

• Old-growth forests are typically found in temperate regions, while rainforests are found in tropical regions.
• Old-growth forests tend to be more diverse, with a greater variety of plant and animal species. Rainforests, on the other hand, are typically denser and contain more biomass.
• Old-growth forests sequester more carbon than rainforests, making them critical for stabilizing the planet's temperature. Rainforests produce more oxygen than old-growth forests, making them vital for life on earth.

Overall, we can’t lose one or the other. We need both types of forests to sustain life on earth.

Forests and Skincare

Having existed for eons, trees are embedded with the secrets of nature, which embodies life and health. The rainforest, in particular, is home to some of the world's most potent healing plants. For centuries, indigenous people have used these plants to treat a wide range of conditions, from skin problems to serious illnesses.

Honestly, the best skincare is naturally sourced and produced from trees. A popular rainforest healing plant is camu camu (Myrciaria dubia). This small fruit is packed with vitamin C, making it an excellent natural remedy for skin conditions like acne and eczema, and a healing plant for colds and flu. The Camu Camu is just one of many rainforest miracle cures that can help you look and feel your best. You can find camu camu in our "Gaia" Rainforest Retinol Serum.

In addition, mushrooms that grow in old growth forests seem to have a certain magic about them, and that magic has been used for centuries in skincare. The Snow Mushroom and Reishi are known for their moisture-retaining properties. Shiitake mushrooms are also known for their anti-aging properties. These mushrooms contain compounds that can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.

When used in skincare products, they keep your skin hydrated, youthful, and radiant. You can find an abundant blend of mushrooms in our "Enchanted" Serum, formulated for collagen boosting, plumping, and moisture.