Aromatherapy – Most Popular Scents in Infrared Saunas

What Are the Most Common Essential Oils?

Aromatherapy has become more popular with infrared sauna users and some brands now add methods to diffuse these aromas to their sauna product offerings.  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 used in a sauna.

Lavender Essential Oil in a Sauna

Lavender 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  in sauna aromatherapy is primarily due to its ability to refresh the body and open the sinuses.  But caution is needed when using this as the following article points out:

 

All you need is a whiff of peppermint to put the pep back in your step. Peppermint has a cooling, refreshing effect and is widely used to enhance mental alertness. Peppermint is a perennial herb that boasts natural energy-boosting properties.

Aromatherapy Uses: Peppermint oil has a number of therapeutic properties. It is a cooling agent that enhances mood, sharpens focus, combats irritation and redness, alleviates symptoms of congestion, and aids in digestion.

Caution: Although non-toxic, the menthol component in Peppermint can bother some individuals. It is also a skin irritant and should be kept away from the eyes. Keep away from small children and do not use while pregnant. Aromatherapy - The Balance & Harmony of Body and Mind

 

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.

While this can be used for aromatherapy, caution should be taken as mentioned here:

Tea tree oil, made from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, has a fresh, camphor-like scent. Health experts refer to this essential oil as a ‘medicine cabinet in a bottle’, due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant, insecticide and stimulant properties.

Note: Never take tea tree oil internally, which can cause side effects including confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, unsteadiness, severe rashes, vomiting, diarrhea and general weakness. This essential oil is not suitable for small babies or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 10 Most Popular Essential Oils and Their Health Benefits | Top 10 Home Remedies

 

Refresh Your Sauna Session with Eucalyptus Oil

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 of infrared saunas, Sunlighten Sauna, uses Eucalyptus Wood in as an optional wood in its mPulse model.

Sunlighten has this to say about the use of this mildly fragrant wood:

Sauna Wood - Sunlighten

Eucalyptus is a strong, durable wood that historically has been used for cabinetry and floor work for many years.

It is a premium wood, similar to teak, which is great for surviving the outdoor elements – if you want to place your sauna outside, this is the best option. It withstands dramatic temperature changes to keep from bending and warping over time.

Eucalyptus is a green product, that grows quickly which is why it is cheaper than teak. The wood is consistent in color which makes it easy to stain, holding a beautiful color that can match any room theme. There is no fragrance in our eucalyptus wood. Sauna Wood - Sunlighten

 

Other choices rounding out the most popular aromatherapy options include oregano, sandalwood and chamomile.

Start with lemon or peppermint and you may be surprised how much this adds to your beneficial infrared therapy.

 

image from aromatherapy.com

tea tree image from top10homeremedies.com

sauna-wood-eucalyptus-1.jpg image from sunlighten.com

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