Take a look at our articles, where we discuss the following topics, among others:
What are menthol crystals?
How menthol as a 100% natural raw material brings a cooling and refreshing effect to the sauna. There are many names, for some it is sauna scent, sauna ice or menthol crystal.
The benefits of menthol in the sauna:
Read how menthol opens the airways and brings relief from the flu during a sauna.
The versatile use of menthol crystals:
Menthol is not limited to the sauna - read more about the use of menthol crystals in e.g. foot baths and steam breathing.
Sauna and well-being:
How saunas and Sauna Menthol products support comprehensive well-being and relaxation.
Whether you are a sauna lover, looking for relief from the flu or interested in well-being, our blog offers you plenty of useful information. Stay up to date with the latest tips and be inspired to bring more relaxation into your life!
Blog posts
Eucalyptus in the sauna – benefits, effects and proper use
Why is eucalyptus one of the most popular sauna scents? For many, sauna and scents are inextricably linked. One of the most popular and well-known sauna scents is eucalyptus . Its fresh, slightly cooling and refreshing scent makes sauna a refreshing experience.
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How to turn your home sauna into a spa experience
A sauna can be your home spa For Finns, a sauna is a natural part of well-being. With small changes, an ordinary sauna can be transformed into a spa-like place of relaxation .
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What to put in your sauna water? 7 popular sauna scents
What should you add to the sauna water? For Finns, a sauna is much more than just a place to wash. It is a time to calm down, recover and enjoy a warm steam bath. Many people want to make the sauna even more of an experience by adding scents to the steam water. Different sauna scents can affect: for relaxation respiratory tract to the atmosphere the intensity of the sauna experience When used correctly, scents can transform an ordinary sauna into an almost spa-like experience .
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Sauna and cold exposure as a trend in 2026 – why the combination is of interest to more and more people
Alternating between sauna and cold has become a strong wellness trend in recent years, and this can be seen strongly in the content of influencers, for example. The phenomenon is not based on mere experientialism, but the interest is increasingly related to the body's recovery , resistance and overall well-being . In 2026, more and more people will be looking for ways to manage stress, improve the body's recovery and support everyday coping with natural means. The heat of the sauna and the sharpness of the cold form a combination that provides a strong but manageable stimulus for the body.
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Sauna Menthol and eucalyptus – an effective sauna experience for body and mind
What is eucalyptus? Eucalyptus is a plant whose essential oils are known for their fresh, cleansing scent and aroma. Eucalyptol is the main active compound in eucalyptus, and is widely used in respiratory support products and aromatherapy. In the sauna, the scent of eucalyptus is often perceived as clarifying and very calming. What is menthol? Menthol is a natural compound obtained from mint plants. It is known for its cooling and refreshing effect, which is felt both on the skin and in the respiratory tract. In the sauna, menthol brings a pleasant contrast to the hot air and body warming, making the sauna experience more intense and refreshing. The effect of Sauna Menthol products is based on pure menthol. This is also associated with the term sauna ice. How eucalyptus and menthol work together in a sauna The heat of the sauna effectively releases the aromas of eucalyptus and menthol into the air. When inhaled, these affect the respiratory tract and the senses simultaneously. Eucalyptus supports smooth breathing and menthol adds a cool, refreshing feeling. Together, they create a balanced and deep sauna experience that cleanses the entire body. Airway support and opening The combination of eucalyptus and menthol can help to open up a stuffy feeling and make breathing much more pleasant. In a sauna, this is especially felt as a freshness of the nose and respiratory tract. The combination is well suited, for example, after the flu season or when the air feels heavy to breathe. If you want an effective and opening effect, Sauna Menthol Eucalyptus is the right product for you. A fresh and cleansing atmosphere in the sauna Eucalyptus brings a clean and natural scent to the sauna, while menthol enhances the feeling of freshness. This combination creates a spa-like atmosphere in the sauna, where breathing feels light and the environment is pleasant. The scent is not heavy, but clear and refreshing. Recreation and relaxation in the same experience Menthol refreshes the body and mind, especially during a hot sauna. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, supports calmness and deeper relaxation. Together, these help to move from a busy everyday life to a calmer state and increase the restorative effect of sauna bathing. Why menthol and eucalyptus are popular sauna scents Menthol and eucalyptus are natural ingredients that are well suited to sauna culture. They do not overshadow the sauna's own atmosphere, but complement it with their own aromas and nuances. For many, these scents feel more pleasant than artificial (synthetically produced) aromas, and they support sauna bathing as part of well-being. Sauna tips for using menthol and eucalyptus Menthol and eucalyptus are always used according to the manufacturer's instructions. A small amount is enough, as the heat of the sauna enhances the effect. The scents should be added to the sauna water and the heater so that they spread evenly throughout the sauna. Conscious breathing deepens the experience and increases relaxation. Summary of the benefits of eucalyptus and menthol in the sauna Eucalyptus and menthol support breathing, refresh the body and mind, and enhance the atmosphere of the sauna. The combination makes sauna bathing more than just a thermal experience, adding a sensory-activating and relaxing dimension to it. Finally The combination of menthol and eucalyptus is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to deepen their sauna experience in a natural way. Sauna Menthol products are designed to provide a balanced and pleasant fragrance experience that supports both relaxation and rejuvenation. The sauna becomes a moment where body and mind meet in peace.
