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Tips3 October 2025 · 2 min read

Essential oils in the sauna: which oil for which effect

A few drops of eucalyptus or pine in the water you throw turns a sauna into aromatherapy. Here is how to use them properly — and without damaging the heater.

Essential oils in the sauna: which oil for which effect

How oils are used — without damaging the heater

Essential oil is never applied directly to the stones — it can ignite and damage the heater. Add 3–5 drops to a bucket of water, stir, then pour the water over the stones. The steam carries the scent through the cabin.

The sauna set that comes with every sauna we build includes a bucket and ladle for exactly this — you do not need any extra equipment.

Which oil for which effect

·Eucalyptus — opens the airways; a Scandinavian sauna classic, especially through the cold season.
·Lavender — for relaxation and evening sessions before bed.
·Pine and spruce — the scent of the forest, a natural match for the timber of the cabin.
·Mint — refreshing and waking; ideal for a morning sauna.

What to watch out for

Use pure, natural oils intended for saunas — synthetic fragrances can irritate the airways at high temperatures. Start with fewer drops than you think; in a closed, hot cabin scents are far stronger than you expect.

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