How to Use Snowballs for Essential Oil Aromatherapy in Your Sauna
Snowball infusions are changing how sauna lovers experience essential oils. Instead of the harsh spike of traditional water infusions, snowballs create a gentle, long-lasting aromatherapy session that’s actually healthier for you.
Here’s why this method is gaining popularity and how to try it yourself.
Why Snowballs Are Better for Essential Oils
The biggest advantage of snowball infusions? Your essential oils won’t burn.
When you pour water directly onto hot sauna stones, the intense heat can burn delicate essential oils. This destroys their therapeutic properties and can become dangerous.
Snowballs solve this problem completely:
- The ice melts gradually, keeping temperatures lower
- Essential oils evaporate slowly without burning
- You get the full therapeutic benefit of the oils
- The scent stays complex and pleasant instead of turning acrid
- Your respiratory system stays happy
This slow-release method also means the humidity rises gently. Instead of a sudden spike. The aromatherapy lasts 5-10 minutes instead of 2-3 minutes. And you waste less of your expensive essential oils.
How to Make Aromatherapy Snowballs
What you need:
- Clean snow or crushed ice (never use roadside snow)
- 100% pure essential oils
- Optional: ice infusion ball maker for perfect spheres
Basic method:
- Form snow or crushed ice into tennis-ball-sized spheres
- Press firmly so they hold together
- Add 5-10 drops of essential oil on top
- For gradual release, create a small indent and place oil in the center
Pro method with tools:
- Fill both halves of an ice ball maker with crushed ice
- Add your essential oils
- Press and rotate the halves together
- Creates a perfectly round ball that melts evenly
Keep your prepared snowballs in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
Best Essential Oils for Snowball Infusions
For energy and clear breathing:
- Eucalyptus (7-8 drops) - Opens airways, refreshing
- Peppermint (5 drops) - Cooling, helps headaches
- Lemon (6-8 drops) - Uplifting, stimulates circulation
For relaxation:
- Lavender (7-10 drops) - Calming, antiseptic
- Mountain Pine (6-8 drops) - Grounding, authentic Nordic feel
- Rosemary (6-7 drops) - Relaxing yet mentally strengthening
Safety notes:
- Always use 100% natural oils (synthetic fragrances release harmful compounds when heated)
- Test new oils on skin first
- Start with smaller amounts until you know how your body responds
Step-by-Step Snowball Infusion
Before your session:
- Preheat sauna until stones are hot
- Prepare snowballs and keep them frozen
- Track your timing with Sauna Assistant app for optimal results
During your session:
- Warm up for 10-15 minutes first
- Gently place snowball on center of hot stones (don’t throw it)
- Sit back and enjoy the gradual release
- Humidity rises slowly over 5-10 minutes
- Scent develops gradually, becoming richer as ball melts
You can add a second snowball after the first melts if you want extended aromatherapy.
When to Use Snowball vs. Water Infusions
Use snowballs when:
- You want gentle, extended aromatherapy
- You’re congested and need respiratory support
- You’re new to sauna and prefer gradual humidity
- You want maximum therapeutic benefit from oils
- You’re seeking a special, mindful experience
Use regular water when:
- You want a quick, intense infusion
- You’re experienced and enjoy the dramatic spike
- You don’t have snow/ice available
- Energy costs are a concern
Track What Works for You
Different oils affect everyone uniquely. The Sauna Assistant app helps you track which essential oils work best for your goals.
After each session, note:
- Which oil you used
- How much
- How you felt during and after
- Whether it was morning, afternoon, or evening
Over time, you’ll discover your perfect patterns. Maybe eucalyptus mornings and lavender evenings. Or stronger scents in winter and lighter ones in summer.
Related questions
Can you put essential oils directly on sauna rocks?
How do you use essential oils in a sauna infusion?
What happens if essential oils burn on hot sauna stones?
How many drops of essential oil for sauna?
Can you use ice cubes instead of snowballs for sauna infusion?
How long does a snowball infusion last in the sauna?
What essential oils are safe for sauna use?
Do snowball infusions use more electricity than water infusions?
Can I make snowballs ahead of time for my sauna?
What’s the difference between a snowball and regular water infusion?
Are essential oils in sauna safe for everyone?
How hot should sauna stones be for snowball infusion?
The Bottom Line
Snowball infusions protect your essential oils from burning while creating a gentler, longer-lasting aromatherapy experience. The slow release means you breathe in healthy, intact aromatic compounds instead of harsh, degraded fumes.
Start simple: Try one snowball with 7 drops of eucalyptus. Notice how different it feels from water infusions. Experiment with other oils and track your results.
The method takes more planning and uses more energy, but for many sauna enthusiasts, the health benefits and enhanced experience make it worthwhile. Use it strategically when you want something special or need maximum therapeutic benefit.
Your sauna practice is personal. With tools like snowball infusions and session tracking through Sauna Assistant, you can continuously refine what works best for your body and wellness goals.