It is well known that the Russian banya helps to fight flu and other seasonal illnesses, but can it be beneficial in the fight against COVID-19? There has been a great deal of research into the coronavirus pandemic with detailed information on how the virus spreads, its symptoms and the potential consequences. Here, we would … Read more

Sea buckthorn berries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and they are well known as a super-powerful food containing a high number of vitamins, protein, antioxidants, minerals and fibre. Sea buckthorn is one of the most nutritious and vitamin-enriched foods in the world. This tiny yellow-orange berry is approximately one-third of the size … Read more

Did you know that Russians celebrate New Year twice? Although this may seem strange, the reason is that the Old New Year, which is an unofficial holiday in Russia, is still observed despite the fact that the Gregorian calendar (new style) replaced the Julian calendar (old style) in 1918. In ancient times, the life cycle … Read more

I’m face down on a hot wooden bench, in a dimly lit steam room. To my side, a large, hairy man dressed in swimming trunks opens the door of a deep stove that resembles a pizza oven. Inside, red-hot metal glows at 700ºC. He throws in a ladle of cold water, which explodes into steam. … Read more

The tea of many names Fireweed – what’s behind the name? Many of us have wondered about the reason behind the name of a particular tea, but very few of us have ever discovered the answer. Fireweed is not the only name this herb is known by. The scientific name for fireweed tea or Ivan … Read more

As a Russian banya is a unique experience for many people, we have decided to run through the most frequently asked questions to explain how it works. Why do I need to wear a hat inside the steam room? Steam and high temperatures are good for the body, but not for the vessels inside the … Read more