Field Notes·July 2026·4 min read

Löyly and scent: the sensory craft of a good sauna session

The steam that rises off the stones is the heart of the sauna, and scent is how tradition tunes it. Birch, eucalyptus, pine — how to use them safely, and why ritual sustains the habit.

Wellbeing and relaxation are the most consistently reported effects of regular sauna bathing across the research — and the sensory craft of a session is a big part of why people keep the habit. Löyly, the burst of steam when water hits the stones, is the heart of it; scent is how you tune the experience.

Using scent safely

The cardinal rule: never pour undiluted essential oil directly onto hot stones — it can flash, smoke, and even ignite. Instead add a few drops, or a capful of a proper sauna scent concentrate, to your bucket water, then ladle onto the stones as usual. Birch and eucalyptus are the classic Nordic choices; pine leans woodland.

Rento · Aromatherapy

Rento Birch Sauna Scent (400 ml)

Solid Wood

$20–$25

Plant Therapy · Aromatherapy

Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil

$10–$26

The birch whisk

The vihta (Finnish) or venik (Russian) — a bound bundle of birch branches, soaked in warm water — is used to gently whisk the skin between rounds. It stimulates circulation, releases fresh birch aroma into the steam, and is about as old as the sauna itself.

STPgoods · Accessories

Birch Tree Sauna Whisk (Banya Venik) — Set of 2

Solid Wood

$30–$40

Plant Therapy · Aromatherapy

Scots Pine Essential Oil

Pine

$13–$20