Sauna Aromatherapy

Are you wondering how to use essential oils in the sauna? Here are some sauna aromatherapy tips that could help.

Benefits of Sauna Aromatherapy

Many people like to spend time in the sauna to soothe their tired muscles and relax their overworked minds. Adding aromatherapy to your sauna experience can enhance the benefits even further. Here are a few of the most important advantages of sauna aromatherapy.

1. Relaxation: Essential oils used in aromatherapy have a calming effect on the mind and body, helping to reduce stress and tension. When used in a sauna, the heat intensifies the scent and increases the absorption of the oils into the body, further enhancing the relaxation effect.

2. Improved breathing: The heat and humidity in a sauna can help to open up the airways, making it easier to breathe. Aromatherapy oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree can also help to clear the nasal passages and improve breathing.

3. Improved skin: The heat and steam in a sauna can help to cleanse the skin, removing impurities and improving the appearance of the skin. Aromatherapy oils like lavender and chamomile can also help to soothe and moisturize the skin.

4. Boosted immune system: Regular sauna use has been shown to improve the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. Aromatherapy oils like tea tree and eucalyptus have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which can help to boost the immune system.

5. Improved sleep: The relaxation effect of aromatherapy in a sauna can help to promote better sleep. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood have a calming effect that can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace, leading to improved sleep.

Which Essential Oils to Use in a Sauna

Take a look at the following list to find out what essential oils to use in a sauna and their benefits.

• Peppermint: cool, refreshing scent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Lavender: calming scent, can improve breathing, soothing for minor burns and bug bites.

• Cinnamon: sweet, spicy scent, great for soothing sore muscles and reviving you when you feel tired.

• Tea tree: antibacterial and antifungal, great for treating acne and eczema.

• Chamomile: Soothing scent, combats depression and anger, cools the body to provide relief from fever.

• Eucalyptus: antibacterial and antiviral, cleans the air, relieves sinus and nasal congestion.

• Birch: Soothes sore muscles and stimulates sweating to detoxify the body.

• Citrus: refreshing, uplifting scent, opens the airways, and promotes circulation.

• Frankincense: unique scent, clears the mind and lifts the mood.

• Pine: pleasant, forest-like scent, eases headaches, boosts mood.

How to Use Essential Oils in the Sauna

As essential oils are so concentrated, it is important to dilute them with water before using them in your sauna. Using too much oil can be overwhelming and cause symptoms such as nausea or headache.

The easiest way to use essential oils in the sauna is to use a sauna aromatherapy holder or diffuser bowl. You can simply add a few drops of essential oil to the water tank, which will gradually create a strong aroma.

If you have a sauna fountain, you can use that to diffuse your essential oils in the sauna. Sauna heaters create a moving stream of water to enhance the relaxing atmosphere in the sauna. You can add any aromatherapy oil to the water to personalize your sauna experience.

It's generally not recommended to pour essential oils onto the hot sauna stones. If the oil is not sufficiently diluted, this method could lead to a fire. Instead, use a diffuser or sauna fountain to safely spread the oil's scent into the air.

Sauna Aromatherapy: How to Stay Safe

Before you use essential oils in the sauna, it's a good idea to do a patch test to check for allergies. Apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to the skin on the inside of your elbow. If your skin reacts badly to the oil, then it's likely you have an allergy and should avoid using that particular oil. If you have no reactions after 48 hours, go ahead and use the oil in your sauna!