Selecting the right essential oil diffuser for the job isn't hard if you know where you'll want to be using it. And it has long been known and is yet being studied that Aromatherapy and the proper use of essentials oils can enhance your health and happiness in a variety of ways such as; improving everything from your physical body like healthier breathing, cold and flu prevention, as well as treating cuts, scrapes and bruises, to enhancing flavors and scents. And we’re not just talking physical improvements, but emotional and spiritual as well.
Essential oils are truly nature’s gifts in more ways than one. One of the most effective and easiest ways to reap the benefits of essential oils is inhalation using a diffuser.
The trick is selecting the right essential oil diffuser for the job is deciding where you want to use one. Not only can diffusers scent the space, add ambiance and create a vibe of general well-being, they can also aid breathing and respiration, or eradicate odors, airborne viral and bacterial contagions (such as the H1N1, Swine Flu, or other flues and viruses).
There are literally thousands of reasons to use them and many different types of diffusers to choose from, so read on to find out which one would work best for you.
Step 1
Jar Diffusers (Smelly Jellys and Reed Diffusers)-
Jar diffusers are the most energy efficient of the lot, and most times are the least expensive. They also work great for small enclosed spaces. There are a few downfalls to them that may affect your usage such as: Scent throw isn’t as far as most other types, reeds must be changed often, and smelly jellys work best in a stable setting (eg. Not good for use in the car). See resources on How to make Smelly Jelly with Essential Oils.
Step 2
Aroma Lamps or Candle heated Diffusers –
These types of diffusers are meant for small spaces and most times must be watched, or at least keep an eye on them because of the open candle flame. You know the old adage: “Never leave a candle unattended”. They work by diffusing the essential oils by the heat of a tea light or similar heating device. It’s best to add a bit of water to the dish or bowl before adding the essential oils so the water will heat up, and steam the oils into the air. Light bulb rings also fall into this category, and likewise work best for tiny spaces or when you will be close to them in proximity. They aren’t too expensive, but they also don’t cover a lot of space and must be refilled constantly.
Step 3
Electric-Heat and Fan-based Diffusers
These types of diffusers are a bit more expensive (depending on size), but can offer a bit more bang for your buck as they don’t have to be refilled as often. The Car Diffuser is a great example, as it works by adding drops of essential oil to a pad, insert into diffuser and plug it in to your in-dash cigarette lighter, this heats up and diffuses the oils in your car. (peppermint, grapefruit, lemon or even ginger are great in the car to keep you snappy and awake). A fan-based diffuser can be plugged into an outlet in your room and will work for approx. 3 hours. ( about the same time as the car diffuser).
Step 4
Nebulizing Diffusers
Nebulizing Diffusers are by far the best of the bunch and can diffuse large spaces for hours at a time. Most are hand-blown glass nebulizers that attach to a motorized base, which is plugged in and disperses the aromatic molecules into the air in a barely visible vapor. They don’t use heat to disperse the fragile oils so they remain unchanged, that means you are getting the most out of your oils at their highest therapeutic value. Of course it also means they are the most expensive out of the lot, but well worth it.
Step 5
Also it would be wise to purchase a home, room, work and/or car diffuser. These are very beneficial as they help purify the air you are breathing at all times. Depending on where you think you’ll get the most use of it is how I would choose which type I needed.
Tips & Warnings
For a healthy blend of therapeutic grade essential oils for your diffuser to aid in the prevention of; flu, viruses, Swine Flu or H1N1, SEE:How to Use Essential Oils and other Tips to Aid in the Prevention of H1N1, Swine Flu and Flu Viruses. Check Resources for the link.
It would be very beneficial to you and your family as well as those around you in preventing viral infections, flues and other contagious maladies. For more information see a blog article written about Essential Oils to help prevent H1N1, Swine Flu and Flu Viruses. OR 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu in Resources.
ALSO: note that:
Therapeutic grade essential oils work holistically to enhance the mind/body/spirit while diluted and adulterated essential oils will not work as well because of the many factors which can alter the potency and purity of those essential oils. (See: http://www.ehow.com/how_5210721_choose-essential-oils-real-thing.html). So when you’re choosing a diffuser, make sure not to forget about which oils you are using!
Essential oils are potent,
please keep out of the reach of children
store essential oils in dark bottles away from air and light
clean diffuser every time you use it to extend life of diffuser
Resources
Protect and Prevent H1N1
Choosing Essential Oils
How To Make Essential Oil Smelly Jellys
Photo Credit
http://www.mynippon.com/drugs/images/essential-oil-diffuser.jpg,