Enhancing your sauna experience using natural aromatics

Sauna bathing is already a deeply therapeutic practice, offering benefits for relaxation, circulation, detoxification, and overall well-being. Introducing aromatherapy and halotherapy, enhances the whole experience - however this does not mean that simply using essential oils in the sauna space is a safe practice, and there are lots of other ways to incorporate aroma beyond these potent bottles of plant medicine!! Natural aromatics and herbal infusions are safe, easy to use and really do amplify the sauna’s relaxation powers, while salt therapy enhances respiratory function and skin health, creating a truly immersive ritual. Let's dive right in and unpick this topic!

Beyond the oils...

Aromatherapy is all about harnessing the natural properties of plants to support physical and mental well-being, and often, in the wellness arena, this is done using essential oils. However, when combined with the heat and humidity of a sauna, essential oils are known to release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) whether they are organic, pure, or the best quality you can find! These oils are high in terpenes which react with the atmosphere within the sauna space and produce secondary pollutants such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, something we of course do not want to be encouraging. The science on this is limited but there is some research into it and it just feels like something we should be proceeding with very carefully!

Natural Aromatics

So let's touch on other ways we can enjoy the lovely effects of relaxing smelly things :)

Of course what springs to mind first is bundles of floral and herbal offerings, whether bought in or foraged from the garden or local landscape. Think lavendar, rosemary, thyme, mint, lemon-balm - all readily available - all highly effective! From the classical relaxation promoted by lavendar, the detox boost found in rosemary to the respiratory clearing of mint, these are powers not to be proverbially sniffed at! A literal sniff works wonders! Puns intentional!

Added to that we also have herbal sauna whisks - a tool which may be professional made or acquired from a sauna supplier such as www.teralife.co.uk - here you can access scents and aromas a little more traditional to authentic sauna bathing.

Wormwood, Meadowsweet, Sweet Clover, St. Johns Wort - all herbal tonics which provide their own healing qualities from pain relief to immune support, and of course more relaxation!

Wormwood is a traditional Lithuanian sauna herb that is known to clear the airways and relax the nervous system. It has it's own essential oils, phytoncides and tannins which also as as a natural anti-septic, has been known to sooth headaches and is great for respiratory health!

Meadowsweet is another traditonal Baltic herb, with a calming honey-like aroma. The scent can ease tension and relax the mind with it being said to possess a deeply soothing propensity. It's a great way to naturally enhance the air with the sauna space!

Sweet Clover is another quite sweet scent, like a summer meadow in full bloom! Gorgeous! Again this traditional sauna herb aids respiratory issues and supports relaxation, with additional benefits such as improving blood circulation and brain function through due to the active component, coumarin.

*Sweet clover is noted to be avoid during pregnancy or for those with issues with blood clotting! Proceed with care!

St. John's Wort is also known to relax the mind and calm the nervous system, making it another great option for natural aromatics in the sauna space! With its soothing aroma, the plant compounds create a therapeutic atmosphere - which is of course what we want!

Natural infusions

Another method is to infuse the water which is used to create the löyly (the steam) which then permeates the sauna space in a highly effective and very easy way!

A personal favourite here at The Sauna Corner® is the Birch infusion offers a natural and truly organic aromatherapy in the sauna. The aroma is earthy and grounding and has it's own unique quality. It's the smell of the forest, of nature, of the deeply revered birch that sauna would not be the same without. Not only that, but the saponins from birch act as natural bronco-dialators, meaning they natural encourage opening of the airways making this aromatic tool excellent for lung health! Plus the methysalicates released by the Birch leaves can relieve muscle pain and arthritis and even increase blood flow and reduce inflammation! A powerful natural medicine!

(Tip: Always save your BIrch water for sauna rituals! Not only is it great for making löyly, but is a natural soap too, and is also said to remove product build-up from the hair. A gift from the nature gods if ever there was one!

You can infuse your water with all kinds of herbs, from simple sage, rosemary, thyme, mint or whatever is at the bottom of your garden!!

The Power of Halotherapy (Salt Therapy)

Halotherapy, or salt therapy, involves infusing high-mineral salt with aroma and moving this salt around to release the scent. Typically this is done by pouring the salt contents from one vessel to another - two large bowl works well, vessels with a handle may be easier for you - and as this is done in front of your sauna bathers there is opportunity for the inhalation of microscopic salt particles which then provides some additional health benefits:

• Clearing the Respiratory System – Salt particles help break down mucus, reduce inflammation, and improve breathing, making it especially beneficial for asthma, allergies, and sinus issues.

• Supporting Skin Health – Salt has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

• Boosting Detoxification – Just like essential oils, salt aids the body’s ability to detox by pulling out impurities and reducing inflammation.

• Enhancing Relaxation & Stress Relief – The negative ions released by salt contribute to a sense of calm, reducing stress and enhancing overall mood.

Break-down of the salt pouring technique:

With two bowls, one containing the salt infusion and the other empty, begin by pouring the salt from one bowl to the other, creating distance between the bowls as you pour, producing long streams of salt as you pass the contents back and forth - similar to the practice of 'tea-pulling' where hot tea is transferred dramatically from one vessel to another at a considerable distance. As you pass the salt from one to another, the aromas will be released and spread throughout the sauna. Performing this short ritual in front of each bather will intensify the aroma for them whilst offering halotherapy benefits also. Move around the group until all the bathers have experienced the process. (Tip: This is a great tool to use if you do not wish to use infused water on the rocks.)

Final Thoughts

Combining aromatics and halotherapy in the sauna is a game-changer. Whether you want to unwind, boost your mood, breathe easier, or support your body’s detox process, these natural therapies work harmoniously to enhance your experience. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you!