A sauna is a relaxing experience. Not to mention, it is also believed to have a long list of health benefits. If you want to transform your house into a spa, having a sauna is a must. If your budget permits, then go for a wooden sauna so that it will look and feel more authentic.

If you plan on having a sauna at home, one of the most important considerations is the material used. In this article, we’ll talk about the best wood for sauna. We’ll list down some of the choices and help you decide what to choose.

The Benefits of Wood

To start, let us first talk about some of the reasons why wood is a common material of choice in saunas. If you notice most of the traditional saunas, they are almost all made of wood. Traditionally, saunas are built outdoors, and hence, people want it to blend with nature. Hence, wood is their preferred material.

Aside from aesthetics, wood is also used in sauna because it is heat-tolerant. This means that it can withstand high temperatures, unlike others that can be prone to warping. To add, wood is also moisture-resistant. It can withstand humidity. Wood also has a pleasant aroma, which will contribute to the overall experience, assuring your relaxation. 

Top Choices for the Best Wood for Sauna

If you are clueless about the right wood to use for a sauna, below is a list of some of the best options that should be on your list.

1. Cedar

The list of the best woods used in saunas will be incomplete without mentioning cedar. The popularity of cedar can be attributed to its natural aroma. It contains phenols, which are responsible for releasing a pleasant scent, which will enhance your sauna experience. If you hate strong aromas, however, it is best to stay away from cedar. Aside from its smell, cedar also has natural oils that make it provide great antibacterial and antifungal benefits. It is a softwood that can withstand high temperatures, making it great if you are after durability. Cedar also comes with millions of tiny air cells, which prevent it from getting hot to the touch.

2. Basswood

If you have sensitive skin, you can never go wrong with basswood. The best thing about this wood is that it is hypoallergenic. It also does not emit any fragrance, so this is good for those who easily get irritated with strong scents. This is also a great choice if you are looking for an affordable sauna. It is easy on the wallet but big in terms of the benefits that it can deliver. It is also a good long-term investment because of its durability.

3. Pine

A light-colored wood, pine is another popular choice when it comes to wood used in saunas. It looks like spruce, but the main difference is that there are knots. It is also one of the most affordable options available. Plus, it has a distinct pine scent, which will also help make your sauna experience more relaxing. One of the most common problems with pine, however, is that the knots can leave holes in the sauna. This means that you need to exert extra effort in maintenance to avoid such a problem.

4. Poplar

This hardwood is odorless and hypoallergenic, which makes it a common option for people who have sensitive skin. The color ranges from pale yellow to white with uniform and straight grain. It is a resistant wood, so you can expect it to withstand many years of use. Despite its strength, it is also a good thing that it is easy to shape. However, it is not as strong as the other woods that have been previously mentioned above as it can be easily prone to dents. This is also a great wood in terms of availability. That said, you can expect this to be affordable since it is widely available.

5. Hemlock

Hemlock is a softwood that is also a popular choice among builders. This Canadian conifer has a uniform texture and warm color. It looks good when combined with other materials for contemporary details. Because it is light-colored, this will also make the sauna look bigger than its true size. It is best to use this wood in an infrared sauna. In steam saunas, it may not be a good choice because it can crack when exposed to extremely high temperatures.

Conclusion

The best wood for sauna will ensure durability, aesthetics, and safety, among other things. Take note of the woods mentioned above to help you make the right choice if you plan to build a traditional sauna at home.

Common colds can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. It is often accompanied by other conditions, such as runny nose, congestion, headache, sneezing, and slight fever, among others. You will often feel tired and sleepy. A long list of solutions is available, and one that is recommended by many people is to go to a sauna.

Is a sauna good for a cold? That is the question that we will try to answer in this post. A lot of people believe that sweating and heat can relieve common cold. Is there a solid basis for this claim? Should you give it a try? Read on and find out!

Exploring the Link Between Sauna and a Cold

YES, sauna is good for a cold! It may not be a fool-proof treatment, but it is a great preventive measure. Plus, it also helps to make the associated problems more manageable. It can make you more comfortable.

To date, limited studies explored the relationship between spending time in a sauna and relieving a common cold. One of the few studies was done in Australia with 50 participants. Half of the group used a sauna regularly and the other half did not. In six months, the result was that those who have been using a sauna exhibited half the amount of colds compared to the other group.

Culture and tradition also support claims that colds and saunas have a positive link. In Scandinavia, people have been traditionally using a sauna to improve mood and for effective relief from a variety of health problems, including common colds.

How exactly can a sauna help in managing colds? The answer is heat! Like how a fever heats the body, a sauna has the same effect. Fever is good for the body because it allows it to fight viruses. Therefore, when the body’s temperature is raised because you are sitting in a sauna, this also improves the ability to fight the viruses that cause colds. This reduces the chances of survival of causative agents in the body.

