If you are thinking about getting an infrared sauna or already have one, then you probably already know how many health benefits the experience provides. From detoxifying your body to relaxing your muscles, saunas are a fantastic addition to any home. When you finally commit to a home sauna, then you can start using the technology in more ways than one. Some people like to do light stretching or exercises in their sauna, simulating a “hot yoga” experience. Another option for enhancing your sauna experience is adding essential oils!

There are a few different ways to utilize essential oils in your sauna but the most important thing to remember is that you find quality products. Depending on the brand, some may have different processes for sourcing, distilling, and bottling their oils. You may have to pay a little more up front but, trust us, the quality of the oils will be worth the price. Companies like DoTerra, Plant Therapy, Young Living, and other organic brands are often recommended. 

Once you pick a quality brand, you can start to use your favorite fragrances in your infrared sauna experience. Here are three of the most common ways to integrate essential oils into your daily self-care:

• Topically: You can mix a few drops of essential oil with lotion or coconut oil and rub on your skin. You can also just apply one or two drops to your wrist or neck and rub in gently. Test the oil on the back of your hand first for skin allergy signs and never put the oil near your eyes, open wounds, or any other sensitive areas of your body.  
• Ingest: Some high-quality oils are labeled as safe for consumption. Lavender oil, spearmint oil, lemongrass oil, and other edible oils can be added to tea, water, and other diluting liquids to ingest.   
• Inhale: Another way to enjoy the fragrance and calming effects of essential oils is to diffuse the scent in the air. This is the best method when you are integrating essential oils in a sauna experience. You can accomplish this with a cordless diffuser or spraying a diluted mix of water and essential oils into the sauna. If you want a quicker way to use the oil, you can also put a few drops on a washcloth, which you can then hold near your face to inhale. 

If you are excited about using essential oils in your sauna, then remember that some oils are better than others for their natural balance of temperature. Lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, and peppermint are known for their cooling effects, which can complement the heat of the sauna very well. If you want to avoid naturally warm oils, then you shouldn’t use oregano, ginger, marjoram, or black pepper essential oils. You can also mix some of your favorite fragrances to create a more complex and satisfying aroma for your sauna experience. Here are some of our favorite combinations: 

• Wild Orange & Peppermint – This 1:1 ratio of strong aromas is great for focusing your senses so that you are fully awake and alert. 
• Lavender, Vetiver, Chamomile – Try a 1:1:1 ratio of these three essential oils to relax after a long day. 
• Peppermint & Eucalyptus – If you’re battling sore muscles, then try a mixture of these two oils. You can put a half drop more of peppermint to achieve the desired effect.
• Wild Orange & Frankincense – Feeling tired and lethargic? Restore your body and mind with these two essential oils.
• Frankincense & Bergamot – Another great relaxing blend, bergamot, and frankincense can help you calm down after an overwhelming day. 
• Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon – Every now and then, our bodies are affected by seasonal allergies and colds. Try this 1:1:1 ratio to rejuvenate your body. 
• Bergamot, Patchouli, Ylang-ylang – All three of these oils are known for their effect on respiratory health. Try a 1:1:1 blend.