Illiana Somoroff

Rejuvenating Herbs

Thai Sauna Experiments

Imagine the whole sauna filled with the calming scents of lemon grass or the rich warming smell of cinnamon sticks. 

What makes the Thai Herbal Sauna experience so unique is how it is altered for each individual's specific needs. Depending on the person’s mood or energy, different herbs will be used respectively to help rejuvenate your body. 

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Thai herbs and spices -

Herbs used

Depending on what the individual is looking for, a different combination of herbs is used in the sauna room. A pot of boiling herbs is placed in the room, which allows for the steam to rise and fill the room. The herbal sauna particularly helps to detoxify your body. The more sour herbs are used for cleaning up dead skin cells and killing bacteria while sweet herbs like, lemongrass and jasmine are used for the “healing of the mind.” 

 

Below you will find a chart of the traditional herbs used in thai saunas. 

Herb

Purpose 

Lemongrass (Ta krai)

Cleanses, deodorises the skin - clears stuffiness in the head - alerts senses 

Ginger (Khing)

Stimulating and warming effects - relieves cold conditions, nausea and balances the four elements 

Lotus (Bua luang)

Flower is honored for bestowing purity - calming nerves 

Tumeric (Khamin chan)

Reduces inflammation and is affection for wounds and healing - also strengthens digestion 

Eucalyptus (in yu kha)

Opens passages, clears sinuses and decongests - also used for sprains and bruises 

 

These are only some of the many herbs that one can choose from in a herbal sauna. Using steam that is infused with herbs is a great way to allow your skin to absorb these elements and help strengthen your body. 

 

In many ways these herbs are what inspired Waew to create the individual sauna experience. The sensations that these herbs give off while in the steam cabin are unique in creating a rejuvenating and healing experience, something that Waew wanted to bring to the Netherlands.