Why and How To Use Eucalyptus Oil in a Sauna

Eucalyptus oil, known for its invigorating, earthy scent, is harvested from the evergreen eucalyptus trees native to Australia. This essential oil extends far beyond its aromatic qualities—it serves multiple purposes in the field of holistic health and wellness. Not only does it stimulate the senses, but it also holds significant therapeutic properties.

From fighting off bacteria and fungi to lending a helping hand with pain, congestion, and respiratory discomfort, eucalyptus oil is a real do-it-all. It's no surprise that when this versatile oil found its way into our saunas, it was like hitting the wellness jackpot. It adds an extra touch of aromatic bliss and relaxation, while also taking the edge off pain and inflammation.

Let's explore the benefits of eucalyptus sauna oil, share some insider tips on how to use it for a top-notch sauna experience, and cover key safety precautions you should bear in mind.

Let's dive in and uncover the top perks of eucalyptus sauna oil, our insider tips on using it for the ultimate relaxing sauna experience, and key precautions you need to keep in mind.

Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your sauna session can elevate your wellness experience to the next level. Here's why this essential oil is a must-have for every sauna enthusiast:

1. Alleviates Pain and Inflammation

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that eucalyptus oil contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This means that it can help soothe body aches and reduce inflammation when used in the sauna. The heat from the sauna amplifies these effects, providing natural relief from muscle pain and stiffness.

2. Boosts the Immune System

Research shows that eucalyptus oil has immune-modifying properties. In other words, it stimulates the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections more effectively. This can be especially beneficial during cold and flu season when our immune systems could use an extra boost.

3. Supports Respiratory Function

This same research revealed that eucalyptus oil also significantly improves respiratory health. The oil, when inhaled, acts as an airway-clearing agent, enhancing breathing quality. This property makes it an invaluable addition to the sauna experience for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Eucalyptus oil provides a potent, natural remedy even for those seeking relief from common cold symptoms like cough, congestion, or general discomfort.

4. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects

Eucalyptus oil isn't just a soothing scent in the sauna—it's also a warrior against harmful microorganisms. Research indicates that this essential oil has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, helping to combat bacterial and viral problems. This means that a eucalyptus-infused sauna can be a powerful tool in your health and wellness arsenal.

5. Promotes Relaxation and Alleviates Stress

Eucalyptus oil, particularly its active component eucalyptol, is scientifically proven to alleviate stress and induce relaxation. Its soothing aroma not only imparts a sense of tranquility but also plays a significant role in diminishing anxiety levels. So, whether you are in pursuit of a tranquil mental state or seeking to shake off the day's stress, incorporating eucalyptus oil in your sauna regimen is a powerful ally for your mental wellness needs.

Now that you're aware of the incredible benefits of eucalyptus oil in the sauna, let's talk about how to use eucalyptus oil in the sauna.

1. Choose a 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Eucalyptus Sauna Oil

To get the most out of your eucalyptus oil sauna experience, starting with the right oil is paramount. But what exactly does 'right oil' mean? In this context, we're referring to 100% pure therapeutic-grade eucalyptus oil.

Pure therapeutic-grade eucalyptus oil is undiluted, meaning it's not mixed with any other substances. It's also free from any synthetic additives that could dilute its potency or cause unnecessary side effects. This ensures that the oil you're using is as close to its natural state as possible, offering you the unaltered benefits of the eucalyptus plant.

When you choose a 100% pure therapeutic-grade oil, you can rest assured that you're accessing the full spectrum of its benefits. You'll gain the most from its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Moreover, the quality of the oil also impacts its scent. Higher-grade oils have a more potent, cleaner aroma, adding to the aromatherapeutic bliss of your sauna session.

Lastly, using a high-grade oil reduces the risk of adverse reactions. With no synthetic additives or dilutions, your chances of experiencing skin irritations or allergic reactions are minimized. So, you can focus on the relaxation and rejuvenation that your sauna session has to offer.

2. Dilute

It's recommended to dilute your eucalyptus oil. You can do this by adding a few drops of the oil to your sauna bucket full of water. This helps in diffusing a pleasant, not overpowering scent, enhancing your sauna experience.

3. Apply

One popular way to use eucalyptus oil in the sauna is to pour the diluted eucalyptus oil on sauna rocks. As the rocks heat, the oil vaporizes, filling the sauna with a soothing aroma. Alternatively, you can add the diluted oil to a water bucket in the sauna, then sprinkle that water onto the sauna rocks. You can also add the diluted oil to your sauna bench, or sprinkle a few drops on a wet sauna towel.

Eucalyptus oil, while abundant in benefits, should always be used with care. Overuse can potentially lead to irritation or an uncomfortable burning sensation. Keep the oil at a safe distance from your eyes to avoid any potential discomfort. If you've previously had allergic reactions to essential oils, it would be wise to conduct a patch test with diluted eucalyptus oil prior to your sauna session. Remember that eucalyptus oil should never be applied undiluted directly to the skin or taken orally.

At Sweat Tent, we understand the profound impact that small enhancements can have on your wellness journey. That's why we offer 100% pure therapeutic-grade eucalyptus oil to elevate your sauna experience. 

With Sweat Tent’s home sauna tent and sauna accessories, you can live better, relax deeper, and recover faster. Shop now, and visit the Sweat Tent blog today to learn the surprising benefits of saunas, get answers to popular questions, like should you sauna before or after a workout, and more!