Dried Sauna Broom vs. Fresh

Dried Sauna Broom vs. Fresh

Let’s start from the bottom line: the choice between dried and fresh branches comes down to personal preference and practicality. If you prefer convenience and year-round availability, dried brooms are the way to go. If you enjoy the fresh, natural aroma and feel of fresh branches and have access to them, they can enhance your sauna experience in a special way. 

Most Popular Types of Sauna Brooms

While all sauna brooms share the common purpose of enhancing your sauna experience, they differ in texture, aroma, and the type of relief they provide. Birch brooms are great for general use, oak for a more robust session, eucalyptus for a refreshing and respiratory-focused experience, linden for a gentle touch, and juniper for deep muscle relief.

Birch Brooms

The most traditional and popular type, birch brooms are known for their fresh, pleasant aroma and flexible branches. Birch leaves contain essential oils that are great for the skin and respiratory system. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and pleasant aroma. Birch brooms are popular and provide a good balance between flexibility and durability.

Oak Brooms

Oak branches are sturdier and their leaves are larger, making them ideal for a more robust massage. These leaves also contain tannins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Oak sauna brooms offer a stronger, longer-lasting aroma and are more durable. They are ideal for more intense massages.

Eucalyptus Brooms

On the other hands, Eucalyptus branches are prized for their strong, invigorating scent and are particularly beneficial for clearing nasal passages and aiding in respiratory health. Eucalyptus brooms are often used for their therapeutic properties.

Linden Brooms

 These are softer and more delicate, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin. Linden leaves have a sweet fragrance and are known for their calming effects.

Juniper Brooms

With their strong, woody aroma, juniper brooms offer an intense sensory experience. They are excellent for relieving muscle tension and boosting circulation.

Birch brooms, with their fresh, flexible leaves, are like nature’s own feather dusters, giving you a gentle pat-down that leaves you feeling refreshed. Oak brooms? They’re the bodybuilders of the bunch—sturdy and ready to give you a good, invigorating workout. And eucalyptus brooms? They’ll clear your sinuses faster than you can say “gesundheit!”

What Sauna Broom Is Better – Dried or Fresh?

Here are some key considerations for each type:

What is Good (and Not-So-Good) about Dried Sauna Brooms:

Dried sauna brooms are more readily available year-round. It’s easier to store them for long periods without losing their properties. Dried sauna brooms release a pleasant, concentrated aroma when rehydrated. They are durable and convenient: typically more durable and less likely to shed leaves quickly and can be prepared and used with minimal preparation. However, they may not feel as fresh or vibrant as using fresh branches and that minimal preparation means soaking in hot water before use to rehydrate the leaves.

What is Good (and Not-So-Good) about Fresh Sauna Brooms:

Sauna brooms made of fresh leafy brunches provide a vibrant, fresh aroma and sensation. They offer a more traditional and authentic sauna experience and can be used immediately without soaking. Fresh sauna brooms can only be available during certain times of the year and they need to be used quickly or they will wilt and lose effectiveness. They are not as durable as dried sauna brooms and more likely to shed leaves and may not last as long as dried brooms. Often, they can be used only once.

How many times you can use the same sauna broom?

The number of times you can use the same sauna broom depends on the type of broom (fresh or dried), how it’s maintained, and the intensity of use. Here are some general guidelines:

Fresh Sauna Brooms:
  • Usage Frequency: Typically, a fresh sauna broom can be used 2-3 times.
  • Maintenance: After each use, rinse the broom with cold water and let it air dry. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness.
  • Signs of Wear: If the leaves become brittle or the branches lose their flexibility, it’s time to replace the broom.
Dried Sauna Brooms:
  • Usage Frequency: A dried sauna broom can generally be used 5-10 times.
  • Preparation: Before each use, rehydrate the broom by soaking it in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This helps revive the leaves and branches.
  • Maintenance: After use, rinse the broom with cold water, let it air dry, and store it properly. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high humidity, as this can deteriorate the broom faster.
  • Signs of Wear: Replace the broom when the leaves become too brittle, fall off easily, or the branches start breaking.
Practical Tips
  • Choose a Sauna Broom Carefully: When planning to take a steam sauna, choose a broom carefully. Brooms made from fresh leafy branches become heavy when steamed and heat up faster than the whisks made of dried leafy branches; they also can be too hot for the skin.
  • For Regular Use: Dried leafy branches are more practical for regular use due to their availability and ease of storage. They offer a consistently pleasant aroma and can be stored and rehydrated as needed.
  • For Special Occasions: Fresh branches can provide a more intense and traditional experience. If you have access to fresh branches, they are excellent for a special sauna session, offering a unique and refreshing experience.
  • Proper Storage: Store the broom in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Regular Inspection: Check the broom before each use to ensure it is still in good condition.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the lifespan of your sauna broom and ensure a pleasant and effective sauna experience. So, next time you step into the sauna, don’t forget to bring along a sauna broom and whisk your way to better health and beauty!