Seamus Hammond
Saunas are a great way to relax and unwind, and adding essential oils can enhance the experience even further. Aromatherapy has been practised for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for various purposes. Nowadays, aromatherapy is used to improve overall health and mental well-being, and it can be easily incorporated into your sauna routine.
To use essential oils in a sauna, it is important to first dilute them in water. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the water bucket and then pouring this over hot stones will create a pleasant-smelling steam. This method reduces the intensity of the aroma, making it safer and reducing the risk of flammability.
There are many essential oils to choose from, each with its own unique benefits. Eucalyptus, for example, is a refreshing oil that can relieve stress and boost energy. Lavender is commonly used for its soothing properties, helping to calm and relax the body and mind. Tea tree oil is another popular choice, known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
So, whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or give your body an energising boost, adding aromatherapy to your sauna routine is a great way to enhance your experience and promote overall well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Relaxation, stress relief, body cleansing, soothing muscles, improving circulation, boosting metabolism, relieving congestion, detoxification |
| Aromatherapy | Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, mint, cinnamon, citrus, frankincense, peppermint, pine, sandalwood, tea tree |
| Oil Application | Dilute in water, add to a towel warmer, use an AromaSteam System, add directly to the steam head |
What You'll Learn
Add a few drops of essential oil to the water bucket in the sauna
Adding essential oils to the water bucket in a sauna is a simple way to enhance your experience. Saunas are great for relaxation, recovery, and detox, but essential oils can make your sauna experience even more luxurious and spa-like.
Firstly, it's important to note that essential oils are potent and should be used sparingly. For a water bucket, add several drops of your chosen essential oil to the water and mix well. Then, using a ladle, pour the mixture onto the heated sauna rocks. It's important to take breaks in between pouring the mixture onto the rocks. Spending 10-15 minutes in the sauna at a time is recommended.
Never pour undiluted essential oils directly onto hot rocks as this can cause a fire and damage the sauna. Always dilute the oils with water first.
Different essential oils have different benefits. For example, eucalyptus is great for opening airways, lavender is perfect for calming anxiety, and cinnamon is an excellent natural decongestant.
You can also add essential oils to the water in a steam room. Simply add 20 or so drops of your chosen oil to a wet towel and lay it on the ground. After a few minutes, the steam and essential oil will combine to invigorate your senses.
Unleashing Infinity: Aroma Mining Dimension's Grains
You may want to see also
Use an AromaSteam System to infuse fragrances into the steam bath
The AromaSteam System is a great way to infuse fragrances into your steam bath. The system uses an electronic delivery system to evenly infuse fragrances into the steam bath, creating a seamless integration of aromatherapy. The injector pump atomizes the oil, allowing the chosen oils to be sent throughout the room.
The AromaSteam System is included in the iDream package and can also be easily installed with MrSteam Steam Shower Systems. To install the system, you will need access to a 120v plug for the AromaPump and about an hour of labour from a plumber. The AromaPump can be located anywhere outside the shower, but it is ideal to place it somewhere with easy access so that you can change the AromaSteam bottle when necessary.
The AromaSteam System offers a range of fragrance options to suit your desired mood. Each fragrance comes in a long-lasting 33 oz bottle that attaches directly to the system. You can choose from a variety of scents, including:
- Crisp and invigorating
- Tropical and soothing
- Cleansing and refreshing
In addition to the AromaSteam System, MrSteam also offers other ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your steam shower experience, such as using a towel warmer with a built-in aroma oil well or adding essential oils directly to your steam head.
Enhancing Aroma Beads: Triple the Scent with These Tricks
You may want to see also
Add essential oils directly to your steam head
Adding essential oils directly to your steam head is a simple, low-tech way to start experimenting with SteamTherapy.
To use essential oils in a steam shower, start with one drop of your chosen oil in the steam head to gauge strength and suitability. You should not add more than a few drops. Always place the drops in the steam head recess before turning on your steam shower.
Note: If you intend to use different essential oils or fragrances, it is recommended to wipe off the steam head or the towel warmer reservoir before starting a new oil. Some oils may not combine well, and residue from the previous oil may be left in your shower.
- Eucalyptus: A refreshing aroma that may help open airways. This is especially therapeutic if you are sick or have difficulty breathing.
- Lavender: The perfect essential oil to calm anxiety. After a stressful day, a steam session coupled with the calming and restorative properties of lavender will relax your body and mind, helping you to think clearly.
- Evergreen: Great for the winter months, as it has benefits to refresh and uplift. During cold, gloomy winter days, a steam bath with evergreen will be sure to lift your spirits.
- Mint: A clean and crisp scent, perfect to stimulate and energize your body and mind.