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The new era of sauna fragrances is here – Sauna Menthol® introduces the world's first flavored menthol crystals
A new era of sauna scents is here. Sauna Menthol® introduces the world's first flavored menthol crystals – Eucalyptus, Lavender and Lemon – that combine the freshness of menthol with natural essential oils. The result is a completely new, natural and exhilarating sauna experience that awakens, soothes or energizes, depending on your preference.
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10 things you might not know about sauna bathing
For Finns, a sauna is much more than just a place to wash, relax or escape from everyday life. It is a part of our culture, history and everyday life, surrounded by countless stories, traditions and surprisingly special details. Although sauna bathing is a given for many of us, there is a lot about it that few people really know. Here are ten interesting and sometimes surprising facts about the sauna, its history and customs, which can deepen your own sauna experience. Check them out. 1. There are more saunas than cars in Finland It is estimated that there are over 3.3 million saunas in Finland. That means almost one sauna for every inhabitant. Many homes have their own sauna, but saunas can also be found in cottages, swimming pools, workplaces and even in the common areas of apartment buildings. Saunas can also be found on ships, hotels and public buildings. For comparison, there are around 2.8 million cars in Finland. This says a lot about how central a sauna is to the Finnish lifestyle. 2. The use of menthol in saunas is a relatively new phenomenon Although the Finnish sauna itself is an ancient tradition, the use of menthol saunas only began to become more common in the late 20th century. Originally, menthol was mainly used for medicinal purposes, for example in conjunction with steam inhalation to relieve congestion. Since then, the refreshing and cooling effect of menthol began to be associated with saunas, and menthol products became popular, especially in winter, when they open the airways and bring its characteristic refreshing note to the sauna. This is exactly what Sauna Menthol sauna ice, for example, offers. 3. The first saunas were smoke saunas without a chimney A smoke sauna is the most historically original form of sauna. In it, the stove is heated with wood without a chimney, and smoke fills the entire sauna. After heating, the fire is turned off and the smoke is vented out, after which sauna bathing begins. The soft and even heat of a smoke sauna, as well as the smell of smoke, create a unique atmosphere that a modern electric stove cannot fully imitate. The construction and use of a smoke sauna require special expertise, and in many places this tradition is still strong. The number of stones in a smoke sauna stove is also many times higher than in a traditional sauna, so heating alone takes several hours. 4. The sauna is not just a Finnish invention – but Finns made it a culture Although the sauna is strongly associated with Finland, other cultures also have long traditions of steam and baths. The Russians have banya, the Turks have hamam, and the Japanese have sento and onsen baths. What makes the Finnish sauna special is its place in everyday life and culture. In Finland, the sauna is not a luxury, but an essential part of everyday life and community. It has been a place for purification, births, deaths, and important discussions throughout history. 5. The word "Löyly" does not translate directly into any other language “Steam bath” means both hot steam and the spirit of the sauna. It is a word that has both concrete and symbolic meaning. Many languages do not have an exact equivalent for steam bath, and therefore the word is often used as such internationally. There is a lot of tacit knowledge involved in the quality of a steam bath: how much water is poured into the heater, and at what rhythm. A good steam bath is soft, moist and pleasant, and not burning hot. 6. A menthol sauna can ease flu symptoms The effect of menthol is based on its ability to stimulate cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, which gives a cool and refreshing feeling without an actual drop in temperature. When menthol, such as Sauna Menthol , is added to the sauna water, it evaporates with the hot steam and spreads evenly throughout the sauna. This can relieve respiratory congestion and throat irritation, and many people use menthol, especially in the winter during flu season. A menthol sauna is not a medicine, but it can bring relief and increase the relaxing effect of sauna bathing. 7. Sauna use burns calories and activates blood circulation Although sauna bathing is not a substitute for exercise, its effects on the body are real. The heat raises the body temperature and speeds up the heart rate. This increases blood circulation and can burn up to 300 calories per hour, depending on the temperature and the duration of the sauna. At the same time, the body sweats profusely, which helps eliminate fluid and can bring a feeling of lightness. Regular sauna bathing, combined with a healthy lifestyle, has been shown to support overall well-being. 8. The first public saunas served as birthing centers Before hospitals became common, the sauna was often the cleanest and warmest place in the village. That's why births took place there. The hot steam killed bacteria and kept the air clean, and the heated sauna provided a peaceful and safe environment for childbirth. The sauna was also a place where the sick were treated and the deceased were prepared for burial. Thus, the sauna was strongly associated with the cycle of life from beginning to end. 9. Sauna temperatures weren't always as high as they are today In smoke saunas, the temperature was often 50–70 degrees, and the soft steam was created by continuously throwing water on hot stones, which are exceptionally abundant in smoke saunas. After electric heaters became more common in the mid-20th century, sauna temperatures rose to 80–100 degrees in many places. This is not necessarily a better or worse way, but a different one. Many people find the softer heat of a traditional smoke sauna more pleasant than the dry heat of an electric sauna. 10. The world's largest sauna is found in Finland The world's largest sauna is located in Teuva and is officially in the Guinness Book of Records. The sauna can accommodate over 250 people at a time. This shows how strongly the sauna experience is communal in Finland. Large event saunas and communal sauna use are part of the culture, and they bring people together in the same way as small home saunas in the family circle. Summary A sauna is much more than just a "warm room" where you sweat. It is part of Finnish identity, tradition and well-being. The history and diversity of sauna bathing make it a phenomenon that is both everyday and exceptionally rich. The menthol sauna brings a modern twist to this tradition, combining the old sauna ritual with a fresh and invigorating effect. Whether you are a fan of a traditional smoke sauna or a user of a modern electric sauna, there is always something new and fascinating to learn about saunas.
