The sauna infusion for at home
A visit to the sauna is a soothing experience that is rounded off with a sauna infusion. The air in the sauna gets hotter with every round and the fragrances of the aromatic infusion are balm for the soul. In public saunas, infusions are often celebrated like an event: with music and sounds, light shows and fan or towel waving. At home, you can organise infusions exactly as you wish and celebrate them in the same way. Transform your sauna bath into an infusion sauna for real feel-good moments at home. As experts in sauna construction in Switzerland, we at Küng Wellness will tell you how.
How do you make an infusion? That's what matters.
A sauna infusion at home is not only a source of relaxation, but also an invitation to do something good for yourself and bring body and mind into harmony. Treat yourself to this regenerating time-out in your infusion sauna whenever you like.
Basically, an infusion is exactly what the word means: infusions involve pouring water with or without additives such as essential oils, herbs or fragrances onto hot sauna stones to create steam. This steam rises in the sauna cabin and increases the humidity while filling the room with a pleasant fragrance. The infusion enhances the sauna experience by combining heat, humidity and fragrance, resulting in more intense relaxation and refreshment.
How do you make a good infusion? A few utensils are needed here. For relaxing and health-promoting infusions you need:
- suitable tool
- good timing
- correct technique
- beneficial fragrances and aromas
The timing
Before you start the sauna infusion, you should briefly ventilate the heated sauna again: open the cabin door for a few minutes to let in fresh air.
Sauna air is dry, an infusion increases the humidity and releases an additional surge of heat in the cabin. To avoid putting unnecessary strain on the sauna user's circulation, this heat peak is set at the end of a sauna session. This is because the perceived temperature immediately rises significantly.
Give the air time to heat up and plan short breaks between the infusion rounds. During this time, you can distribute the air evenly by waving the towelling around. The best technique depends on the size of your indoor sauna or garden sauna.
The technique
The aim of an infusion is that the hot steam is evenly distributed in the cabin. Various components are relevant for this: First, the wooden bucket should be filled with lukewarm water. The moderate tempering of the water facilitates, among other things, the even distribution of the added fragrances and, above all, helps to produce a soft steam. The amount of water required depends on the size of the sauna room (rule: about 20 g of water per cubic metre; 10 g of water correspond to about 0.01 litre). The infusion water should be distributed evenly with the wooden ladle and from the back to the front onto the stones of the heater - and never in a gushing manner. This is mainly for the safety of the infusion master: otherwise the hot steam that immediately rises could burn the skin!
The stones of the sauna heater also play an important role: they promote or prevent a uniform steam development. It is therefore worthwhile to use high-quality stones and to arrange them carefully (e.g. small, round stones at the top, wide, flat stones at the bottom). This way, the water does not simply run across the stones, but around them. It is ideal if all the stones of the stove are evenly covered by the water. This creates a very soft, fluffy steam. This is then distributed by waving the towel. Air circulation is also crucial for the development of the aromatic substances.
The flavourings for the sauna infusion
Essential oils have been used since ancient Egypt due to their healing and antiseptic properties. They have also always been used in saunas. Nowadays, the field of essential oils is so vast that it is almost confusing. Experts recommend avoiding synthetic fragrances and using only pure natural or nature-identical fragrances. Artificial fragrances are suspected of causing allergies. However, it is important to bear in mind that the infusion water with the aromas it contains evaporates on the hot sauna heater and condenses on the sauna-goer's skin. The fragrances are then absorbed through the skin (and of course through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract!) and unfold their effect. The variety of aromas used in a sauna infusion now ranges from citrus flavours to floral notes and woody bouquets. The following fragrances are particularly popular:
- Lemongrass and lemon are said to have stimulating properties and are considered to brighten the mood
- Mint and other herbs are ideal for respiratory illnesses as they have an expectorant effect
- Lavender has a relaxing effect
- Vanilla, cinnamon and conifers calm the mind and body
As a private infusion master, you should be guided entirely by your own needs and requirements when selecting your fragrances. As far as the dosage is concerned, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions Did you know that fresh herbs and flowers can also be placed on the stove? But only in a special herb bowl or sieve.
The Specials
From public saunas, we know such specialities as the "honey" or "salt" infusion, and the "beer infusion" is also celebrated in some places. The latter sounds more like a party than it is: beer, with its hops and malt, simply has a delicious aroma of freshly baked bread. The infusions with honey and salt are all about nourishing the skin. Instead of water, sauna-goers are given salt in bowls to exfoliate or honey to care for the skin.
After the sauna infusion
Three rounds of infusion are the rule in the classic sauna infusion, which you know from the public sauna, for example. After the last ladle of water on the hot stones, you can - depending on your personal feeling - enjoy the heat for a few more minutes. Relax in the hot cabin and let the scent and heat relieve the tensions of everyday life. Of course, you can also treat yourself directly to a cooling down: Go outside, take a cool shower or refresh yourself in your outdoor or indoor pool. You should also drink plenty of fluids after the sauna infusion. Various drinks are recommended here, such as:
- Still water
- Mineral water
- Electrolyte drink
- Herbal tea
In addition to hydrating and cooling down, treat yourself to a break between infusions. For example, relax on a lounger or take a short, relaxing bath in a whirlpool tub
When it comes to sauna infusions at home, you are the sauna master: decide for yourself which fragrances to use and how many infusions you can tolerate. Always listen to your body: allow yourself regular breaks so that your body benefits from the sauna session and recovers.
