When are oak brooms prepared for a bath?

Due to its large, unusually shaped leaves, an oak bath broom perfectly absorbs steam, filling the steam room with a rich aroma. The raw materials used to make brooms are rich in tannins and essential oils, which have a beneficial effect on the body. They improve the condition of the skin and reduce sweating of the feet, are used in the fight against varicose veins, relieve rheumatic pain and normalize blood pressure. The benefits of an oak broom are noticeable if it is prepared correctly.

When and how are oak brooms collected for a bath?

The time to harvest branches for oak brooms is mid-July. During this period, the leaves contain an optimal supply of nutrients. Branches are cut from Canadian red oak, common oak.

The collection period may vary slightly depending on the region. It is best to assemble a broom from oak at the moment when its coils are flexible and pliable.

To ensure that your steaming broom is of high quality, you should not deviate from the following rules:

raw materials are collected in the morning in dry weather;
branches are cut from trees located far from roads;
one of the sure signs of the environmental friendliness of the place where you plan to collect raw materials is the abundance of burdocks;
Only lateral branches are subject to harvesting, cutting them with pointed pruning shears.

To prevent the leaves of cut branches from falling off, they should be harvested with caution. The cut branches are carefully separated from each other and left in the shade for an hour. Then they are transferred to a drying place.

Since ancient times, there has been such a custom - oak brooms are prepared for a bath on Trinity. There is also such a sign: if a tree is strewn with fresh acorns, the moment to collect raw materials for knitting a broom has been missed. During the cutting process, overheating is unacceptable: under the influence of high temperatures, the leaves can simply fall off.

The brooms collected and transported to the drying site are placed under a press for 24 hours, after which they begin drying.

The rules of the procedure are as follows:

brooms are hung in pairs in a shaded, dry, well-ventilated area;
the dried raw materials are turned over daily;
It is recommended to dry brooms mixed with hay. This method allows you to preserve the rich aroma and color of the leaves.

You can steam with oak brooms collected this season for the next 2 years.

Stages of steaming a broom for a Canadian oak bath

Bathing procedures with a Canadian oak broom are indicated for oily skin, a tendency to stress, and increased nervousness. They will be beneficial after excessive physical exertion or sports. Canadian oak helps normalize sweating and remove toxins.

In order for Canadian oak to exhibit its beneficial properties to the maximum, you need to know how to properly steam a bath broom.

Actions are carried out in the following sequence:

rinse the broom in warm water;
fill the steaming container with water at a temperature of about +50°C;
lower the broom into the container for 5-10 minutes;
after the specified time, take out the broom and shake it off the water;
hold the broom over the stove for about 2-3 minutes.

Do not steam the broom in too hot water. Under the influence of high temperature, the foliage will become heavier and curl, the quality of the aroma will deteriorate, and the raw material will lose its beneficial properties.

How to store an oak broom?

It is equally important to ensure proper storage of oak brooms. This is the only way to preserve the complex of useful substances present in them. Dried raw materials are stored on racks with good ventilation, which are installed in attics, dressing rooms, and loggias. By steaming an oak broom, the storage of which was organized correctly, you will definitely feel the unique aroma of this tree and get maximum pleasure from steaming.

Errors in storage manifest themselves in yellowing of leaves and loss of aroma.

The benefits of an oak broom

Oak bark and leaves contain a huge amount of essential oils and tannins. Tannins prevent rotting and have an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. That is, they influence our skin in such a way that it becomes firm and elastic.

How to steam with an oak broom?

Before use, an oak broom should be soaked in cold water for 20 minutes, and then kept in boiling water for a couple of minutes, covered with a basin. If the leaves and branches are too dry, it is recommended to increase the duration of the procedure.

Oak brooms used for steaming are much stiffer than birch brooms. They are not always suitable for sensitive skin, but they give an amazing effect.

To avoid injury to the skin, it is forbidden to make sudden movements with an oak broom. Movements such as shaking, plowing, and compressing are ideal. If the temperature in the steam room exceeds +60°C, use the broom with caution to avoid burns.

Subject to the rules, the positive effect of visiting a steam room with an oak broom is guaranteed.

Why do you steam an oak broom?

For a bathhouse, a broom is prepared not only from oak; there are many different options; you can also take a steam bath with a birch, nettle, and even a juniper broom. Each type of broom has its own benefits and smells, and treats various diseases. Therefore, for bath procedures, prepare different types of brooms; who knows which broom you will want to use next time.

You can’t steam a freshly picked broom; it will emit an unpleasant odor and it will be uncomfortable to steam afterwards. Such brooms are usually simply dipped several times in warm water. By the way, this water can then be used to produce steam, because it will be saturated with useful substances.

Steam the broom so that the branches and dried leaves become softer and more elastic. Such a broom in the bath will be an excellent tool for massage and will fill the body with health. Also, when steaming, your steam room will be filled with pleasant aromas, which will also be not only pleasant but also beneficial for your body.

Types of knitting brooms

Lovers of fresh oak steam usually prepare fagots themselves. They know that there are two types of brooms - round and flat, fan-shaped. This is how the method of knitting them is determined - in a circle, or with a revolution, knitting with a “shovel”.

