How to use sauna oil: how many drops, which scent and what is safe

A few drops of sauna oil turn an ordinary session into something that feels like a proper sauna morning. But how much do you add, where do you pour it, and which scent should you pick? Here is the short, practical answer.

What is sauna oil?

Sauna oil is a concentrated essential oil that you use when you pour water over the stones. You mix it with water and throw that over the hot stones. The steam carries the scent, and the whole sauna smells of it. You may also see it called infusion oil or sauna scent.

It is a scent oil for the water. It is not a massage oil or a skin oil.

How to pour with sauna oil

1. Fill a bucket with about 1 litre of water.
2. Add a few drops of sauna oil. Start with 5 and build up to taste.
3. Use a ladle to pour small scoops over the hot stones.
4. Sit down and breathe calmly. Wait a moment before the next scoop so the scent can spread.

Never pour the oil straight onto the stones or the stove. Undiluted oil can smoke heavily and gives you nothing extra. Always mix it with water first.

How many drops of sauna oil do you need?

As a rule of thumb: 5 drops per litre of water, then up or down to taste. A fresh hint of scent is nicer than a heavy cloud. Too much oil makes the air thick and can sting your nose and eyes.

A 10 ml bottle lasts about 30 to 40 sessions at 5 drops per session. If it is another oil or a pre-diluted blend, follow the dosage on the label.

Which scent should you choose?

There is no right or wrong, but a few scents turn up in almost every sauna:

• Eucalyptus: fresh and herbal. Many people find the scent clearing, which is why it is the classic for pouring.
• Peppermint or mint: cool and sharp. Good for a warm summer day or a long session.
• Pine or spruce: a forest scent that suits an outdoor wood-fired sauna.
• Lavender: soft and calming, especially nice in the evening.
• Citrus: light and fresh, a good choice if you do not want a herbal scent.

Not sure? Start with eucalyptus. It is easy to dose and suits almost everyone.

What not to do

• Pour oil on the stove or on wood. That wastes it, and it can smoke or catch fire.
• Use too many drops. More is not better, especially in a small space.
• Put oil on your skin or in your eyes. It is not a skin oil.
• Swallow the oil.
• Leave the bottle within reach of children or pets.

Who should be more careful?

Do you have asthma, are you pregnant or do you take medication? Ask your doctor first whether a strong scent suits you. Pets can also be sensitive to essential oils, cats especially. Keep them away from the sauna when you pour.

Sauna oil in a sauna tent or garden sauna

In a wood-fired sauna tent you use sauna oil the same way. If you have a bucket and a ladle in your tent, you already have everything you need. Pouring is easy because the stones sit right by the stove.

Looking for a bottle for your tent or garden sauna? Have a look at the MOOSSE eucalyptus sauna oil: 10 ml, 100% pure eucalyptus, with free shipping in the Netherlands and Belgium. No sauna yet? Start with how a wood-fired sauna works in your garden.

In short

• Always mix sauna oil with water, never straight onto the stones.
• Start with 5 drops per litre and build up slowly.
• Eucalyptus is the easiest first choice.
• Take care with asthma, pregnancy, children and pets.