The typical sauna-goer expects pure relaxation and detoxification from their sauna visit. Herbal blends and essential oils are indispensable, whether in a traditional sauna infusion, in infusion concentrate for a sauna session, in a steam bath, or during the relaxation phase as aromatherapy.
Essential oils create a pleasant fragrance and a sense of well-being. But what exactly are essential oils, what do they do, and how should you use them? We explore these questions in the article below.
What are essential oils?
Unlike synthetic fragrances and perfume oils, essential oils are natural products derived from medicinal herbs, flowers, bark, roots, spices, and fruit. Plants produce and store these fragrant substances as tiny oil droplets, usually to attract insects. These valuable oils are extracted from plants by distillation and used in many ways.
They are called “essential” because, unlike conventional oils, they do not have greasy properties and are much thinner in consistency. This liquid evaporates quickly into the air, leaving behind a pleasant fragrance that soon disappears into the ether as well. So always close the oil bottles tightly, so that these precious sources of fragrance do not literally vanish into thin air.
How do I use essential oils in an infrared cabin or as infusion concentrate in a sauna?
Because they are volatile, bio-based infusion concentrates containing pure, natural essential oils are also popular in saunas, where they help support health benefits. Since their ingredients evaporate quickly and leave no residue, they are widely used in heat treatments, for example in sauna infusions.
Never pour the oils undiluted over the sauna stones, as they are highly flammable, can damage the respiratory tract, and may cause poisoning. Instead, always mix the infusion concentrate with water. Water quality matters, too: if possible, use spring water rather than tap water for your infusion.
The steam and subsequent wafting disperse the essential oil ingredients throughout the sauna cabin, where they are inhaled by visitors and absorbed through the skin’s open pores.
Make sure you use infusion concentrates made only with pure, natural ingredients, not synthetic ones. Synthetic products do not evaporate without residue and can even be harmful to the body. Since essential oils are natural products, the human body can readily break down and process them. Their ingredients may support healing. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are treated as foreign substances by the body. They are more likely to irritate the mucous membranes and can cause circulatory problems.
As an alternative to infusions, you can use a fragrance diffuser in the sauna cabin to distribute the scent evenly throughout the room. So-called aroma vaporizers are often used in steam showers.
Relaxing and unwinding in an infrared cabin can also be enhanced with essential oils in a fragrance diffuser. Simply pour the oil into a suitable fragrance dish and hang it in the cabin. Alternatively, you can use an aroma diffuser to spread the fragrance evenly throughout the cabin.
How do essential oils affect me?
Essential oils can benefit the body, but their powerful effect on the mind should not be underestimated.
In terms of their positive effects on the body, essential oils are divided into three categories: top, heart, and base notes.
- Top notes have a refreshing, invigorating effect and improve concentration. These include citrus oils, as well as peppermint and eucalyptus oils.
- Heart notes are relaxing and harmonizing. These can be floral oils such as apple blossom, linden blossom, or cherry blossom.
- Base notes include typical sauna oils such as birch and resin oils. They have a stabilizing and strengthening effect.
Depending on the desired effect, the oils can also be blended to achieve the results you want. But even with pure, natural essential oils, you should consult your doctor about possible allergies and side effects.
The psychological and emotional effects of essential oils can be categorized as follows:
Respiratory support: These essential oils are true champions in the fight against viruses and bacteria. They can not only strengthen the body's defenses and stabilize the immune system, but may also have anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. They can also help relieve muscle soreness and rheumatic conditions.
These special essential oils increase the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine, which may improve mood, concentration, and critical thinking. Fragrances such as eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, Scots pine, cajeput, or silver fir can stimulate the lungs, helping you breathe more freely and think more clearly.
Strengthening the immune system: Thanks to their antibacterial properties, these oils can help support the body during the cold winter months, both as a preventive measure and as a treatment. By stimulating the production of the messenger substance enkephalin, they may have a pain-relieving effect and speed up the healing process. Oils such as thyme, bay laurel, palmarosa, Swiss pine, and orange can help strengthen your immune system and stabilize your circulation.
Detox: These oils help cleanse the body by drawing out toxins. They may also stimulate the metabolism and improve kidney and gland function. This can help us feel more confident, less tense, and less anxious. Oils such as lemon, lavender, juniper berry, and lemongrass provide this detoxifying effect.
Mood boosters: These fragrances can boost self-confidence and promote positive moods. They stimulate the production and release of chemical messengers such as noradrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins. We may feel more motivated, focused, and simply happier. For people who are anxious or tense in particular, this aromatherapy can bring calm and a sense of humor. Notes of bergamot, grapefruit, orange, mandarin, rose geranium, Turkish rose, and lemon can help achieve this mood-boosting effect.
Relaxants: These oils can have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which influences various organ functions. This can relieve tension and promote the production of serotonin, which in turn may encourage relaxation and calm. In emotionally challenging moments, fragrances such as lavender, patchouli, tea tree, cedar, and ylang-ylang can bring greater harmony and balance.
Conclusion
Essential oils are the perfect finishing touch to a relaxing, health-promoting sauna experience, bringing wellness to both body and mind. Whatever recommendations and well-intentioned advice you receive, always listen to your body - it knows best what is good for it. Enjoy your sauna!