Owning a sauna comes with many perks, and indulging in an aromatic experience is among the most celebrated. Both traditional and infrared saunas can benefit from various aroma-enhancing techniques, adding an extra dimension to your sauna sessions.
I’ll go over a selection of both natural and artificial methods to improve the aroma in your sauna, discussing their benefits, potential drawbacks, and how they might affect the longevity or maintenance of your sauna.
Essential Oils
Natural and versatile, essential oils top the list when it comes to sauna aromatherapy. Their wide range of scents from eucalyptus to lavender can significantly enhance the overall sauna experience.
Benefits
Beyond scent, each essential oil carries unique therapeutic properties. For instance, eucalyptus oil can potentially improve respiratory health, while lavender offers calming and relaxing effects.
Drawbacks
However, essential oils are potent and must be used sparingly. Overuse can lead to strong smells that might cause discomfort, or even skin irritation. Always dilute your essential oils in water before use.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
When used correctly, essential oils shouldn’t damage your sauna. However, ensure to wipe down surfaces after your session, as oil residues can build up over time and affect wood surfaces.
Natural Wood Chips and Twigs
In Finland, birch twigs, also known as ‘vihta’ or ‘vasta’, are a traditional sauna fragrance enhancer.
Benefits
This practice not only adds a refreshing, earthy aroma to the sauna but is also believed to stimulate blood circulation when lightly whipped on the skin.
Although slightly different, the wood that’s used in the construction of your sauna has a large impact on the smell as well. If you want to learn more about sauna wood types, check out another article I wrote on why saunas use wood in the first place and which one is best!
Drawbacks
This method may be less appealing to some due to the physical effort needed to prepare the twigs. Additionally, it can be challenging to source fresh birch twigs in some areas.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
As long as the wood chips or twigs are fully dried before use and removed promptly after, they should not affect your sauna’s lifespan.
Scented Sauna Salts
Scented sauna salts are becoming increasingly popular due to their dual action of providing aroma and health benefits.
Benefits
When heated, these salts release aromatic scents and generate negative ions, potentially improving air quality and promoting relaxation.
Drawbacks
The scent of the salts can be quite strong. People with sensitivities or allergies to certain fragrances should use this method cautiously.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
No significant impact should occur as long as the salts are used appropriately and any residues are cleaned promptly.
Dry Herbs and Flowers
If you prefer a more rustic and natural method, dry herbs and flowers can be an excellent choice for your sauna.
Benefits
Depending on the type, dry herbs and flowers can offer a variety of aroma profiles. They can bring a calming, energizing, or uplifting aura to your sauna experience.
For instance, chamomile is known for its soothing properties, while rosemary might stimulate focus and memory.
Drawbacks
The scent from dry herbs and flowers can be subtle and may not permeate as thoroughly as other methods. Moreover, some herbs can be allergenic to certain individuals, so use them with care.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
As long as they are used responsibly and cleaned up promptly after use, dry herbs and flowers should not impact your sauna’s maintenance or longevity.
Aromatherapy Steam Stones
Steam stones infused with essential oils can be an innovative method to enhance your sauna’s aroma, especially for steam saunas.
Benefits
These stones gradually release their infused scent when heated, providing a long-lasting, pleasant aroma. Furthermore, they are reusable and only need occasional re-infusing with essential oils.
Drawbacks
Steam stones may not be suitable for all sauna types, especially dry saunas. Their scent may also be milder than other methods, which might not appeal to those who prefer stronger fragrances.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
Aromatherapy steam stones are a non-intrusive aroma method and will not impact the longevity of your sauna when used appropriately.
Incense Sticks
While not traditionally associated with saunas, incense sticks can be adapted for use in well-ventilated sauna rooms.
Benefits
Incense sticks come in a vast range of scents and are relatively affordable. Their aroma can be quite pervasive, filling your sauna room with an exotic, meditative ambiance.
Drawbacks
Safety is crucial here as incense sticks involve burning and can potentially be a fire hazard. They also produce smoke, which might not be suitable for individuals with respiratory issues.
However many people, myself included, don’t like the smell of incense. Personally, I would never put incense in my sauna, but maybe you would!
If you’re like me, thankfully you have 8 other options in this article.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
If used carefully, incense sticks should not negatively impact your sauna’s maintenance or longevity. However, excess smoke residues may need regular cleaning.
Citrus Peels
Surprisingly, something as simple as the peels of your citrus fruits can bring a refreshing change to your sauna.
Benefits
Citrus peels, such as lemon, lime, or orange, when dried and heated, can release a tangy, revitalizing aroma, turning your sauna session into a zesty retreat.
Drawbacks
Citrus peels’ scent is relatively mild and short-lived compared to other methods. Also, certain individuals may find the tangy smell of citrus peels overpowering.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
Citrus peels should not affect your sauna’s maintenance or longevity, provided they are removed after each session and the sauna is kept clean.
Sauna Scented Candles
Scented candles can add both an enticing aroma and a soothing ambiance to your sauna session.
Benefits
With scented candles, you get the double advantage of aroma and atmosphere. The flickering flame enhances the relaxing mood, while the scent enhances the overall experience.
There are numerous scents to choose from, ranging from floral to woody and even seasonal fragrances.
Drawbacks
Like incense sticks, candles involve an open flame and can be a fire hazard if not used cautiously. They also produce smoke and soot, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
The soot from candles can leave residue, requiring additional cleaning to preserve the condition of your sauna. Using candles should not impact the sauna’s overall longevity if you are attentive to fire safety and regular maintenance.
Aroma Diffusers
Technological advancements have introduced us to electric aroma diffusers, which can also be used in saunas.
Benefits
These devices disperse the chosen essential oil in a fine mist, filling your sauna with a gentle, lingering aroma. They also offer the flexibility to control the intensity and duration of the fragrance.
Drawbacks
Electronic diffusers can be pricey compared to other methods, and their use in a hot, steamy sauna environment may be limited by safety constraints. Always ensure any electronic device is suitable for sauna use.
Impact on Sauna Longevity
As long as the device is designed for sauna use and is properly maintained, it should not negatively impact your sauna’s lifespan.