- Breathe: Tropical and bright tones, perfect for clearing your chest, nose and sinuses. Adding the essential "breathe" oil will allow you to breathe better and move on with your day, even when allergies or minor illnesses are pulling you down.
Diffuser Discontinuation: Why Did doTERRA Abandon Aroma Ace?
You may want to see also
Dilute essential oils in water to reduce the risk of flammability
Aromatherapy is a fantastic way to enhance your steam sauna experience. Essential oils are a key component of aromatherapy, and when used correctly, they can provide various health and wellness benefits. However, it is important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and potent substances that should be handled with care.
One important aspect of using essential oils safely is diluting them properly. Undiluted or "neat" application of essential oils directly onto the skin is generally not recommended by professional aromatherapists. Robert Tisserand, a leading aromatherapist, advises against applying undiluted essential oils to the skin, as it can lead to adverse reactions such as skin irritation, sensitization, and even toxic responses. This is because essential oils are highly concentrated, with a single pound of essential oil requiring a large quantity of plants—for example, 250 pounds of lavender or 1,500 lemons.
Diluting essential oils in water is not as simple as mixing the two together. Essential oils are not water-soluble, so they will eventually separate, forming a film of undiluted oil on top of the water. This can be unsafe, especially in a warm bath, as the essential oils can heat up and cause adverse dermal reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to use a carrier oil or a solubilizer when mixing essential oils with water.
Carrier oils, such as sweet almond oil, virgin coconut oil, or jojoba oil, are vegetable oils derived from the fatty portion of a plant. They are named carrier oils because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. When diluting essential oils, a general guideline is to use a 2% dilution for all-over body use and less for sensitive skin or hot oils. This typically equates to about 10-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce or 30 mL of carrier oil.
It is also important to note that not all carrier oils are the same. They can differ in viscosity, aroma, and the type and amount of nutrients they contain. Some carrier oils, such as those containing tocopherols (Vitamin E), act as antioxidants and can extend the shelf life of the oil blend. On the other hand, oils containing essential fatty acids can make the blend more prone to rancidity. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right carrier oil based on your specific needs and preferences.
In conclusion, when using essential oils in a steam sauna, always dilute them properly to reduce the risk of flammability and adverse skin reactions. By following the guidelines provided and using the appropriate dilution ratios, you can safely enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and enhance your sauna experience.
A Guide to Using an Aroma Incense Burner
You may want to see also
Use a towel warmer with a built-in aroma oil well
Using a towel warmer with a built-in aroma oil well is a great way to enhance your steam sauna experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
Choose Your Aroma Oil: Select an essential oil that suits your desired experience. Popular options include eucalyptus, known for its refreshing and stress-relieving properties, lavender, which promotes relaxation and stress relief, and tea tree oil, valued for its cleansing and antiseptic effects. You can also experiment with different oils to find your favourites.
Prepare the Towel Warmer: Ensure you have a towel warmer with a built-in aroma oil well, such as the MrSteam towel warmer from the Broadway or Metro collections. These warmers are designed to hold your chosen oil and gradually release its scent.
Add the Aroma Oil: Place a few drops of your selected essential oil into the built-in aroma oil well of the towel warmer. The amount of oil needed may vary depending on the type of warmer and the intensity of the aroma you prefer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines.
Turn on the Towel Warmer: Once the oil is in place, turn on the towel warmer. The heat from the warmer will help to diffuse the aroma oil, filling the room with its scent. Allow it to permeate the space, creating a relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere.
Enhance Your Sauna Experience: As the towel warmer does its work, the aroma will gradually infuse the steam sauna. Step into your sauna and enjoy the benefits of the essential oil of your choice. The combination of steam and aroma will provide a soothing and invigorating experience, enhancing your overall wellness.
Remember to clean the towel warmer reservoir before using a different essential oil to avoid any undesirable combinations or residue. Additionally, always follow safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions when using essential oils and steam saunas.
Mulling Spices: Unlocking Aromatic Secrets for a Sensory Experience
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Steam saunas can improve your health and wellbeing in a variety of ways. The heat and humidity can aid stress relief, body cleansing, and soothe aching muscles and arthritis. Steam can also help with asthma, allergies, and throat irritation.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, extracted from flowers, leaves, bark, wood, seeds, roots, and peels, to promote health and mood. These oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and can be used to improve your overall health and mental wellbeing.
Popular essential oils for steam saunas include eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, birch, cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint.
You should always dilute essential oils in water before adding them to a steam sauna. The most common method is to add a few drops of oil to the water bucket, which is then poured over hot stones to create a pleasant-smelling steam.
Yes, essential oils are very strong, so they should always be diluted or used with a carrier oil to avoid too much exposure. It's also important to note that some oils may not combine well, so it's recommended to wipe down the steam head or reservoir between uses.