Another effect of being in the sauna is that it helps in the improvement of breathing. When you have a common cold, congestion can happen. In turn, this makes it difficult for you to breathe. The warm air that you will breathe in the sauna will open air passages and expel mucus, making it easier for you to breathe.

Being is a sauna is also believed to have a positive impact on your mood, which is why it is a great relief from common colds. It causes the body to release endorphins, known as the happy hormones. This will make you instantly feel better despite the underlying symptoms that you are showing because of having common colds.

To make the experience more relaxing, one thing that can help would be adding essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary. This will aid in providing decongestion benefits.

A Word of Warning

Whether you have colds or none, you must know how to use a sauna safely. Otherwise, it will create more health problems instead of addressing common colds.

One of the most important is to stay hydrated. Before getting in the sauna, drink a full glass of water. Do the same thing after the sauna sessions. Throughout the time spent in the sauna, if you start feeling dizzy or nauseous, go out to breathe fresh air and drink water.

Mind the time that you spend in the sauna. Especially if it is your first time, spend a short time and gradually increase as you get used to it. It is best to limit your time in the sauna to ten to 15 minutes.

You should also mind the temperature. Start low and gradually adjust the heat as you become accustomed to it.

It is also a good practice to go with a buddy, especially if you belong to the at-risk population. The latter involves people who have existing health conditions, such as hypertension and heart problems.

Conclusion

So, is a sauna good for a cold? The answer is YES! Being in a sauna heats your body similar to fever. It can be a good preventive measure as it can help fight the viruses that cause the common cold. A sauna can also help in treating the accompanying symptoms of common colds, such as congestion. Plus, it improves your mood, so it will make you happy! Nonetheless, take note of various safety precautions, such as staying hydrated and not staying longer than what is necessary.

An infrared sauna can provide a relaxing experience. Not to mention, it is also linked to a number of health benefits. To optimize its benefits, however, one of the most important is the right temperature.

When the infrared sauna is too hot, it can end up being uncomfortable. Worse, it can make you dizzy or nauseous. On the other hand, when it is not hot, it will be useless. It will not make you sweat.

If you are curious about the best temperature for infrared sauna, keep on reading and we’ll let you know how hot it should be.

The Right Temperature for an Infrared Sauna

We have varying definitions of comfort, so it is impossible to set a general rule when it comes to how hot an infrared sauna should be. Ideally, the temperature in an infrared sauna should be anywhere from 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temperature can be beneficial if the goal of being in the sauna is detoxification. A higher temperature, on the other hand, is better for cleansing.

The best temperature is always the highest since this can provide maximum sauna benefits. However, this may not work for all people. This is why we are trying to be safe and recommending the temperature to be at 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. As you get used to the feeling of being in a sauna, you can set it at a higher temperature.

Why Infrared Saunas Have Low Temperature

If there is one thing that differentiates a traditional steam sauna from an infrared sauna, it would be temperature. Steam saunas get hotter. The temperature can get as high as 180 degrees Fahrenheit, unlike in an infrared sauna that is usually only up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. While the temperature is lower, this does not mean that it is any less in terms of its performance and benefits.

One of the main reasons why an infrared sauna does not get too hot is because of the way it is designed. It is built to heat your body directly and not the entire room or the sauna. This means that if the temperature is too high, then it can be too much for your body to bear, and this can inevitably result in health problems.

The Dangers of Being Too Hot

Overheating can be a problem in an infrared sauna. You might think that hotter is better. While that can be true, this is not always the case. Especially for at-risk populations, being too hot can be a danger. It can result in being dizzy and nauseous. Worse, it can make you faint. This can cause a sudden elevation in your blood pressure. This is also why if you have health problems, make sure to always have a companion when going to a sauna.

To lessen the risks associated with being in an infrared sauna, one of the best things that can help is hydration. Before you enter, it is best to drink a full glass of water. The same thing should be done after the sauna session. Throughout the time that you are in the sauna, if you are not feeling well, go out to grab water before you continue.

Other Tips for a Comfortable Experience

The temperature of the sauna is just one of the many factors that will have an impact on your comfort and the quality of the overall experience. Another thing to do is make sure that you know what to wear. It is best to wear nothing! Going nude in the sauna is a relaxing experience more than just being liberating. In fact, in some places, it is considered rude if you are wearing something when you are in the sauna. Nonetheless, there are also lots of instances wherein you are not allowed to go nude, especially when the sauna is gender-mixed. If you cannot be naked, then wear loose-fitting clothes so that you will be more comfortable.

Do not stay in the sauna longer than what is necessary. It is best to be inside for only 10 to 15 minutes. Take a break and go back if you are still looking for a relaxing experience. Staying longer can cause dehydration and other serious health problems.

