Scientific way of feeling cool in the sauna
What are menthol crystals?
Menthol crystals are pure menthol in solid form, extracted from peppermint oil. Menthol is a monoterpene, a small, volatile plant molecule that is responsible for the fresh mint scent. At room temperature, menthol crystals look like white crystals and they melt at around 42 °C. This means that hot water quickly “activates” menthol crystals in the sauna ritual.
Sauna Ice menthol crystals are easy to dose and provide a clear, pure mint experience.
Menthol is extracted from peppermint in two steps.
- The plant material is distilled and a crude peppermint oil is obtained.
- The oil is separated into fractions. The menthol fraction is cooled in a controlled manner so that the menthol becomes supersaturated and forms crystals. The crystals are filtered and dried to a stable, high purity.
The result is pure menthol crystals with a consistent aroma profile and predictable melting point, making them easy to dose in the sauna.
How does Sauna Ice work in the sauna?
What feels “cool” in a hot sauna is about how the nerves in the skin and nose are activated.
TRPM8 - The body's cold receptor
Menthol binds to the ion channel TRPM8, which is located in cold-sensitive nerve endings. When TRPM8 is activated, a signal is sent that the brain interprets as cold. The effect can be strong at first and then subside somewhat as the receptors become less sensitive for a while. This explains why the first hit often feels the most intense.
The physics of the throw
You put the crystals in the water. We recommend warm water (over 42°C) so that the crystals have time to melt. This gives a more even distribution over the sauna stones.
When the water hits the stones, it evaporates quickly. The steam carries microscopic amounts of menthol that reach the nose and skin.
The heat receptors say “hot.” TRPM8 says “cool.” The brain mixes the signals and the experience becomes a pure, cool and unique feeling in the warm sauna steam.
How to use Sauna Ice
Step by step
- Use warm water. Preferably above 42 degrees so that the crystals melt in a few seconds.
- Add 1 to 3 crystals to the bucket along with the water.
- Throw the water on the stones. Avoid hitting heating elements and metal.
Start mildly. Adjust the amount according to the size of the room and how strong the effect you want.
