Saunas, ice baths, breathwork. That’s basically the holy trinity in wellness right now for muscle recovery, nervous system support, improving circulation, optimising performance for workouts and reducing stress.
Saunas are popping up everywhere, including beach side where you’ll catch people running from the sauna to throw themselves in the ocean before hitting the sauna again for some contrast therapy in nature. And for anyone who prefers to sauna in private, home saunas are gaining popularity and the options to have one installed abound. From infra-red to dry rocks to steam. Bathing houses are also on the rise, complete with cold plunge pools, ice baths and ice showers. And home jobs are showing up, with some people using old chest freezers filled with ice from the servo.
Whatever your preference, the benefits sought are generally the same and these benefits go hand in hand with the benefits of Blue Mallee Eucalyptus.
Blue Mallee Eucalyptus has well known benefits including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and a powerful decongestant.
It is a beautiful smelling oil that has an invigorating, verdant fragrance that is slightly spicy and slightly sweeter than typical eucalyptus.
Its aroma is associated with relaxation and rejuvenation.
It has been used traditionally as a medicinal oil for 100s of years, and science is now proving these well-known benefits.
Elevate your sauna and ice bath experience with added therapeutic benefits and the refreshing, calming, decongesting scent of Blue Mallee. Keep reading to find out how and why it is the best addition to you wellness routine.
Why Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil is the Perfect Sauna and Ice bath Addition
1. Supports Muscle Recovery & Joint Pain
Research has shown that eucalyptus oil is effective at reducing pain, swelling and inflammation. Eucalyptus oil contains 1,8-cineole, an antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals that cause oxidative stress. The cineole in eucalyptus has also shown to reduce inflammation and pain through both topical application and inhalation. Inhalation has also been shown to reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Dropping some Blue Mallee Eucalyptus into your ice bath or sauna could aid recovery, soothe sore muscles and joints.
2. Supports the Respiratory System
Eucalyptus is well-known and trusted when it comes to clearing congestion, allowing your breathing to feel fresh and clear as well as assisting respiratory function by clearing airways. Studies have shown the anti-inflammatory properties of 1,8-cineole found in eucalyptus can support asthma and upper and lower airway diseases and for some patients can reduce dependency on steroid based remedies.
Eucalyptus is also safe to sue to support coughs, and respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Adding some Blue Mallee Eucalyptus to your sauna can help with decongesting your nasal passages, relieving coughs, supporting any respiratory tract issues.
3. Immune System Boost & Antiviral
Eucalyptus has been shown to have strong antiviral activity against various viruses. Its medicinal properties as an antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic are demonstrated in research and the research continues to understand its greater potential to kill viruses such as SARS and Covid. It is already widely used to treat symptoms of airborne infectious diseases including the common cold, sinusitis, asthma and bronchial disease.
Adding a few drops of ETTO Blue Mallee Eucalyptus to the sauna is a good way to support symptoms but also potentially resist infection.
4. Relax and De-stress
Studies show that eucalyptus oil can effectively relieve anxiety, tension and stress. But it’s 1,8-cineole in particular that can have the greatest effect. 1,8-cineole is a key component in Blue Mallee Eucalyptus, when separated out in research trials both eucalyptus and 1,8-cineole reduce anxiety, but the cineole alone significantly reduce levels of anxiety.
Adding a few drops of ETTO Blue Mallee Eucalyptus, which has superior levels of 1,8-cineole compared to other eucalyptus varieties, to your sauna or ice bath elevate the moment to enhance relaxation and reduce stress.
Why We Only Use Medicinal Blue Mallee Eucalyptus in the Sauna and Ice bath
Eucalyptus oil for medicinal use is characterised by a high 1,3-cinole content that is greater than 70%.
ETTO Blue Mallee Oil has a superior level of 1,8-cineole with about 84%. Most eucalyptus oils will meet the required standard of only 60%. Oils will often go through a rectification process to bring up the cineol percentage by reducing other components, thus reducing the symbiotic nature of all the components in the natural oil. You can read more about that here on our journal article comparing eucalyptus oils. ETTO grows our Blue mallee on our Western Australian farm intentionally for medicinal purposes, not as a by-product of the paper industry. The plants produce a high volume of oil with a stunning therapeutic level of cineole. We then steam extract it without chemicals to maintain the purity and potency of the oil, just as nature intended.
How to use Blue Mallee Eucalyptus in your sauna and ice bath
Choose 100% Pure Medicinal Blue Mallee Eucalyptus
As above, you want to make sure it has a decent 1,8-cineole percentage, that means above 70% to be therapeutic. It is recommended to choose an oil that you know is pure and unadulterated. Many eucalyptus oils are diluted with pine oil because it is cheaper, but pine oil does not have the same therapeutic benefits. When it is going on your skin and being inhaled into your lungs, purity and potency matter. Low grade oil or oil that has been diluted with something else can lead to irritation and adverse reactions.
Dilute and Immerse
The best way to use Blue Mallee Eucalyptus in the sauna is to put about 1-2 ml in 500ml of water and sprinkle it over the sauna rocks. Of course, this is not an option if you are in an electric sauna or a dry heat sauna where liquid should not be applied to the rocks. So, you can take a bucket with water with blue mallee eucalyptus added into the sauna to steam away in the corner or you can apply the Blue Mallee water to the seats or sprinkle onto a wet towel. It is best to always dilute the oil with water first for all usages.
For the ice bath, simply add 10-20 drops to your ice bath and immerse yourself in!