Sunlighten's blog discussed the use of essential oils with the use of infrared heat therapy. Essential oils can be a complimentary wellness boost for your heat therapy session. Try this sauna spray recipe from Sunlighten's blog post in your next heat therapy session.
Sauna Spray Recipe:
Take a small glass spray bottle available at any drug store cosmetics section. Use a 1:3 ratio of vodka/witch hazel to water. (This will create the carrier for the oil.) Add 10-15 drops of quality essential oil or oil blend. Secure lid tightly. Always shake well before using.
When deciding what oils to use, it is best to steer clear of oils that are naturally “heating.” You are already getting excellent heat therapy from your sauna, and we don’t need to add fuel to the fire! Oils like ginger, black pepper, oregano or marjoram are some of the “heat-producing” oils. Oils such as peppermint, lavender, citrus, and eucalyptus lend very well to sauna sessions because of their complimentary cooling effects.
Perhaps you might want to get fancy and blend a few different oils for a desired smell or therapeutic effect? Here are some suggestions:
ALERTNESS – 1:1 wild orange and peppermint
RELAXATION – 1:1:1 lavender, vetiver, chamomile
MUSCLE SORENESS 1.5:1 peppermint, eucalyptus
FATIGUE – 1:1 wild orange, frankincense
CALMING 1:1 frankincense, bergamot
SEASONAL SUPPORT – 1:1:1; lavender, peppermint, lemon
RESPIRATORY HEALTH – 1:1:1 bergamot, patchouli, ylang-ylang