The branches are arranged in a circle, as if in a bouquet. The strongest branch is placed in the middle, branches with wide leaves are placed around it, branch by branch, tightly stem to stem. In this case, you need to make sure that the leaves remain with the front side facing outwards in the folded “bouquet”, and the back side of the sheet remains towards the center of the bundle. The thickness of the handle is determined by the comfortable girth of the palm, or in average values - no more than 5 cm in diameter. This thickness of the handle ensures normal drying of all branches tied together.

For the sling, any materials are used, according to the knitter’s taste - wire, wire in a plastic harness, hemp cord. There is also a secret here: after the branches have completely dried, you need to tighten the sling a little, because the branches dry out and the handle of the bundle becomes somewhat thinner.

Each master can choose how to make a bath broom from oak according to his own taste and abilities. Knitting with a “shovel” is a special way to initially make a broom flat and easy to use. The master first assembles one side of the bundle, then turns the workpiece over and completes the second side.

The same principles apply:

branches should be free of knots and thorns, flexible and succulent;
the leaves must be very large, which can only be found deep in the forest, or high in the mountains;
a thicker branch is laid in depth, thinner branches are tied to the edges;
the leaves should face the broom outward;
the binding is tight enough for the broom to hold its shape, and loose enough so that air penetrates to every branch and every leaf when drying.

Finished products are dried the old fashioned way: tied in pairs, so it’s more convenient to hang them on a rope. Pairs are hung freely for maximum air access. Drying under a double roof, like in old attics in village houses, is desirable. Today, the same roofs are returning to wooden housing construction.

Some knitters immediately place their circular knitted items under pressure to give them a flat shape. However, experienced craftsmen only put well-dried brooms under the press. They check the degree of drying with their instinct and tactile sensations. To do this, you need to touch the middle with your hand, carefully moving the branches apart. Life-giving coolness comes from under-dried leaves and stems.

Is there a way to soak a bath broom?

There is a surefire way to soak a bath broom.

The procedure is as follows:

rinse the broom in warm water before use;
take water with a temperature of about +50°C into a basin, tub, or other container for soaking;
lower the broom completely into the water;
wait 15-20 minutes.

After this time, the accessory is ready for use.

The water used to soak the Canadian oak broom can be poured onto the walls of the steam room and the heater. In this case, the pleasant woody aroma in the room will intensify.

Canadian oak brooms for saunas and baths

Oak brooms in a Russian bathhouse.

What is a Russian bathhouse without brooms? That's right, none! So, guided by this statement, we chose the best ones for the bathhouse, made from Canadian oak.

We decided on them, because many steam room lovers rate brooms made from this wood a solid “A”. This recognition is associated with medicinal properties and ease of use. Canadian oak is a hybrid of maple and oak. Due to crossing, the leaves of the tree are large and long (up to 15-20 cm), and at the same time, the branches are flexible and strong. Thanks to these features, Canadian oak brooms in a steam room are a nice touch. Many bath lovers also note an improvement in their general condition.

It is not without reason that brooms made from Canadian oak and its Russian counterpart are considered the best helpers in bathing procedures. Since ancient times, oak has been considered by many peoples to be a healing tree with positive energy. With its help, people were cured of illnesses and saved from otherworldly forces. They asked for protection from the oak tree, hugging the table. It was believed that this is how you can connect with the energy of the tree and adopt its harmony. “An oak tree will raise the dead,” said the ancestors. Our ancestors assumed that frequent visits to an oak grove affected not only a person’s well-being, but also his personal life, and contributed to success and luck at work. It is known that white sorcerers used oak bark and the trunk itself in their magical actions, expelling evil spirits and other evil spirits. This is also why it was believed that the best hut was an oak log house.

The residents of such a house quickly regained their strength. The energy of oak helped relieve negative emotions and calmed the nervous system, filling a person with bright feelings. Against the backdrop of positive feelings, my health also improved. No wonder the famous saying says: “As healthy as an oak!” Pieces of bark, branches and leaves of oak, as well as acorns were used as a talisman. There was an opinion that such a talisman would not begin to work immediately, since this tree takes a long time to get used to its owner. However, after a certain time (six months, a year), the amulet will begin to act and significantly influence the life of the owner.

In addition to providing energy assistance, crushed oak bark and wood are also used in medicine. Healing decoctions and tinctures are used to treat stomach and intestinal diseases, colds and skin diseases. Oak-based medicines are also used in gynecology and for burns. Note that not only the tree trunk has beneficial properties, but also its roots, fruits, as well as branches and leaves, from which an excellent tonic medicine is obtained - bath brooms.

This product should be used in the steam room for the second time. For the best effect, Canadian oak brooms should be generously moistened with water. They need to be walked, sparing no effort, over the entire body: from neck to heels. A similar procedure should be repeated the third time you enter the steam room. You will feel improvements immediately after such a bath. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect of Canadian oak leaves, the skin will become more elastic and clear. A Russian bath with Canadian oak brooms is indicated for stress and physical exertion. It will be easier to breathe and there will be lightness in the body. Canadian oak brooms will improve blood circulation, and thanks to this you will gain a healthy glow and a cheerful mood.