Using Saunas In Aromatherapy

The purpose of the sauna is to encourage the elimination of metabolic wastes and the pollutants the body accumulates through stress, faulty diet and unclean air. As well as being a wonderful treatment for congested skin, it can even inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria in the body.

 

The most appropriate oils to use in the sauna are highly volatile and refreshing and have an affinity with the lungs, for example eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint and pine. This means that much of the aromatic vapour enters the body by inhalation and leaves by exhalation, thus acting as an expectorant for catarrh. The skin cannot absorb essential oils very efficiently if it is busy eliminating toxic wastes (see Epsom salts bath).

 

Mix just two drops of essential oil into 600 ml of water and throw on to the heat source. Never use more than the recommended quantity of essential oil as the aroma will be overpowering.

 

 

There is a reason why lavender does not always receive a rapturous welcome from sauna users. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with synthetic aromatic oils. Since the majority of sauna manufacturers know nothing about essential oil purity, they could easily mistake a 'nature identical' product (normally half the price of authentic lavender oil) for the real thing. Synthetic oils are far more likely to cause symptoms such as nausea, skin irritation, sneezing and wheezing - especially in the jungle-like atmosphere of the sauna.