Sauna infusion: From the first infusion to the steaming off

Every sauna session includes a proper sauna infusion. We will explain to you here what types of additives there are and how you can make your own infusion.

Taking a sauna is said to have many positive effects on health: it strengthens the immune system, stimulates the cardiovascular system, has a skin-cleansing effect and supports muscle regeneration, for example in athletes. Last but not least, a visit to the sauna is relaxing and supports general physical well-being.

A sauna infusion should not be missing either:

• Depending on its type, the infusion can have a relaxing, invigorating or circulation-stimulating effect.
• The infusion is poured over the upper stone layer of the sauna heater. This creates bursts of steam that heat the room more quickly and increase the humidity. In this way, sauna goers should sweat more quickly.

Important: When using a sauna infusion, the correct dosage is important. This always depends on the size of the sauna. As a guideline, no more than 20 to 30 milliliters of water should be evaporated per cubic meter of room volume. Anyone who overdoes it can quickly develop cardiovascular problems. That’s why heart patients in particular should be careful when going to the sauna.

But if you are healthy, a visit to the sauna can be a great experience. According to a study, regular sauna sessions put the strain on the body like exercise, but in the long term they have similar positive effects.

Sauna infusion: These additives are available

The simplest infusion variant when taking a sauna is pure water that is poured over the sauna stones. To make your sauna session an experience, you can also mix the water with various additives:

• Infusion concentrates are often added, especially essential oils from eucalyptus, mountain pine or peppermint. The oils provide a pleasant scent and have a particularly relaxing effect. (Suitable oils are available in the avocado store, for example.) It’s best to use organic quality oils for the sauna infusion. Remember: People with allergies could react sensitively to versions containing artificial fragrances. You should also not overdo the dosage if you have an allergy. One manufacturer recommends approaching essential oils slowly at first.
• A popular classic is the birch infusion: the decoction of birch branches is said to have a particularly sweat-inducing effect. This sauna infusion is also said to support wound healing.
• There is also the so-called ice infusion: the water is mixed with crushed ice and then poured on. Because of the high temperature difference, more steam is created. If you add essential oils to the ice water, they will appear even more concentrated.
• The honey infusion is also interesting – strictly speaking, it is not an infusion in the true sense: in the sauna you apply the honey thinly to the body. In combination with the bursts of steam created by the infusion, it cleanses and disinfects the skin. It’s best to use organic honey from your region.

This is how you can make your own sauna infusion

If you have your own sauna at home, you can vary the types of infusions as you wish. You can buy additives in numerous varieties – but it’s much nicer if you enjoy the sauna with a homemade infusion.

• You can make your own essential oils (for example, ginger oil) and add them to the infusion water.
• The classic birch infusion is also easy to make yourself: all you have to do is let a few young birch branches steep in a large container with water for two to three days. You can also dry the picked birch branches and create a supply for the autumn and winter months. You should then place the dried branches in hot water for a few hours before taking a sauna.
• The same technique can also be used with other plants: pour hot water over thyme, lavender, mint or rosemary sprigs, let them steep for a few hours and you have your own sauna infusion – even organic if you pick your own herbs . Lavender is suitable for a more calming infusion, while mint has an invigorating effect.

Sauna infusion: You need these accessories

In addition to essential oils and birch branches, sauna owners need other utensils for a successful sauna infusion. And this one:

• a sauna ladle
• a bucket for the sauna infusion

The hot water and any other additives go into the bucket. You can use the ladle to pour the water onto the sauna heater with the sauna stones.

Read more on Techzle\.com:

• Finnish sauna: That’s what makes it so healthy
• Stone pine oil: application and effects of the essential oil
• Sauna for a cold: There is no yes or no

Edited by Lea Hermann

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