Almond aroma in Sauna with Bird Cherry tree

Blooming bird cherry sauna whisk (vihta) in the making.
Blooming bird cherry sauna whisk (vihta) in the making.
Approx. 4 min read

Love sauna aroma but don’t fancy synthetic aroma bottles? Nature comes to the rescue - a lot of trees and leaves have interesting aromas. This time it’s about bird cherry and its wonderful almond aroma.

Why Use Bird Cherry for a Natural Sauna Aroma?

The bird cherry (in Latin “Prunus padus”) is a common tree that can transform your sauna session. This tree is nature’s perfume maker, releasing a sweet almond scent.

Bird cherry can provide two different intensity levels:

  • More intense - when it’s blooming (blooms around April-May)
  • Less intense - leaves only throughout summer

Important note: Bird cherry whisks aren’t suitable for traditional massage procedures. Instead, use them for spreading amazing aroma by gently waving in the sauna air.

Bird Cherry Whisk (Vihta) Benefits

Unlike birch whisks, bird cherry whisks are all about the scent experience:

  • Creates natural almond fragrance without chemicals
  • Gentle on skin when used for light aromatherapy
  • Adds a unique twist to your sauna ritual
  • Completely natural and eco-friendly

How to Make Your Own Bird Cherry Sauna Whisk

Making a sauna whisk sounds complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s everything you need to know.

Picking the Right Material

Best time to harvest:

  • Spring (April-May): During blooming season for maximum scent

  • Summer: For milder fragrance using leaves only

What to look for:

  • Fresh, green branches
  • Healthy leaves without brown spots
  • Young, flexible branches that bend easily

Tools You’ll Need

“DIY sauna whisk tools” Pruning shears, Scissors, jute rope and optionally, for storing in the fridge, food film

The tools are simple:

  • Sharp pruning shears for clean cuts
  • Scissors for trimming
  • Natural jute rope (avoid synthetic materials)
  • Clean cloth for wrapping

Step-by-Step Making Process

Step 1: Gather Your Branches

Cut 15-20 bird cherry branches.

Step 2: Clean and Sort

Remove any damaged leaves and arrange branches so all stems align at the bottom.

Step 3: Bundle Together

Hold all branches in one hand, making sure the leafy parts spread out naturally like a bouquet.

Step 4: Secure the Handle

Wrap jute rope tightly around the bottom stems. Make several tight loops and tie securely.

Step 5: Trim the Handle

Cut the bottom of stems evenly, leaving for a comfortable grip.

“A freshly made bird cherry sauna whisk with white blossoms, showing a tightly wrapped handle” A small blooming Bird Tree sauna whisk for natural almond aroma

How to Use Your Bird Cherry Whisk in the Sauna

Your homemade whisk is ready for action! Here’s how to use it properly:

  • Before entering sauna: Rinse briefly with warm water
  • In the sauna: Wave gently above your head to spread the scent
  • Don’t beat yourself: This whisk is for aromatherapy, not massage
  • After use: Hang to dry in a ventilated area

The almond scent will fill your sauna within minutes, creating a spa-like atmosphere that rivals expensive essential oils.

App Promo - Enhance Your Sauna Experience with Sauna Assistant

Speaking of perfect sauna sessions, the Sauna Assistant app can take your homemade whisk experience to the next level. This smart app offers audio themes for sauna rituals, audible timers for perfect session timing, and session tracking to monitor your relaxation progress.

You can even control sauna lighting via Apple Home integration and connect with any multimedia system through Bluetooth speakers, AirPods, or Apple Watch. Perfect for timing your bird cherry aromatherapy sessions!

Tips for Storing and Using Your Bird Cherry Whisk

  • Storage: Fresh whisks last 2-3 days, dried ones can last months
  • Seasonal picking: Spring whisks have the strongest scent
  • Experiment: Try mixing bird cherry with other aromatic plants

Making your own bird cherry sauna whisk connects you with nature while creating an incredible sensory experience. The sweet almond aroma will transform your regular sauna session into something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is bird cherry wood safe for saunas?

Yes, the branches and leaves of Prunus padus are traditionally used in some cultures for sauna aroma. However, the seeds/pits of the fruit contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be used. Stick to the branches and leaves.

How long does the bird cherry scent last in a sauna?

The most intense aroma is released during the first 10-15 minutes of use. The scent will linger subtly for the rest of your session. A fresh whisk can typically be used for 1-2 sauna sessions.

Can I use dried bird cherry branches?

Absolutely! To use a dried whisk, you’ll need to rehydrate it in warm water for at least 20-30 minutes before your sauna session to soften the leaves and release the fragrance.

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