Aromatherapy Essential Oils

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There is absolutely no better way to use essential oils therapeutically than

to place them in a diffuser/ nebulizer. This little device \”spits\” out a

barely visible stream of micronized essential oil droplets, so tiny they

almost look like smoke coming out of it. The Cool Air type simply acts as a

fan to blow the oil\’s fragrance molecules from a saturated pad … some also

humidify the air as they do this.

For me, a nebulizer … I can always buy a regular humidifier and put

eo\’s in it too. A good tip …. **** get one with a timer on it ****

so that you can use it with or without the timer. You will use less

oil this way, and can set and forget about it all day long!

Susan

***

Basically the \”nebulizers\” have a pump usually housed in a square or

rectangular base and powered by electricity. They also have a

strange-looking glass goodie with lots of twists and turns which sits

on top of the base. There are some differences from here on. All of

them somehow pump up teensy amounts of EO which is forced through the

glass goodie, bouncing and slapping off its walls as it goes through

the twists. This breaks up the drops of EO into itsy, bitsy droplets

which are pushed into the air. EOs diffused in this way are whole

although in tiny droplets. When EOs are diffused with heat, some

portions of the component chemicals vaporize into the air before

others, so the EO is kind of broken down into its parts somewhat by

the diffusion. At the right sort of heat, the EO constituents will

vaporize nearly at once and the \”separation\” is not noticeable. This

is why it is better to put the EO into already heated water in an

aroma lamp. The nebulizer diffusor will saturate the air if run long

enough for the room size and will guarantee that the EOs are breathed

in. This is important for respiratory problems because the topical

antimicrobial effects of the EOs in the nose and breathing passages

are needed. This situation also increases the chances of mucus

membrane absorption. You get to decide whether or not you want to

have this on a regular basis or just when you are sick enough to need

it.

Jo

***

Anyway … a nebulizer type diffuser forces air into the essential oils (via

an air pump) and then out a nubulizing piece that is designed to make the

essential oil particles very very minute … almost invisible. It looks

like smoke (almost) coming out of the nebulizer. THESE are the most

effective way of getting aromatic molecules of essential oils out into the

air as well as being utilized by the body. There is absolutely nothing

better (IMHO) than a good synergistic blend placed in one of these units

when it comes to treating coughs / colds / congestion or cleaning air. They

are also far more effective for mood / emotions and anything else you would

use essential oils for (except perhaps things like arthritis, skin

conditions, etc. where topical application is best).

The tiny aromatic bits of essential oil can then attach themselves readily

to the molecules in the air … you breathe in the air … and hence the

effect. They will also fill up a room with frangrance in almost seconds!

The timer type is great because we humans get used to the smells around us

after a few minutes (about 20 or 30) … the timer allows for diffusion …

a rest period and then diffusion again (not to mention that it is

just a lot more convenient than turning it off and on).

You will notice that the timed ones are more expensive but ARE really nice

to have.

Susan

***

Thanks, Susan, for a wonderful passage on diffusion. I would just like to add

this:

It is not recommended to run Nebulising Diffusers continually except in very

airy or open conditions. In fact the thinnest of dispersions will give the

best results. Nebulising Diffusers are best used in short 15 minute bursts at,

say, two hour intervals. Remember that long-term exposure and the

accompaning lack of awareness of the aroma does not mean it is not

having an effect. Long term exposure can also lead to negative

effects of the essential oils….sometimes the opposite of what they

were originally being used. Less is better, both in time and

exposure.

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