How To Use a Sauna Aromatherapy Kit for Best Results

Picture this. The soothing heat of a sauna envelops you as a woody aroma wafts through the air. You experience a state of near-euphoria as the sauna cabin fills with the scent of cedarwood and ylang-ylang. Your breathing slows down, and you feel your stress melt away in mere seconds. 

This is the kind of aromatic magic that only a few drops of essential oil can create. This collective experience and the essential oils that contribute to it define the concept of aromatherapy.

Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians discovered aromatherapy many moons ago. These cultures initially used fragrant plant extracts for medicinal purposes. Over the years, their holistic properties became widely known. 

Today, essential oils are an integral part of aromatherapy. They serve diverse purposes, from enhancing mood to relieving pain and inducing sleep.

Using them as a standalone therapy is common, but did you know they can also be used with sauna sessions for better results? By the end of this guide, you'll have mastered the art of using a sauna aromatherapy kit.

Most Effective Ways to Use a Sauna Aromatherapy Kit

A sauna oil kit typically contains a set of assorted essential oil bottles. 

You can add a few more tools to your arsenal of sauna accessories, such as:

• A set of carrier oils (for dilution)

• Plastic pipettes for easy dispensation

• Diffusers

Essential oils are highly concentrated and have strong fragrances that can seem too intense and overwhelming on their own. That's why, regardless of the type of oil you use, you must dilute it with water or a carrier oil. Diluting weakens the molecules of the oils and renders them more pleasant for use. This is also a safe bet because the oils are flammable in their pure state.

Each fragrant oil in your sauna aromatherapy kit provides a unique benefit (more on this later). During your sauna session, choose one or two of your favorite oils and add three to six drops to each quart of water. 

You can use one of the following three mediums for this:

Oil Diffuser for Infrared Saunas

This is one of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy oils in your sauna. They are ideally suited for infrared saunas without a water source to dilute the oil. 

Unlike traditional saunas, which warm the air, infrared saunas emit dry heat straight to the body. An oil diffuser in an infrared sauna works similarly, diffusing your preferred fragrance in the sauna. 

Choose a sauna-safe oil diffuser that can survive the high heat in an infrared sauna. Also, ensure that you place the diffuser away from hot surfaces and lighting, preferably in an elevated position. Place it on a flat surface to prevent spillage, which can damage your sauna. 

Direct Skin Application

You can apply essential oils topically, but diluting them first is necessary. For topical treatments, dilution with any carrier oil is recommended.

Mix a teaspoon or 5ml of carrier oil with a few drops to dilute your favorite essential oil. You can use the following carrier oils for dilution:

• Coconut oil

• Avocado oil

• Almond oil

• Jojoba oil

• Olive oil

• Rosehip oil

• Hemp Seed oil

• Flaxseed oil

• Grapeseed oil

Apply this solution to strategic spots on your body, such as the pulse or painful areas like joints. Using a restrained amount as direct skin applications can intensify under the heat of the sauna.

Bucket and Ladle Application for Traditional Saunas

If you're using a traditional sauna, this is the most effective way to infuse your sauna cabin with your favorite fragrance. 

You can achieve this atmosphere by adding a few drops of your preferred oil to a bucket of water in the sauna. Mix it with the ladle and pour this water over the sauna rocks to generate scented steam. 

The moist heat of a traditional sauna, mixed with the aromatic waft of oils, lends to a more sensorial and therapeutic experience than other methods.

Essential Oils Set: Which Oils to Use

Deciding which essential oil to use for your sauna session can be difficult. The truth is that each essential oil in your aromatherapy kit promises distinct benefits for physical and mental health. 

Using one oil at a time is best for a more harmonious experience, especially if you're just starting out. 

Here's how each essential oil can benefit you:

Pine

Pine's strong fragrance enhances cognitive function. If you're a morning sauna user, combine this with your early sauna sessions to stay focused and energized throughout the day. 

Pine's unique scent is deeply rooted in nature. It can make you feel like you're in a pristine forest, breathing fresh air. As a natural decongestant, it improves breathing and relieves sinuses and phlegm. Lastly, its anti-inflammatory properties offer pain relief, particularly from joint pain and migraines.

Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-ylang and its sweet floral aroma can lift your spirits if you feel blue. Its vibrant scent effectively reduces feelings of anxiety and enhances mood. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can also help you heal wounds faster and soothe joint pain.

Lavender

Lavender has a mild and sublime scent that can ground you, especially if you're feeling restless and anxious. It's commonly used to induce relaxation, but it's more versatile than that. 

It can relieve other symptoms of malaise, such as:

• Stomach issues

• Rheumatic conditions

• Skin infections and rashes

Lavender oil is a great nighttime companion as it helps induce sleep. Pour a few drops into your sauna bucket a few hours before bedtime for a deep, restful sleep.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood has a lot of benefits to its name, the most notable of which is its ability to soothe skin ailments. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for pain relief from conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and muscular aches. Aside from these, using cedarwood oil can help relieve anxiety and stress and facilitate detox.

Frankincense

Many people find solace in frankincense's mild, comforting aroma, which helps relieve anxiety and sadness. It's considered a great "starter oil" if you're new to sauna aromatherapy. 

Frankincense is a natural astringent that spells good news for your skin health. It helps constrict cells and decrease large pores, making your skin tighter. When paired with sauna therapy, it can perform wonders for acne-prone and oily skin, leaving your skin feeling younger and more radiant. 

If you have trouble falling asleep, incorporate frankincense into your nightly sauna regimen. It's a natural sedative that lulls you into a restful sleep.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has long been associated with relieving respiratory ailments. Its strong scent helps clear nasal airways, benefiting those with sinusitis or congestion. This oil also has anti-inflammatory qualities, which promise relief from joint pain and stiffness. 

Using eucalyptus oil regularly with your sauna routine can help boost immunity and improve respiratory health.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil contains active components of Menthol and Menthone, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the best ways to relieve headaches and muscle pain. 

Add a few drops of this oil to your sauna for instant pain relief after a long day at work or a strenuous workout. Peppermint oil also helps increase alertness, relieves stress, and soothes the skin when applied topically. 

Lemon

Lemon oil, a popular and versatile fragrance, has an energizing effect when combined with sauna. 

It is also:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Anti-fungal

• Anti-bacterial

Lemon oil has an uplifting scent that enhances moods. Its astringent properties also work wonders for your skin.

Can You Mix Essential Oils in a Sauna?

Over time, you may find yourself tempted to incorporate more than one essential oil into your sauna routine. Is it safe to do so?

Yes, as long as the oils complement one another, mixing more than one essential oil is safe. 

Some common and beneficial combinations include:

• Frankincense and citrus (lemon or orange oils) for a calming, mood-stabilizing effect

• Eucalyptus and citrus to improve concentration and mental function

• Eucalyptus and pine for an invigorating effect 

Be willing to experiment with oil preferences to see what works best for you. Ultimately, you may discover a distinctive perfume that benefits and compliments you well!

Precautions and Tips When Using a Sauna Aromatherapy Kit

• Follow appropriate dilution ratios to avoid overly intense effects that can be detrimental. Include a set of carrier oils to your repertoire for best results.

• Conduct a patch test before topically using any of the oils. Put a small amount of diluted oil on your arm or the back of your hand. Wait a few minutes, then check the area for any unwanted allergies or reactions.

• Essential oils are beneficial for health but can cause irritation in sensitive places such as the eyes. Use them with caution and keep them as far from your face as possible.

• Essential oils must never be used in their undiluted form, especially near sauna stoves. They're inflammable and can cause fire hazards, not to mention damage to your sauna. 

• After use, store the oil bottles away. Any spilling within the sauna can discolor or damage the sauna's wood. Store them in a cool, dark spot rather than in direct sunlight to make them last longer.

• Essential oils should not be used during pregnancy or postpartum. Before using them, consult with a healthcare professional.

 

Final Words: Sauna Aromatherapy Kit

Adding a sauna aromatherapy kit to your sauna routine can improve your relaxation experience and provide several health benefits. It's one of the best sauna accessories to have in your arsenal.

However, using only high-quality essential oils from a reputable retailer is important. This ensures the oils are unadulterated and offer optimal benefits. 

Buy them from a reliable retailer like GRIM PARENT LIMITED. We offer a diverse range of high-quality saunas and sauna accessories. Visit our website for more information or contact us. Our staff will be happy to help you.