The Most Common Essential Oils In Saunas
Aromatherapy has become more popular with infrared sauna users and some brands now add methods to diffuse these aromas to their sauna product offerings. Clearlight even has its own AROMA ONE® essential oil diffuser. Sunlighten also promotes aromatherapy in their saunas. Here is a brief look at some of the more popular essential oils.
Lemon Oil – Invigorate Your Sauna Session
Lemon, like orange and all citrus, is invigorating, refreshing and uplifting. It is loved for its clean, powerful scent. Lemon helps with congestion, lack of energy and helps with concentration. A few drops as an air freshener or in a diffuser can fill an entire room with its mood-lifting aroma. This is often the first scent used.
Citrus including tangerine and lemon are my personal favorites. It is simply an pleasant experience.
Lavender Essential Oil in a Sauna
Lavender (Lavandula) is one of the most popular aromas and for good reasons. It is well proven as a stress reliever and relaxation aid. Lavender is often used for back massages for the same reasons. It is also used for aiding depression, inflammation and as a mild deodorant. It is a mild pleasant aroma that you will enjoy.
Rosemary Oil for Your Infrared Therapy
In contrast to the mild relaxation properties of Lavender, Rosemary is strong and robust. It is more invigorating and energizing. However, caution needs to be used with rosemary. It should not be used by pregnant women or anyone taking homeopathic medicines or suffering from hypertension or epilepsy. Despite these cautions, it is one of the top 5 used in aromatherapy.
Peppermint Oil is a Sauna Refreshener
We are very familiar with the many uses of peppermint. From candies and toothpastes to Christmas treats, this is a flavor and scent that is universally enjoyed. Its popularity for use in sauna aromatherapy is primarily due to its ability to refresh the body and open the sinuses. But caution is needed when using this. The menthol component in Peppermint can be very bothersome to some individuals. It is a strong irritant so use caution and do not get it near or in your eyes. It can also irritate the skin.
It is a agent of cooling. While it can irritate the skin if applied directly in liquid form, diffused, it can actually calm irritation and sharpen your focus.
Sometimes just a whiff of Peppermint can be uplifting. It can also bring back vivid memories such as peppermint candy canes in hot chocolate from the Holiday Seasons.
Tea Tree Oil in a Sauna
This is a powerful essential extract, often used as a disinfectant on minor cuts. It is often used topically after surgery to minimize scarring. It has a powerful smell and one drop goes a very long way.
It can be used to treat fungus, infections, insect bites and even as an insect deterrent. It is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant.
While this can be used for aromatherapy, caution should be taken. It is a powerfully strong smell. It is antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and an antibacterial. Never take internally as this can cause vomiting, dizziness and a host of other serious issues.
Eucalyptus Oil In Your Sauna Session
This is a refreshing, mild and sweet aroma. It has been widely used in vapor rubs, creams and even mouthwashes. It has also become quite popular for use in aromatherapy.
Eucalyptus can aid in boosting the immune system and has anti- inflammatory, decongestant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can be applied topically as well as used in a diffuser. The inhaled aroma can aid in muscle ache relief, sinus infections and in some cases helps with asthma. It is often used in a spray bottle to clean kitchen and bathroom, or added to a pot of boiling water for a refreshing steam.
While used frequently in steam saunas, it has become more popular for use in infrared saunas as well. Perhaps the most popular brand, Sunlighten infrared saunas, uses eucalyptus as an optional material in its mPulse model.
The use of Eucalyptus as a construction material naturally adds this scent.
Additional Aromatherapy Scents Used In Saunas
Birch Oil for Enhanced Well-being
Birch is highly valued for its invigorating properties and is said to improve well-being when used in an infrared sauna. It is commonly used in traditional Finnish saunas. It has a couple unique components, particularly methyl salicylate, act as natural pain relievers and muscle relaxants. This is of course beneficial after physical activities.
In addition to Methyl Salicylate, it also contains Salicylic Acid which help with ailments such as eczema and ringworm.
The warming effect of birch helps soothe muscle aches and reduces joint discomfort, enhancing the therapeutic effects of heat therapy.
Moreover, birch oil is recognized for its detoxifying effects on the body. By stimulating the lymphatic system, it then promotes the natural detoxification process, helping to flush out toxins through sweat. It has an ability to promote circulation also contributes to a healthier, more radiant skin appearance, making it a common choice for those looking to enhance their sauna experience.
Cinnamon Oil for Circulatory Health
Cinnamon oil is powerful in stimulating circulation and warming the body, which of course makes it a perfect complement to infrared sauna sessions. The natural heating properties encourage blood flow to the skin’s surface, enhancing the detoxifying sweat process and increasing metabolic rate. This can be particularly beneficial for those wanting to improve their energy levels.
Cinnamon’s botanical names are Cinnamomum verum / Cinnamomum zeylanicum. However it is interesting to note that it is often substituted by Cassia Bark Essential Oil. Cassia Bark is more affordable and has a similar fragrance. In fact, the cinnamon sticks that are sold in stores are not even real cinnamon, but are instead this more affordable option.
In addition to its circulatory benefits, cinnamon oil also offers antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin in the warm, humid conditions. It acts as a natural disinfectant, reducing the risk of skin irritations and infections. It is also a calmer which relaxes the muscles.
Most may also associate it with the Holidays and the cinnamon rolls and cinnamon hot chocolate. This can be a comforting aroma that helps elevate the mood, reducing feelings of stress and promoting mental clarity.
This would be a great energy booster for the mental enjoyment alone.
Frankincense Oil for Immune Support
Frankincense oil, normally from the Boswellia carterii tree, is renowned for its incredible health benefits which include boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. The warm environment helps enhance the inhalation of its anti-inflammatory compounds. This can result in helping to alleviate chronic pain and improve respiratory conditions. This makes frankincense a great choice for those seeking to enhance their body’s natural defenses while relaxing.
Some studies have suggested an anti-aging effect and recuing the damages from harsh pharmaceutical treatments.
The soothing properties of frankincense also promote a sense of peace and relaxation, making it ideal for mental health. Its ability to reduce anxiety and induce calmness complements the stress-reducing benefits of sauna therapy, offering a holistic approach to wellness that impacts both body and mind.
Sandalwood Oil for Mental Clarity
Sandalwood oil, with its rich, woody aroma, is another excellent choice for enhancing the infrared sauna experience. Known for its calming effects, sandalwood helps soothe the mind and reduce tension, which can be particularly beneficial during a sauna session.
It has some sedative properties which aid in relaxation and can help improve the quality of meditation. IT has some similar calming benefits like lavender but it does not produce the drossiness that lavender often does.
Additionally, sandalwood oil is beneficial for skin health as it helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scars. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities make it suitable for treating minor skin issues, enhancing the skin’s appearance and health through regular sauna use. This aroma is “grounding” and also promotes emotional balance, making each sauna session a rejuvenating experience.
Other choices rounding out the most popular aromatherapy options include oregano and chamomile.
Start with lemon or peppermint and you may be surprised how much this adds to your beneficial infrared therapy.