Use essential oils to optimize your sauna aromatherapy
You may have heard of essential oils before, and you may have used them on your body or in a diffuser. Homeopathic healing has been used for thousands of years, even before it was given the name “essential oil.” Today, it is becoming increasingly popular because of its many effects and benefits. Adding essential oils to your sauna sessions is a great way to take full advantage of aromatherapy, while getting the most out of each oil’s effects.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are essentially concentrated plant extracts. Various plant components (flowers, bark, leaves and fruits) are steamed or pressed to extract fragrance from the plant. When essential oils are exposed to air, they evaporate almost immediately. For a short period of time, the aroma of the plant can be perceived until it disappears completely.
There is evidence that plants were used for therapeutic purposes as early as 20,000 BC, following the discovery of cave paintings in France that suggest plants were used extensively for medicinal purposes. It is not known if oils were extracted from these plants and used for oil production.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. When essential oils are inhaled, the scent molecules travel through the olfactory nerves directly to the brain where they act on the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain. Fragrance lamps and fragrance nebulizers are two ways to diffuse essential oils. They are found in massage oils, bath salts and sauna infusions, as well as relaxing massage oils and soothing bath salts. In the kitchen, aromatic oils are used to flavor foods and can be used in a variety of ways.
The benefits of aromatherapy
When it comes to aromatherapy, there are a number of positive benefits:
- Overcome pain
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Reduce stress, restlessness and anxiety
- Soothe aching joints
- Combat headaches and migraines
- Relieve side effects of chemotherapy
- Alleviate labor pains
- Fight bacteria, viruses or fungi
- Improve digestion
- Improve hospice and palliative care
- Strengthen the immune system
Allergic reactions to essential oils
Certain essential oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions in a small percentage of people. If you suffer from atopic dermatitis or have had negative reactions to topical treatments in the past, you are more likely to have an adverse reaction. Some essential oils may cause a reaction in some people. Although you may react to any essential oil, some oils are more likely to be problematic, including:
- Oregano oil
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Jasmine oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Ylang ylang oil
- Chamomile oil
- Bergamot oil
Side effects of using essential oils include:
- Skin rashes
- Asthma attacks
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions
- Skin irritations
- Nausea
Most essential oils are completely safe to use. However, there are some precautions you should be aware of when using them, as well as possible negative effects, especially if you are taking prescription medications at the same time. Children and pregnant or nursing women should only use essential oils with caution and under the guidance of a physician. Certain oils should be avoided, and essential oils should never be swallowed.
How does aromatherapy work in the sauna?
Aromatherapy essential oils are commonly used in the sauna. Usually, a few drops of oil are added to the sauna bucket. When the water is poured over the sauna stones, the steam gives off a pleasant aroma. Eucalyptus is by far the most commonly used fragrance essence. Lavender is also a very pleasant and popular scent in aromatherapy. Other possible scents include pine, birch, citrus, and peppermint.
Most essential oils are oil-based. They must be diluted in water before use. They should not be poured directly onto the sauna stones. The essential oil evaporates in the air and spreads a pleasant fragrance. Saunas are excellent for the application of aromatherapy. The use of aromatherapy in saunas improves mood, relaxes the body and strengthens the mind.
What are the most effective essential oils for use in sauna aromatherapy?
The following essential oils are at the top of the popularity scale when it comes to using essential oils for sauna aromatherapy:
- Mint oil (has analgesic, sedative, circulatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, antipruritic and disinfectant properties).
- Eucalyptus (anti-inflammatory, stimulates blood circulation).
- Spruce oil (antiseptic, circulatory, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, diaphoretic, cough suppressant, expectorant and antispasmodic).
- Jasmine oil (analgesic, sedative, aphrodisiac)
- Camphor (stimulates blood circulation)
- Pine needle oil (increases energy, invigorating)
- Lavender oil (antispasmodic, antiseptic, stimulates blood circulation)
- Melissa (has a relaxing, calming effect)
- Mint oil (refreshing, antispasmodic, invigorating)
- Orange oil (stimulating, antiseptic)
- Rosemary oil (antispasmodic)
- Swiss pine oil (has a balancing, calming effect)
- Cypress (has an uplifting effect)
The different uses of essential oils
Aroma oils have a wide range of applications. Depending on the result you want to achieve with the fragrance essences, choose an appropriate method of application.
For example, a bath with aromatic oils, a fragrance lamp in the room or a few drops of the essential oil on the pillow can facilitate falling asleep and sleeping through the night and restore an interrupted sleep rhythm. A pleasant massage with a massage oil infused with one or more essential oils promotes relaxation and helps you fall asleep.
Concentration aids include inhalations, fragrance lamps and smelling a handkerchief with a few drops of essential oil. As a bath additive or sauna infusion, essential oils have a direct effect on the soul. The scents promote relaxation and well-being of the entire body. Take advantage of the therapeutic and holistic effects of essential oils for your health and well-being.
Conclusion
It is widely known that regular sauna use has a number of positive effects on the body and mind. Regular sauna sessions can be enhanced by the addition of essential oils, depending on the specific and individual needs of the sauna-goer. Essential oils can elevate mood and increase a sense of well-being. For certain individuals, they can even help alleviate the symptoms of certain illnesses.
