Cedar vs Hemlock

 

Potential Health Benefits:

 

Insect Repellent: The aromatic oils can naturally deter insects.  

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: The pleasant and distinctive aroma of cedar is often associated with relaxation and can contribute to a calming sauna experience.

Potential Side Effects:

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities: This is the most significant potential side effect of cedarwood. Some individuals are allergic or sensitive to the volatile oils and compounds in cedar, particularly plicatic acid, which is present in Western Red Cedar (often what is referred to as "Red Cedar"). Reactions can range from mild (skin irritation, itching, runny nose, eye irritation) to severe (asthma-like symptoms, respiratory distress). Individuals with known wood allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution.  

Respiratory Irritation: Inhaling high concentrations of cedarwood dust or fumes, especially during the sauna's initial heating or if the wood is not properly cured, can irritate the respiratory tract in sensitive individuals.

Strong Aroma Overload: While many appreciate the cedar scent, it can be overpowering for some, potentially causing headaches or discomfort.

Hemlock Wood (Canadian Hemlock):

Potential Health Benefits:

Hypoallergenic: Canadian Hemlock is generally considered a more hypoallergenic option compared to cedar. It has a mild, neutral scent and lower levels of volatile oils and resins that are likely to cause allergic reactions. This makes it a better choice for individuals with sensitivities to strong wood odors or known wood allergies.  

Non-Toxic: Hemlock has low resin content and typically emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when heated compared to some other woods. This can contribute to better air quality within the sauna, especially for sensitive individuals.

Good for Sensitive Individuals: Its lack of strong odor and lower potential for allergic reactions makes it a suitable option for those who find cedar or other aromatic woods irritating.

Potential Side Effects:

Splintering: Some sources suggest that hemlock wood might be slightly more prone to splintering compared to cedar, although this risk should be minimal with properly finished sauna paneling. However, users should still be mindful of the wood's surface.  

Less Aroma: For those who desire the traditional strong sauna aroma, hemlock's mild scent might be considered a disadvantage. It doesn't offer the same aromatic therapeutic benefits that some associate with cedar.

Durability Considerations (Compared to Cedar in High Moisture): While hemlock is a stable wood, some argue that cedar has superior natural resistance to decay and insect infestation, particularly in consistently humid environments. However, in a well-maintained sauna with proper ventilation, this difference might be less significant.  

Key takeaways:

The primary health benefits of sauna use are due to heat exposure.

Canadian Red Cedar offers a strong aroma with potential respiratory and relaxation benefits, as well as mild antimicrobial properties. However, it carries a higher risk of allergic reactions and respiratory irritation.

Hemlock is a more hypoallergenic and non-toxic option with a mild scent, making it suitable for sensitive individuals. It lacks the strong aromatic benefits of cedar and might have slightly different durability characteristics in the long term.  

Ultimately, the best choice of wood for your sauna depends on your individual preferences, any known sensitivities or allergies, and the desired sauna experience. If you have sensitivities, hemlock is generally a safer bet. If you enjoy the cedar aroma and have no known issues, it can enhance your sauna sessions. Proper ventilation is crucial for any sauna, regardless of the wood type.