The right essential oil for the sauna

Read on to find out 

• Correct use of essential oils for sauna infusion
• Dosage of essential oils in the sauna
• Suitable essential oils for the sauna infusion 

Correct use of essential oils for sauna infusion

There are several things to consider when choosing the right essential oil for the sauna

• Purity and quality: Make sure you only use high quality, 100% natural oils. Low quality and synthetic oils can cause irritation and allergic reactions, and the desired effect can be much weaker. 100% natural essential oils are more expensive, but the consumption is lower in the long run because high-quality oils are more intense.

• Compatibility: Note that not all essential oils are suitable for the sauna. Even some naturally pure oils can irritate the respiratory tract or cause allergic reactions. Always test a new oil on a small area of skin first to ensure that no negative reactions are caused. In addition, you should always follow the application recommendations of the respective oil.

• Personal preferences and effects: Different oils smell differently and have different effects. There are essential oils that have a relaxing and calming effect or those that are mood-enhancing, for example. When buying an essential oil for the sauna, first make clear which fragrance you want to have and which effect you want to achieve. For example, essential oils with eucalyptus, peppermint or tea tree have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Lavender or jasmine oils, on the other hand, are known to strengthen the immune system, and orange or bergamot oils help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Smoke points of oils: How much an oil should be heated is determined by the smoke point. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil begins to smoke. At this temperature, the ingredients contained in the oil are decomposed and toxic or irritating substances may be released. Essential oils with a low smoke point should not be used for sauna infusion. Most essential oils have a sufficiently high smoke point to be used in the sauna, as they usually evaporate at lower temperatures than the smoke point is reached. 

Dosage of essential oils in the sauna

There are several things to consider when dosing the essential oils for the sauna infusion. The size of the sauna and the type of oil play the most important role. As a rule, it is sufficient to add 5-10 drops of the essential oil to the water to create a pleasant fragrance. In a larger sauna with many sauna-goers, the dosage can be slightly increased. 

The optimal amount of essential oil can vary from person to person. Some people prefer a stronger scent, while others are more sensitive to essential oils. Note that some essential oils, especially those with a high menthol content such as peppermint oil, can irritate the respiratory tract. You should use such oils sparingly.

For a sauna infusion, first cool the hot stones with a little water, then add a few drops of essential oil to a ladle full of water and pour it over the stones. In winter, you can also form snowballs with a few drops of essential oil and place them on the stones. It is important that you never put the oil directly on the stones, as it can catch fire, and that you never use the essential oils undiluted, but always mix them with water.

Suitable essential oils for the sauna infusion

There are many essential oils that you can use for sauna infusion. Here are some of the most popular. 

• Eucalyptus: The essential oil of eucalyptus is one of the most popular ones for sauna infusions. It is excellent for opening the airways and providing a refreshing and invigorating sauna experience.  
• Peppermint: The essential oil of peppermint can relieve headaches and can help with exhaustion and fatigue. It has a refreshing and clarifying effect and can promote concentration.  
• Lemon: This oil gives the sauna infusion a refreshing citrus scent. Lemon oil has an invigorating and refreshing effect. It stimulates the circulation and, thanks to its mood-lifting effect, puts you in a good mood.  
• Lavender: The essential oil of lavender has a relaxing and at the same time mood-lifting and encouraging effect. Lavender can help with restlessness and overstimulation. In addition, lavender has a strong antiseptic effect.  
• Rosemary: The essential oil of rosemary stimulates the blood circulation and gets the circulation going. Rosemary oil also promotes concentration, invigorates and strengthens.

Infusing with essential oils is an easy way to optimise your sauna experience. By choosing the right essential oil, you can achieve the desired effect, be it relaxation, refreshment or increased concentration. Experiment with different oils to find out which scent suits you best and enjoy your time in the sauna relaxing and energising.

Note: The essential oils from Stadler Form are 100 % natural. However, the oils are designed for room fragrancing and we therefore recommend that they are only used for this purpose. Before using essential oils in the sauna, a specialist should always be consulted, especially for people at risk (children, pregnant women, people with illnesses).

Would you like to learn more about how aromatherapy works and how it can help you feel better and improve your mood?

More about aromatherapy

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