“Fresh” can mean several things in the sauna. For some, it is the distinct mint scent of peppermint. Others prefer green eucalyptus notes or the zest of lemon peel. Knowing the difference makes it easier to choose an oil you will enjoy using.
Here we explore peppermint oil for the sauna, fresh herbal scents and two other expressions of freshness. You do not need to know aromatherapy or make your own blends to get started.
What is peppermint oil?
Peppermint oil is an essential oil from the peppermint plant, Mentha × piperita. At Løyly, we offer Aromen Peppermint in an organic 11 ml version. The label uses its English name, Peppermint.
The scent is distinct, green and minty, with pronounced menthol notes. When we describe it as cool, we mean the sensory impression. It does not mean that the sauna temperature drops or that you can stay in the heat longer.
Peppermint, eucalyptus or lemon?
Peppermint: distinct mint and menthol notes
Choose peppermint if you enjoy a clear mint scent that stands apart from both wood and citrus. It has plenty of aromatic character. Start cautiously within the dosage on the bottle, and notice whether this is the scent you would choose for your next session too.
Eucalyptus Smithii: green with lighter woody notes
Eucalyptus Smithii offers a greener character with lighter woody notes. It is an alternative when you want freshness without the same mint character. “Lighter” describes the scent; it does not guarantee that everyone will tolerate the oil.
Lemon: zesty citrus-peel notes
Lemon has a bright, zesty citrus profile. If lemon peel is the scent you want, it is a more direct choice than peppermint. It also offers a clear contrast when you try different oils on separate visits.
What about other fresh herbs?
An herbal scent does not have to smell minty. Clary Sage has a more rounded herbal character, while Bulgarian lavender combines herbs with floral notes. If forest and herbs are your favourites, the Forest & Herbs set may suit you better than the Fresh Set.
Peppermint is an herb, while eucalyptus comes from a tree and lemon is a citrus fruit. We group them here by their scent. We are discussing prepared essential oils suitable for the intended use, not placing fresh leaves or herbs on the heater.
Explore three scents without making a blend
You can learn a lot by using one oil at a time. Try lemon on one visit, eucalyptus on another and peppermint when you want to explore the difference. Notice which scent you prefer, and ask the other guests before using oil.
The Fresh Set contains one bottle each of Peppermint, Lemon and Eucalyptus Smithii, all 11 ml, plus a linen pouch for the bottles. The set costs NOK 649. At current individual prices, the oils and pouch cost NOK 711 separately — a difference of NOK 62.
These are three separate bottles, not a premixed blend. If mint is all you want, one bottle of peppermint oil is a simpler choice.
Before using oils in the sauna
- Read the bottle. Follow the manufacturer's dosage and preparation instructions for that oil. There is no single drop count that suits every oil and sauna.
- Check the heater and the venue. Follow the heater instructions and sauna rules. Use only a method approved at the place you visit.
- Keep undiluted oil off hot stones. When the manufacturer specifies use with water, follow the whole preparation method. Oil does not form an even, lasting mixture with water.
- Consider the other guests. A scent you like may be too strong for someone else. A session with just water and heat is also a good choice.
See our main guide to choosing and using sauna oils for more practical advice. The manufacturer also offers guidance on essential oils and their use at Aromen.
Common questions about peppermint oil in the sauna
Is Peppermint the same as Norwegian “peppermynte”?
Yes. Peppermint is the English name. Our product is labelled Aromen Peppermint, with the botanical name Mentha × piperita.
Do I need to mix the oils in the Fresh Set?
No. They come in three separate bottles and can be explored one at a time according to their instructions. The set is a selection of scents, not a recipe for a single blend.
Which set should I choose if I do not like mint?
Choose the Citrus Set if you enjoy lemon, bergamot and mandarin. Choose Forest & Herbs for pine, clary sage and elemi. Individual bottles are also available in our sauna oil collection.
