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The Most Popular Sauna Scents

15/03/2022

“The Most Popular Sauna Scents”- article introduces the seven most popular sauna scents in Finland. Which of these is your favourite?

Sauna scents

There are many types of sauna scents available today. But have you ever thought about their deeper purpose? Every plant, fruit and tree has its own different active ingredients.

In this post, I will list the most common sauna scents and their unique properties. You can use natural or home-grown products, essential oils, or ready-made sauna scents.

In “the old days”, the best sauna scent was thought to be the scent of a clean sauna. And of course, the smoke saunas smelled of smoke. Without the smoke scent, the sauna was said to be soulless.

I think a wood-heated sauna always has a wonderful scent and it is impossible to put in a bottle.

There are many types of steam or sauna scents. Some peoople swear by authentic, real plants and scents. However, it is not always possible to source fresh plants. Therefore, steam scents have established their place amongst the sauna products.

The best thing about sauna scents is that you can choose the scent according to your mood and needs. The scent does make a big difference!

I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to use sauna scents, the main thing is that you have fun with them!

Birch

According to Finns, birch is definitely “the one and only” sauna scent. If you live in Finland, it is easy to get birch branches from your own forest. The scent is fresh and wonderful, and birch also has some great properties.

Birch is rich in active ingredients. For example, birch contains essential oils that prevent inflammation and relieve joint and muscle pain. Birch leaves also contain saponins that help cleanse the skin.

Tar

There is an old proverb in Finland: if neither liquor, sauna nor tar helps, the disease is fatal. And this is partly true, genuine tar is antibacterial and prevents fungal growth.

Tar is produced from resinous pine in an oxygen-free and sufficiently hot environment.

Tar has been an important substance in Finnish folk healing and has been used to treat the skin in particular. In the old days, injuries, wounds, and amputated limbs were treated with tar because it prevented inflammation and necrosis.

Tar has always been used in cosmetics and sauna products, for example in creams, soaps, shampoos, and bath products.

Pitch oil refined from tar is even better than regular tar. An old saying also: Pitch oil heals, even if a person is cut in half.

Many Finns swear by the name of tar and say it is the only real sauna scent. The smell of tar takes the people back to their childhood and possibly to the real smoke saunas they used to have.

Pine

The scent of pine is reminiscent of a Finnish forest. Pine has many very good properties; it helps to open, refresh, and strengthen the airways. When used externally, it is antiseptic, improves superficial blood circulation and warms the skin. It also reduces exudation and the formation of odour. In addition, it relieves nerve pain and prevents inflammation.

Pine essential oil is a great choice for a sauna scent.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is one of the top three sauna scents in Finland. It is a particularly great choice when you have the flu. Eucalyptus is antiseptic and helps with respiratory and urinary tract infections. Eucalyptus relieves coughs and prevents cough irritation.

Eucalyptus is a wonderful choice when there are coughs and respiratory symptoms.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a truly versatile plant. Peppermint improves digestion, relieves flatulence, and is also generally antiseptic. It relieves pain, reduces nasal congestion, bacteria, and itching.

Peppermint also helps in the treatment of migraines and headaches. Rubbing one drop of essential oil on my hands and then massaging it on my shoulders and neck really helps with my neck and shoulder ailments. Please do not apply above the eyes!

I recommend using peppermint especially when you have small flu.

Juniper

A Finnish proverb says that Finns are a “juniper people”. Do you know what it means? It means that we Finns are tough like juniper. The branches are difficult to cut because they are hardy, just like the Finns.

Juniper is cleansing and healing. Juniper is said to help with mental illness, diabetes, inflammation, rheumatism, allergies and other hereditary diseases.

You can use juniper fresh in steam water, you can also make juniper whiskey from juniper.

You can use any of these ingredients fresh or dried. However, it is not always possible to get them fresh (or dried ) and that is why we have sauna scents! They have been developed so the wonderful scents and active ingredients can be obtained directly from the bottle.

Here’s how to use ready-made sauna scents correctly:

Check the instructions on the side of the bottle and follow them.
Prepare the steam water outside the sauna.
Store sauna scents in the bathroom or dressing room

Read more: The best sauna scents

The most popular steam scents in Finland:

Birch
Tar
Pine
Juniper
Eucalyptus
Peppermint

What sauna scents do you use?

I hope you found the “The Most Popular Sauna Scents” article helpful! Maybe it even gave you some inspiration for the next time you are choosing your sauna scent. Remember to listen to your own intuition: What do you need today? Each sauna session is unique. You can use sauna scents to create the right atmosphere but also to help with any ailments you might have!