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Where is menthol used and what is its history?
Menthol (also called menthol) is familiar to many Finns, especially from the fresh scent of the sauna, which opens the airways and creates a refreshing experience during the steam bath. But the use of menthol is not limited to the sauna — this natural raw material is very versatile and is widely used in cosmetics, food, the pharmaceutical industry and wellness products. In this article, we will take a look at the history of menthol and tell you where it is used today. The history of menthol: at the source of freshness Menthol has been used for centuries for its cooling, refreshing and invigorating effects. Menthol was first isolated from Japanese peppermint oil in the 18th century, and in the 19th century it began to be produced and used industrially on a larger scale in Europe. Originally, menthol was used primarily for medicinal purposes: to relieve respiratory symptoms, relieve pain and freshen breath. With the industrial revolution and the development of chemistry, menthol became an important ingredient in many different fields, and today it is produced both from natural sources and synthetically. Use of menthol in cosmetics and hygiene products One of the biggest uses of menthol is in cosmetics and personal care. Its cooling effect and fresh scent make it a popular ingredient in products such as: In shampoos and conditioners – menthol stimulates the scalp and provides a fresh feeling during washing. In skin care products – for example, gels and creams – menthol is used to cool and soothe the skin. In toothpastes and mouthwashes – menthol brings a feeling of cleanliness and coolness to the mouth, which is why it is used in almost all refreshing oral hygiene products. In deodorants and aftershaves – menthol's refreshing and cooling properties make it an effective and pleasant addition to products where a refreshing effect is needed. In cosmetics, menthol also surprisingly acts as a deodorizer and mild antiseptic, which increases its versatility. Menthol in foods and beverages Menthol is also widely used in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the production of peppermint and menthol flavors. Its fresh taste and cooling effect make it popular in, for example: In sweets and chewing gums In lozenges and throat lozenges In dental candy and refreshing drinks In ice creams and desserts where menthol is combined with chocolate, for example Menthol is safe in food use, and is used in very small concentrations to bring freshness and a recognizable taste. For example, the menthol crystals contained in Sauna Menthol are 100% natural menthol crystals, which can in principle be eaten. However, this is not recommended, but they are a completely natural product. The importance of menthol in pharmaceutical and wellness products The effects of menthol are not just about smell and taste — it also has physiological properties that are utilized in many medicines and wellness products: Products that open the airways, such as nasal sprays, cough lozenges, and steam inhalation products, utilize the cooling and refreshing effect of menthol. Pain gels and liniments applied to the skin often contain menthol, which causes a cooling sensation and can relieve muscle and joint pain. In massage and relaxation products, menthol has a refreshing and at the same time calming effect. Menthol's effect is based on the fact that it stimulates cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, which gives the brain a cool sensation — even though there is no actual drop in temperature. Menthol in the sauna – the perfect addition to steam baths In Finland, menthol is particularly familiar to us from sauna products. When menthol is added to the sauna water and the heater, it creates a fresh and respiratory-opening feeling that makes the sauna session even more invigorating. Menthol products, such as Sauna Menthol's sauna ice, are perfect for bringing a spa-style atmosphere to the sauna and effectively relieving, for example, congestion or flu symptoms. In the sauna, menthol evaporates with the steam water and spreads evenly throughout the sauna. Many people find a menthol sauna to be a particularly relaxing and cleansing experience – it refreshes the body and mind. Use of menthol in industry and other products Menthol's uses don't stop with consumer products. It's also used in: In tobacco and nicotine products (e.g. menthol cigarettes, snuff, nicotine pouches) to provide a cool taste — although menthol cigarettes are banned in the EU, menthol is still used in substitute products in some markets. In perfumery, because menthol's fresh scent often acts as a base or top note in perfumes. In the chemical industry and laboratory use in many flavoring and pharmaceutical components. Summary Menthol is much more than just a “fresh scent in the sauna”. It is a versatile and valued natural substance that is widely used in everything from cosmetics and food to medicines and sauna products. Its long history and versatile properties make it a highly sought-after raw material — and in Finnish saunas, its use is considered by many to be an essential part of a perfect sauna experience. We strongly recommend trying Sauna Menthol’s high-quality menthol crystals. This product, called sauna ice, will make your sauna a perfect sauna experience.
