Entrepreneurs in Nakuru city and its environs are now rapidly setting up herbal saunas. Unlike their predecessors, which were viewed as exclusive luxuries, these new establishments are democratizing the sauna experience.

The establishments also aim to address pertinent health problems.

The use of indigenous natural herbs and aromatic plants has attracted a diverse clientele- young and old, sick and healthy alike. Some seek to replenish their minds and bodies, while others are drawn to alternative treatment methods.

According to Jane Kiyai the proprietor of Sumet Highway Herbal Sauna, which is along the Kabarak-Eldama Ravine road, boiling herbs and steaming under the herbs is not a new concept.

“All plants are medicine and these herbal treatments have been a part of local tradition for generations. In the past, people would boil medicinal herbs and create improvised saunas by covering themselves with blankets. This method was commonly used to treat various ailments such as colds, arthritis, and headaches,” she says.

She says that during the Covid 19 pandemic, herbal saunas gained significant popularity among locals. The practice was primarily focused on inhalation as a preventive method against respiratory illness.

Kiyai, who started her herbal sauna business in 2022, has observed a diverse clientele.

Mercy Wambui, a masseuse therapist, who occasionally assists at the herbal sauna at Jacaranda Sports Bar and Grill emphasizes that herbal saunas have numerous benefits hence gaining popularity.

“Our clients come to the sauna for both medical and cosmetic benefits. We’ve seen a number of them come to lose weight and deal with various conditions including high blood pressure, stroke recovery, arthritis, and back pain. Interestingly, we have those who seek beauty out of this. These herbal treatments are said to smoothen the skin,” she says.

Wambui notes that the establishment heats the sauna traditionally, as opposed to the electric saunas that use UV light, which several people are shying away from.

They also utilize a mix of herbs such as mint (menthol), poke tree, eucalyptus, mwarubaine, and other traditional herbs from the Kalenjin community.

Like Jane, Wambui and her colleagues have received positive feedback from their clients about the effectiveness of the herbal sauna treatments.

Joey* says going to the sauna has been an incredibly profound experience for her.

Battling with acne, she was told that her skin would improve once she'd start the sauna sessions.

"I've been battling acne for quite a while now, and I've been using derma prescribed medication. But someone mentioned that my skin would improve once I visit. Now, four months in I'd say it's come in handy as I have noticed significant improvements on my skin," she says.

In addition to that Joey says she's gotten more from her sessions. Her sleep has improved, they've helped with detoxification and even muscle relaxation.

“The sessions allow me to disconnect from the world for a bit and reconnect with myself,” Joey says. “However, as much as the sauna helps, its effects are temporary for me. I glow for a while, but then boom - within no time, my acne resurfaces. It's not sustainable for me at the moment. The treatment requires consistency, which I'm unable to commit to right now.”

The steamy rise of herbal saunas in Nakuru

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Leleti Jassor