Although a banya, hammam, steam room and sauna each have their own characteristics, the outcome is nearly always the same: sweating. However, there is no need to be alarmed because in fact sweating is beneficial; indeed, it is the body’s inbuilt way of keeping us cool. Of course, we have not yet developed a way

Here at Banya No.1, we offer a wide range of traditional Russian food and drinks. One of the most delicious ways to quench your thirst between detoxifying Parenie sessions is to have a glass of the refreshing and fizzy organic drink called Kvass. What Is Kvass? Kvass is a lightly fermented, non-alcoholic beverage commonly made

Between 24th February and 1st March 2020, Russians celebrate Maslenitsa or Pancake Week, a holiday that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Maslenitsa has been observed since the Ancient Slav times when, due to their pagan rituals, it was essential to say ‘goodbye’ to the winter. Initially, it was celebrated at

It is a well-known fact that beer is a drink that is enjoyed all over the world. Well, Russia is no exception as it is the second most popular alcoholic beverage after vodka. The history of beer in Russia dates back almost 2,000 years to the Ancient Slavs. Surprisingly, in their language, ‘pivo’ (beer) and

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

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

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

Kombucha has taken the health industry by storm, quickly becoming the preferred drink of yoga enthusiasts and businessmen alike. The lightly fizzy drink is now the perfect substitute for sugary beverages. While Kombucha has become more popular, there are still a few surprising facts lurking behind those colourful labels. 1. Kombucha can help you lose

Borsch is a perfectly balanced soup in traditional cuisine. It combines vitamins and minerals, organic acids and enzymes, folic and pantothenic acids, and mineral salts and carotenoids, and the ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats is close to ideal. The mix of vegetables is rich in fibre and acts as an excellent sorbent, gently removing

The chaga fungus mainly grows on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as the northern regions of Russia, Canada and Alaska. Chaga has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine to treat diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal problems. It also prevents inflammation and cancer, and helps boost overall immunity. Chaga mushrooms

As you may know, during your stay in the steam room, your body is affected by the high temperature, which in turn activates various metabolic processes. As a result, you emit sweat, along with toxins and other unnecessary substances. However, at the moment of sweat release, the body loses a lot of fluid, which must

Mors is a traditional, refreshing and non-carbonated soft drink prepared using a variety of berries such as cherries, currants, lingonberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and more. Cranberry mors is the most popular flavour and this is the one we mix at Banya No.1 using organic berries. The first mention of mors dates back to the