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Sauna use with the flu – does it make it better or worse?
The flu is an all-too-familiar ailment for us Finns – a runny nose, sore throat and congestion can paralyze everyday life for several days or weeks. Many people then wonder: would a sauna help ward off the flu? The traditional Finnish way is to head to a sauna, but is it really beneficial or can sauna bathing make the situation worse? In this article, we will review research information, practical tips, and safety instructions for a sauna trip with the flu. Does a sauna help with the flu? Saunas do not cure the flu, as it is usually caused by a virus, which has no quick cure. However, saunas can temporarily relieve symptoms : The feeling of warmth can ease muscle pain and body aches. Steam and moist air can temporarily unclog a stuffy nose. Relaxation improves sleep quality and reduces stress, which supports the body's own resistance and recovery. Several studies have found that regular sauna bathing can reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in the long term, but with an acute flu it's more about relieving symptoms. Of course, relieving symptoms and relaxing yourself also helps your immune system repair itself better. When should you avoid the sauna? Although a sauna can bring relief, it is not suitable for everyone during a cold . In these situations, it is better to skip the sauna: High fever: a hot sauna can strain the body and heart. Heart or respiratory diseases: heat stress may be too much. Severe weakness or dizziness: increases the risk of accidents. It is best to avoid the sauna. The general rule is to listen to your body – if you feel worse in the sauna, it is not the right place to recover. Let your body rest and take a sauna break when you feel better. Sauna tips for those with the flu If you decide to go to the sauna during a mild cold, keep these things in mind: Keep the temperature moderate – avoid saunas that are too hot. Go for shorter periods – for example, 5–10 minutes of steaming at a time. Remember to stay hydrated – the flu and a hot sauna dehydrate the body. Listen to how you feel – if your heart rate increases too much or you feel worse, stop immediately. Menthol refreshes and relieves stuffiness In addition to sauna steam, people with a cold can get help from refreshing sauna products , such as menthol. The cooling and opening effect of menthol makes breathing easier and brings a fresh feeling to the respiratory tract. Sauna Menthol has received a huge amount of attention as a product. Sauna Menthol is designed for just this: a small dose added to the sauna water fills the entire sauna with the refreshing scent of menthol. This can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion and make a sauna trip with a cold more pleasant. Summary Saunas do not cure the flu, but they can be a good way to effectively relieve symptoms, such as congestion and muscle aches. The most important thing is to listen to your body: if you feel unwell, you should avoid the sauna . However, light, short and moderately warm saunas can bring relief. Adding menthol sauna scent to the sauna is a natural way to freshen your breath and make you feel more refreshed, even if you have a cold.
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Sauna Menthol®
Sauna Menthol®
Sauna Menthol® enhances your sauna experience and creates a unique spa-like ambiance that soothes and refreshes both body and mind. Menthol makes sauna bathing more enjoyable, longer-lasting, and adds a revitalizing effect to the moments even after your sauna session.
Experience the perfect combination of sauna and menthol with Sauna Menthol sauna ice and steam fragrances. The menthol crystals are made from 100% natural essential mint oil, bringing a fresh, invigorating, and even icy coolness to your sauna. This refreshing contrast to the sauna's heat effectively opens your airways.
Try it out and enjoy the coolest moment of your sauna experience – a perfect gift for any sauna lover!
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Delivery from Seinäjoki, Finland
- 100% natural product
- Sauna Menthol products are currently available for delivery within Europe only. If you're interested in reselling or international shipping, feel free to contact us.