Conclusion

In sum, as mentioned earlier, the best temperature for infrared sauna is 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared saunas can get as hot as 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This is as against steam saunas that can get as high as 180 degrees. The best temperature, however, can vary from one person to another depending on individual preferences. At the end of the day, the best temperature is whatever you find most comfortable.

Being in an infrared sauna is a relaxing and therapeutic experience. It can even deliver a wide array of health benefits, such as having clearer skin and pain relief.

Compared to a traditional steam sauna, infrared sauna heats your body directly and not the space. This is more efficient and comfortable. The heat is not as high as what you would find in a steam sauna, but the experience is equally rewarding.

If you are curious about what to wear in infrared sauna, we got you covered! Keep on reading and learn from some of our recommendations.

Wear Your Birthday Suit

This is perhaps the best thing that you can do if you want a full-on infrared sauna experience. In most places, saunas are gender-separated, so do not hesitate to strip naked and go wearing your birthday suit! If you don’t know what a birthday suit naked, it means nothing but your skin – naked!

When going to a sauna, the goal is to sweat. To optimize the experience, you should be wearing nothing. Nonetheless, for hygienic purposes, most people bring a towel with them. This isn’t used to cover your private part when in the sauna. Instead, you will use it to cover the bench as you sit in the sauna. This will limit the possibility that bacteria will get on your skin or that you will be leaving germs on the surface. Although, if you are feeling a little shy, you can always wear a towel!

Opt for Loose Clothing

If you are uncomfortable going naked in an infrared sauna, you can wear loose clothing instead. Look for one that you are most comfortable with. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose! Going to the sauna should be a relaxing experience. If you are uncomfortable with what you are wearing, the experience will not be worth it!

It is best to wear clothes that will not touch the skin, which will allow you to sweat properly. If you are wearing tight clothes, this can block your pores and restrict sweating. Hence, you might end up not enjoying the full benefits of being in an infrared sauna.

Go for a Bathing Suit

A bathing suit is also acceptable in the sauna. Wearing a swimsuit is preferred compared to being naked when going in a sauna as a group, such as with friends and family. This is also a common practice in public infrared saunas.

As mentioned above, if you will be wearing a swimsuit, it should be loose-fitting. It should also be made of breathable materials, which will allow your skin to breathe and prevent clogging your pores. Do not wear swimsuits that can absorb heat. You should also stay away from those that contain dye since the color might end up sticking on the bench in the sauna. 

Wrap Up in Cotton

If you are feeling more conservative or if you need to wear more, then you should choose cotton. A loos-fitting short and shorts will be perfect for the sauna experience. This is common practice in countries like Korea where saunas are gender-mixed.

The best thing about cotton is that it is comfortable. It is a breathable material. If you are wearing cotton in the sauna, see to it that you do not have underwear.

What to Not Wear

Now that we talked about what to wear in infrared sauna. Allow us to give you a brief note of what you shouldn’t wear. You should not wear shoes, socks, jeans, and sweat suits. Do not wear anything dirty when you are in the sauna. Before you get in, make sure that you have already taken off your jewelry and other accessories.

Check with the Establishment

Deciding what to wear in an infrared sauna is not always just a matter of personal choice. If you are in a public place, the first thing that you should do is to check with the establishment and make sure to follow their rules religiously. If the rules say that you have to go naked, then be liberated and show off your birthday suit! On the other hand, if it says that you should be covered, show some respect and do as you are told!

Conclusion

At this point, we hope that you learned a thing or two when it comes to what to wear in infrared sauna. It is best to go naked, as long as the rules allow you to do so! Otherwise, wear swimsuit or loose-fitting clothes. Knowing what to wear is important not only to follow sauna etiquette and rules but to also ensure the most relaxing experience!

If you have just recently been convinced of Saunas’s immense benefits on a regular basis, you might be perplexed as to how long exactly should you stay in a sauna. And in this short write-up, we will give you the single most effective duration to use in a sauna.

But first, let us clarify a sauna from other similar enterprises. Saunas are rooms, usually small/buildings usually small in size, designed primarily to experience heat. Depending on the establishment or particular whim of the users, you can experience heat in both dry and wet forms. The explanation of both forms will come soon.

Since exposure to heat varies depending on the material/design of the Sauna’s room/house itself, we will take a brief look at it.

Design

The modern-day design of saunas is inspired by one of the earliest known users of the practice – the Finns. Who the name also comes from. Saunas are rooms that are purposely kept small in size, mainly to ensure the circulation of heat to all parts.

Wood is the material of choice in Saunas, mostly because of its low capacity to absorb heat. Hence, preventing burn that metals, glass, or tiles would give, providing a safe space to sit on.

