Botanical oils in baths and saunas
The use of plants and herbs when using saunas and baths has a long history in various cultures. Plants have been used not only for their aromatic properties, but also for their health and therapeutic benefits. Saunas and baths affect the skin through intense sweating, which can lead to dehydration and dry skin. Botanical oils can help moisturize and regenerate the skin after such a treatment. In this article, we’ll look at how botanical oils were traditionally used in saunas and baths, and how we can use this ancient knowledge today.
Ancient methods
Baths (thermae) were popular as far back as ancient Rome. They used various herbs and plants to improve health and hygiene. Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, lavender and mint were used to prepare infusions and baths to promote skin health, improve blood circulation and have a relaxing effect. Sauna and herbal baths were also used to detoxify and improve circulation in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda. Plants such as ginger root, cinnamon, turmeric, tulsi (holy basil) and Chinese herbs were added to baths and steam. They were meant to promote skin health, detoxification and overall balance of body and mind. Botanical oils were also popularly used in Hammams, or Turkish baths. These places served to purify both body and spirit. The oils were used during a massage or application to the skin to make the treatment more comfortable and effective. Botanical oils were also often used in combination with various herbs and natural ingredients. In the Finnish sauna tradition, on the other hand, it was popular to use not only botanical oils, but also birch twigs (vihta) to lightly whip the body during the sauna. This is because birch twigs have antiseptic and circulation-stimulating properties.
Slavic tradition
Slavic tradition, including the sauna practices known as “banya” has a rich history and specific use of botanical oils. The banya is part of East Slavic culture, wide-spread especially in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Banya was not only a place of hygiene, but also an important part of social and spiritual life with integrative and ritualistic significance. In addition to cleansing the body, banya was used for relaxation, improving blood circulation and alleviating various health ailments.
Botanical oils were added to the water used to make steam or used in the form of infusions to enhance the therapeutic effects. In such cases, local plants that were available in the region were most often used. Traditional recipes may have included blends of botanical oils that were prepared from local plants and herbs. Such mixtures were added to the water used to moisten the banya stove, enhancing their aromatherapeutic effects. Oils from coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce, were used for their purifying and aromatic properties. They were added to steam to enrich the scent and enhance health benefits, such as improved breathing and relaxation. In some cases, local herbs such as chamomile or lemon balm were used in the form of oils or infusions to enhance the refreshing and soothing effect. Although less traditional, oils such as lavender or mint may have been used for their relaxing and cooling properties. They aided relaxation after an intense session in the banya.
How to use botanical oils after sauna?
After leaving the sauna, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply a botanical oil to retain moisture. Oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil or argan oil are excellent for this purpose. Massage a few drops of oil into your face and body, concentrating on areas that may be particularly dry or sensitive. Choose oils rich in vitamins and fatty acids that promote regeneration, such as hemp oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. You can use them alone or mix them with other moisturizing ingredients such as honey or yogurt to create a nourishing skin mask. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your favourite botanical oil and gently massage such a mixture into the skin. You can also add a few drops of oil to your bath after the sauna.
Is it worth it?
Today, botanical oils are widely used in saunas and spas. They are added to the water used to moisturize the sauna stove or used in the form of masks and massage oils after the sauna. Modern practices often draw on tradition, adding essential oils and herbal infusions to the sauna to promote skin health and relaxation. After the sauna, botanical oils are used to moisturize and regenerate the skin. Oils such as argan oil, coconut oil and avocado oil are popular with sauna-goers, keeping the skin hydrated and nourished.
Combining botanical oils with skin care after the sauna can provide many benefits, including hydration, regeneration and relaxation. The history of the use of plants and herbs in the context of saunas and baths shows that the use of natural ingredients to enhance health and well-being has a long tradition across cultures. By using botanical oils, we can continue this tradition, adapting it to modern skin care needs.
