Medicinal peat in your home sauna
Here, medicinal peat has been used since ancient times for rheumatism and gout, and in Central Europe peat therapy has been known for 200 years. Even so, university-level scientific research into the general healing effects of peat has only been done in recent years. A peat study from the University of Turku and the humin research of the German W. Naucke point to peat’s unique ability to relieve stress-related muscle tension.
Medicinal peat forms in bogs at a depth of 1-4 meters in a vacuum, where it has matured for centuries. Over that time, humin has formed in the peat, a biologically active substance that penetrates the skin and, thanks to its absorbing capacity, binds toxins and waste products in the body. The heat of the sauna activates this process, and the body’s waste products leave along with sweat. In addition, humin stimulates blood and lymph circulation and balances hormone function.
Against stress
A fast pace of life and the stress that comes with it disturb many people’s sleep, and after a sleepless night there is no longer enough energy for the day’s tasks. Finnish Humici medicinal peat offers help against this once a week. The velvety-soft peat is applied to the whole body and left to work for half an hour. The recommended sauna temperature is +60 degrees. After a peat sauna you feel reborn: the body is relaxed, the mind rested and calm. In the evening there is no need to count sheep, and sleep lasts until morning.
Under the influence of medicinal peat, the adrenaline that keeps the body on alert leaves the tissues, and metabolism in the tissues picks up. The effect of the peat is strengthened by herbal oils based on the folk traditions of Finnish Lapland. They are made from fresh herbs, with the extracts prepared in cold-pressed almond oil.
When using the sauna, it is worth keeping the air humid enough so that the peat stays moist. It is a good idea to protect the sauna bench with a towel, because the color of the peat can seep into pale wood. Otherwise, peat is easy and pleasant to use, and it does not clog drain pipes.
Clean and handy medicinal compresses
A special novelty is the gauze-like medicinal compress. Compresses are simple to use. A compress warmed in a microwave or in steam is placed on the body part being treated, covered with plastic film and a thick towel, and left to work for 15 minutes. The compress is then removed, and the peat particles left on the skin are given another 15 minutes to work. Next, you rinse with water and finally apply herbal oil to the skin. The product is also eco-friendly. The same compress can be used four times in a row, after which it can be composted or even used as potting soil for flowers.
The “slimming compress” intended for treating cellulite does not offer a cure by magic wand, because in addition to metabolic disorders, cellulite is also caused by too little movement and poor nutrition habits. In some cases, hormonal disorders are the cause as well.
In peat therapy, humin binds waste products and toxins and makes them harmless to hormone function. Hormone function is balanced and begins to regulate cell metabolism again. When metabolism works properly, the size of the fat cell is also normal. The disinfecting effect of peat is well known in folk medicine, and in Finland it was used especially during wars and medicine shortages.
In treating atopic, allergic or acne-prone skin, the antibacterial properties of peat destroy inflammation-causing agents on the skin, and humins remove waste products, so that cell metabolism normalizes. Tests have observed a soothing effect of peat on allergic reactions and an improvement in skin condition. Peat has also helped against psoriasis.
Who should not use medicinal peat?
People with an overactive thyroid gland and pregnant women, because peat affects hormone function. The treatment course is also not recommended for people suffering from circulatory and heart diseases, at least not in a sauna.
Author: Renaata Jüriso
Source: WHO – physical activity.
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