There are a multitude of positive benefits from using a traditional steam sauna. If you want to take your enjoyment and health benefits to a new level when you take a sauna, give some essential oils a try. Not only will you enjoy the aromatic impact the oils will have on your olfactory senses, they’ll also offer other health benefits when the right oils are used.

The Finns have long used Eucalyptus oil as an ingredient added to water splashed over sauna rocks. Eucalyptus is especially effective for treating respiratory issues: colds, coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, even asthma. This oil is known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties, as well as being antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant in its nature. It could also speed healing of cuts and sores during sauna use.

Birch oil is also popular with the Finns, and long used to give sauna steam an added boost. Birch oil will serve as a disinfectant and detoxifier. Its analgesic and antispasmodic properties make it especially helpful with joint and muscle pain. It can also help relieve cramping, and can aid in soothing headaches and toothaches.

Never pour pure essential oils directly on sauna rocks! They must always be diluted with water.

If you want to mix a few essential oils together for use in the sauna to create a “super oil”, consider mixing these essential oils together:

Super Oil Mix #1

• Sandalwood—10 drops
• Lemon—5 drops
• Benzoin—1 drop
• Geranium—2 drops

Mix these oils together and use 4 drops in a liter of water.

Super Oil Mix #2

• Pine—3 drops
• Rosemary—3 drops
• Grapefruit—8 drops
• Bergamot—2 drops
• Niaouli—2 drops

Mix these oils together and use 4 drops in a liter of water.

The combos listed above will give you many terrific health benefits when added to water for a sauna session. For a complete list of the benefits from using essential oils, check out the extensive inventory and therapeutic paybacks on Esoteric Oils.