Sauna seats are often arranged from bottom to top, forming rows of seats. This is a crucial factor when determining how long to spend there. This is because the hottest air is found in the uppermost region of any room.

And of course, there is a heat source. We have two major types, the heat storage types, and the continuous heat types.

Steam Baths

Saunas should not be confused with steam baths, which have their roots in ancient Turkey cultures. While they offer very similar benefits and have a similar setting, the practices are quite different, and the same rules do not apply. Rather than heat transmitted primarily through radiation and convection of air in Saunas, steam baths are continuously designed to evoke hot steam into a small enclosed room.

Also, infrared therapy/saunas are not generally accepted to be a type of Sauna.

Now that we have cleared the air as to what makes a Sauna and what it is not, we can continue on our journey to figure out the most beneficial duration to stay in a Sauna.

Major Benefits of Using a Sauna

To know the limit to the duration of exposure to the high temperatures of Saunas, we must be clear of what it offers. So what are the benefits of using a sauna?

Stress Relief

The one significant benefit everyone who visits a Sauna can testify to is its ability to relieve stress. This is caused by several factors including better circulation of blood, improved skeletal relaxation – which will both be discussed in a bit – and release hormones called endorphin, which helps reduce stress and induces a feeling of general well- being.

Muscle Relaxation

Heat penetrates deep into the body into the skeletal system, bringing ease and relaxation to the muscles and joints. Heat reduces inflammation, increases the elasticity of structural protein fibers in the muscle, relieves muscle cramps while decreasing stiffness and pressure on joints. These benefits make Saunas ideal places to relax and recoup after a workout.

Improved Blood Circulation

When the body is exposed to intense heat like that in Saunas, the body does it best to return the internal body temperature to a normal range. It does this in several ways, one of which is improving blood circulation to the skin.

The body dilates/relaxes the blood vessels so that more blood can flow to the skin, bringing heat along with it to be passed off to the external environment. This entire process helps to improve your blood circulation, clear blockages in the blood vessels, promote better health, and reduce the risk of stroke or heart-related issues.

Skin Benefits

The other way the body brings down its temperature is by promoting sweating. It opens up the pores, increases evaporation through sweating – which in turn lowers the overall body temperature. This helps you clean out your pores, get rid of toxic chemicals faster, leaving you with clear, supple skin.

There are other benefits associated with reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These are still being worked on in the sciences. Weight loss through the use of Sauna is also a hoax since you don’t actually burn fat. Any weight loss observed is due to the loss of water.

Are there Disadvantages to Prolonged Exposure?

We can appreciate the immense benefits of using a Sauna, which begs the question, “is it harmful to stay for prolonged periods?” Different people have different opinions on how long to stay in Saunas; we must then be aware of the risks involved in prolonged sessions.

Dehydration

The number one and the most prominent risk involved with prolonged exposure to intense heat is dehydration. Since your body is using its water to cool you, reducing its overall temperature continuously, you quickly run out of water for other primary body functions.

When water depletion levels in the body start to reach 10 percent, you begin observing the symptoms, which may include dizziness, fatigue, and general discomfort. If you keep it up, you start to experience mental disorientation as well.

Hypertension

Your body in time would start conserving water, constricting the once dilated blood vessels. This increases the blood pressure. Forcing your body to choose between reducing heat and saving water can have a severe strain on your heart, leading to hypertension.

Effects on Fertility

Intense exposure to prolonged heat sources can also affect fertility in men. The scrotum relaxes, exposing the sperm to the heat, which can kill them off, leading to low sperm count. It can take over a month to recover and return the sperm count to its normal levels. Especially in the early stages, pregnant women can also expose the fetus to unsafe temperatures, which can cause defects.

The Perfect Duration to stay in saunas

We have juggled both sides of the story and can now conclude that while the benefits of using a sauna on a regular basis are tremendous, we can easily overdo it by prolonged exposure. And as we have promised, we will help you establish a great system for using the Sauna.

1. Since there is no set duration or agreed time to use the Sauna for, many sources advise leaving once you start getting uncomfortable. We somewhat agree with this, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, but you should know that the most benefits set in once the discomfort starts, so we say wait it out a minute or two after the discomfort begins before you leave.

1. People who have used saunas for longer can tolerate higher temperatures for longer. Hence, you can build your tolerance to heat over time as a beginner starts with 10-minute sessions. You should also choose lower seats and increase the distance between you and the source of heat.

1. It works best when you use the saunas at intervals. You can take a shower and drink water to recoup the ones you lost in the previous session. This way, you can stay heated for longer with fewer detriments.

Follow your gut feeling and see a doctor if you have existing heart conditions before using a sauna. Follow the best practices with the use of Saunas in your specific region and make the best use of the experience. Good luck.