Saunas are amazing for relaxation and detoxification, but did you know they can also be a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils?
Just a few drops of your favorite essential oil can turn your sauna into a fragrant and relaxing oasis.
In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite essential oils to use in a sauna, as well as tips on how to use them.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint has a refreshing, cooling scent that’s perfect for relaxing in a sauna. It also has antibacterial properties, which help keep the surroundings clean and free of germs. Peppermint is a great choice to help you relax and rejuvenate. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Lavender
One of the best oils to use in a sauna is lavender. It has a calming effect and can help you relax after a long day. It’s also great for improving your breathing. It can also heal minor burns and bug bites due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
3. Cinnamon
The cinnamon essential oil has a sweet, spicy scent that can help revive you when you’re feeling tired. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your skin.
Additionally, the soothing properties of cinnamon essential oil can soothe sore muscles and be used to treat a cold. This oil also improves blood circulation, mood, and metabolism and reduces feelings of exhaustion and depression.
4. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it can help treat skin conditions like eczema and acne. It can also help fight off cold and certain types of bacterial growth.
It also has a variety of compounds that include terpinen-4-ol which is effective in killing certain bacteria and viruses. Terpinen-4-ol also appears to increase activity in your white blood cells. These cells help fight off germs and other invaders.
All these make Tea tree oil a valuable natural remedy to use in your sauna. It’s great for fungal and bacterial skin conditions. Plus, it prevents infection and promotes healing.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is a great choice for those who are looking for a calm and soothing aroma. It’s perfect for those times when you need to de-stress and unwind.
Chamomile oil may help to remove any toxins or agents that could be causing infection. It also cools down the body and provides relief from fever. It has also been proven to improve the function and ease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers. Plus, it is effective in combating depression and soothing anger.
6. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it’s great for clearing the air and preventing the spread of infection. It’s also a great decongestant, so it can help relieve congestion and breathing problems. If you’re feeling a bit stuffy, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the steam of your sauna.
7. Birch
Birch oil is a great choice because it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help soothe sore muscles. It also has detoxifying effects, which can help rid your body of harmful toxins.
Also, by stimulating sweat, birch oil can reduce fever. The sweat produced by fever may help to remove toxins from the body, which can help speed up recovery. This oil is also a great germicide. It can be used to treat ringworm and other skin infections.
8. Citrus
Citrus scents like lemon, grapefruit, and orange are refreshing and uplifting. They help to open up the airways and promote circulation. This makes them perfect for use in a sauna, where you’re already trying to breathe deeply and get your blood flowing.
Citrus oils’ antimicrobial properties are widely used in cleaning formulations. They are also well-known for their mood-boosting qualities in folk medicine. Moreover, d-limonene is the most important and notable component of citrus oil. This component has been proven to be a powerful cancer-fighting agent.
9. Frankincense
Frankincense oil is great for clearing your mind and lifting your mood. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Frankincense is also an excellent choice if you have a cold or another illness.
This essential oil is derived from the Boswellia carterii or Boswellia sacra trees and is known to improve the immune system’s performance.
Some studies have also shown that frankincense can be used to combat certain types of cancer and reduce side effects from chemotherapy. You can also use this essential oil to prevent aging, improve digestion, balance hormones, and reduce stress.
10. Pine
Pine oil is also perfect for saunas because it’s a natural disinfectant. It also has a refreshing, woodsy scent that can help you relax and clear your mind. Diffusing pine oil in your sauna will give you a fresh forestry scent.
You can also use it to help loosen phlegm from your lungs. Moreover, pine essential oil could be the solution to your congestion and headaches.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce joint pain, relieve headaches, boost mood, and treat acne.
How to Use Essential Oils in the Sauna
Essential oils have strong aromas, so it is best to dilute the oil with water. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and place it in the sauna. The heat will help the oil molecules diffuse into the air, providing you with all the benefits of aromatherapy.
If you have a diffuser, you can add a few drops of oil to the water tank and enjoy the aromas while you relax in the sauna. You can also pour the essential oil water over hot stones. The steam from the hot stones will allow the water to give off a strong aroma.
Be careful not to add too much oil as it can be overwhelming and even dangerous. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition or are taking medication, please consult your doctor before using essential oils.
It is also a good idea to perform a patch test on your skin before using essential oil to make sure you are not allergic. Stop using the oil immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have any other adverse reaction.
Conclusion
Adding essential oils to the air can provide many benefits when using a sauna. Some essential oils have cleansing and detoxifying effects, while others are energizing and help improve mental clarity.
Experiment to see what works best for you, but always start with a very small amount and add more as desired.