Love, Sauna-Kati

How to create a Finnish sauna service

01/03/2022

*** This post is created in cooperation with Sauna from Finland ***

How to create a Finnish sauna service

Are you in the process of starting your own sauna service business but don’t really know where to start? Or do you already have a sauna business and you want to offer your customers an authentic Finnish sauna experience?

After reading this article, you will know make sure your sauna business is genuinely Finnish. In addition, I will share with you a great resource that can help your sauna experience business to become more authentic.

These easy instructions will help you get started planning your own sauna service. It doesn’t matter what country you live in. And it doesn’t matter if you want to set up a sauna in a hotel, spa, gym, home or somewhere else. You can implement these tips everywhere!

However, Sauna from Finland divides sauna services into four different categories depending on where the sauna is situated: NATURE & GARDEN, URBAN, SPA, UNIQUE.

Tips for creating an authentic Finnish sauna service

Guidance

Guide customers properly before taking the sauna, in the sauna and after the sauna. Guidance is most effective when done with pictures and words. Use easy-to-understand pictorial signs in addition to verbal and written instructions. It is a good idea to keep the instructions positive, simple, and avoid prohibition phrases. Be sure to translate the text to different languages.

Hydration

Make sure drinks and refreshments are available throughout the sauna experience. Remind guests to drink before, in and after the sauna.

Space and flow

Make sure that the dressing and washing areas are spacious enough for undressing, storing and washing. It is also good to have a toilet near the sauna.

Make sure the passage between the different rooms is well guided and clean.

It is a good idea to keep the cooling room separate from other rooms. For example, a terrace, lounge or pool area is suitable for this purpose.

Sauna etiquette

Take into account different customers. Make sure that all genders, as well as children, are taken into consideration. If a mixed sauna or swimming pool requires the use of a swimsuit, this must be clearly stated. Swimwear or towels should always be available to buy or rent. It is important to remember that not everyone wants to be naked in the sauna.

Equality

Make sure that guests coming to the sauna feel safe. Equality is an important part of a successful sauna experience. It brings a sense of togetherness and creates memorable experiences.

Finnish sauna culture does not include clocking the sauna experience. It is important to tell customers to pay attention to their own bodily sensations, not the clock.

Safe and well-maintained saunas

Make sure all the essentials in the sauna are in order. Maintain and care for the sauna regularly. Check that there are enough stones in the heater. Make sure the benches are in good condition and free of dangerous sticks or screws.

A stand-up stool and possible footrest provide additional safety. They must be sturdy and stable. Make sure the ventilation is good and the lighting is atmospheric but not too dark.

Cooling off

Guide and encourage customers to cool off, sauna is not a competition. Check that access to the pool, hotpot or open air is safe and unobstructed every day of the year.

Safety

Make sure all sauna and other facilities are safe. Pay attention to lighting, anti-slip materials, and make sure that the showers and other equipment are easy to use.

Make sure that the sauna heater is protected by a handrail so that no one can accidentally burn themselves. Make sure that the sauna stool is sturdy. There should be also a handrail for extra support.

Cleanliness

Take extra care to keep the sauna and other facilities clean and fresh. Be sure to place enough bins as well as laundry baskets for towels.

Additional services

Offer customers additional services to go with their sauna experience. Make sure that towels, tablecloths and toiletries are available at all times. You should also invest in bathrobes and slippers, skincare products, and a decent hairdryer. These little things can help you to take your business to the next level.

Relaxed and unhurried atmosphere

Create a relaxed and stress-free environment for your customers. This atmosphere should stay with the customer throughout the sauna experience. Make sure that sauna users can sit down after taking a sauna and continue to feel unhurried.

Do you want to know and learn more about the Finnish sauna experience?

Order the Quality Handbook for an authentic Finnish sauna experience. This handbook includes everything you need to create an authentic Finnish sauna experience for your customers!

Order now: Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience Quality Handbook now for € 35 from the World of Sauna- online store. The offer is valid until March 31, 23.

How to create an authentic Finnish sauna experience service

Guidance
Hydration
Space and flow
Sauna etiquette
Equality
Safe and well-maintained saunas
Cooling off
Safety
Cleanliness

Today’s article “How to create a Finnish sauna service” was written in collaboration with Sauna from Finland. As a source, I have used the Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience Quality Handbook.

Love, Sauna-Kati