An Aromatherapy diffuser is a primary means of distributing essential oils into the olfactory system. The essential oil molecules are evaporated or otherwise placed into the air and pass into the human nose when you breathe. It’s called a diffuser because the molecules “diffuse” throughout the air in a room or other enclosed or semi-enclosed space. There are many different types of diffusers that have different methods of delivery and different effects on the essential oils, and are suitable for different environments ranging from your personal space to an entire room or office.
Diffusion also helps purify the entire environment by distributing the anti-bacterial and anti-viral essential oils to all surfaces within a room, reducing the risk of infections being transmitted.
The best diffusers transport the essential oil molecules in a complete form without modification. The smaller the droplets of oil produced, the longer that they stay suspended in the air and the more they will travel throughout the room. The non-heated diffuser is best, because all notes are transported equally. With a heated diffuser the lighter molecules diffuse first, leaving the heavier notes behind.
Because the olfactory system tends to “overload” it’s best to diffuse intermittently. After about 15 –30 minutes you won’t be able to smell the EO any more and you are wasting oil. You can either change to a different scent, or simply wait until your olfactory sensors clear out. On the other hand, if you are treating a respiratory problem or purifying an environment, it may be desirable to run the diffuser continuously on a lower setting. Even though you won’t be able to smell it, you are still getting a benefit from having the molecules introduced into your system.
Safety Precautions: Because some essential oils are inflammable, be very careful when using them around open flames, such as candles or near the fireplace. When using a “Burner” it is best to place some hot water in the bowl and then sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on top of the water—before lighting the candle. That way if you spill it there is likelihood of causing a fire.
Aromatherapy Candles—We sell aromatherapy candles, and many
people find their scent makes a pleasing environment. But they
are not recommended for therapeutic use because the essential oil
molecules are burned up in the candle and are less likely to reach
your olfactory system. One thing you may notice about some
brands of candles is that they do not have much scent when they are
not burning. This is because the essential oils are trapped in
the paraffin carrier and aren’t transported to your nose, even when
you sniff deeply. Other brands that use a beeswax base may be
more fragrant when not burning, because the beeswax is more porous and
allows the molecules to diffuse. Also, some candle makers may
add more essential oils to the candle so that it does smell more. And
some candle makers may add artificial fragrances to the candles
because their supermarket customers are used to more scent when cold,
and they can produce them cheaper.