According to a survey by the Deutscher Saunabund (German Sauna Association) (1), guests appreciate infusions with fragrances: only 3 percent of sauna guests want a pure water infusion, while 81 percent appreciate the addition of a fragrance. Further 12 per cent would like no infusion at all. In addition to the adequate amount of water, the choice of the right infusion/fragrance is of great importance. You are offered an almost endless variety on the market, and it is not easy to find your way around. First of all, the dosage is important: scent should be easily perceivable, but not intrusive. Therefore, do not use products where the dosage is unclear to you, high-quality products are characterized by a precise description. If you are unsure or do not want to think about the dosage permanently, you can consider using automatic dosing pumps or systems (we will be happy to advise you on this as well). Also important in terms of cleanliness and dosability is whether the fragrances are alcohol- or emulsion-based.

Some fragrances change in the heat, so you should definitely pay attention to fragrance stability and whether they fill the room long-lasting and sustainable. As a positive side effect, fragrances not only stimulate the sense of smell, but also have a beneficial effect on the psyche and, through it, on the body. Let the variety and the effect of pure nature surprise you above all. However, pay attention to natural fragrance oils, because only these have a – often already proven – effect on body and soul. In a combination of fragrances, individual scents should not overlap each other. The sequence should be adapted to the theme and type of effect (calming, stimulating, etc.). After all, plants have been used for their effects for thousands of years. Owners of private saunas can also take advantage of these effects:

Aphrodisiac: patchouli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang and cinnamon

Calming: alpine and mountain herbs, anise, bamboo, fennel, lilac, green tea, hay flower, elderberries, chocolate, vanilla, forest fruits cinnamon.

Concentration-enhancing: basil, peppermint, rosemary, black pepper, lemon and cypress

Relaxing: lilac, geranium, elderberry, honey, jasmine, chamomile, lavender, lime blossom and rosewood

Stimulating: anise, ice mint, eucalyptus, spruce needle, grapefruit, ginger, rosemary, sage, thyme, juniper and citrus fruits such as orange, tangerine, lemon, lime or grapefruit

Uplifting: acacia blossom, pineapple, banana, bergamot, green apple, kiwi, coconut, lime, mango, orange, rose, sandalwood, all citrus essential oils

If you feel unwell or dizzy in the sauna during the infusion, or if you experience shortness of breath, you should definitely leave – even if some tough-minded sauna-goers consider this a faux pas. Thoughtfulness towards others at the expense of one’s own health is fundamentally wrong. When in doubt, sensitive people prefer to do without the infusion altogether. The positive health effect can be achieved even without an infusion, as long as the interplay between cold and warm is maintained correctly.

CAUTION: Many fragrances are highly flammable, so never put the fragrances directly on the stones/sauna stoves. Ideally, you should drip the fragrance (a few drops are sufficient) directly into the water of the infusion bucket without taking the fragrance bottle into the sauna.

(1) Source (German)