Aromatherapy Diffusers

Help for Choosing an Aromatherapy Diffuser

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 an aromatherapy diffuser because the aromatic essential oil molecules "diffuse" throughout the air in a room or other enclosed or semi-enclosed space..

Diffusion 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 aromatherapy 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 essential oil 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. We recommend the Ultrasonic Cold Steam Diffuser/Atomizer for wellness applications.

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" or tealight diffuser, 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.

When diffused, the tiny aromatic molecules from pure essential oils can:

  • Purify the air you breathe and help remove metallic particles and toxins.

  • Increase negative ions in the atmosphere and inhibit viruses and bacteria.

  • Eliminate odors from mold, cigarettes, cooking and animals.

  • Fill your surroundings with fresh, uplifting aromatic fragrance.

  • Create positive psychological and emotional feelings and help focus attention.

  • Welcome guests and provide a relaxing, comfortable environment.

There are several ways to diffuse essential oils, from simple to elaborate. Here are several different types of diffusers and their attributes:

Tea Light Diffuser

Tea light diffusers are inexpensive and simple to use.You simply fill the bowl or dish with water, light the tea light candle beneath the dish and add a few drops of essential oil to the water in the dish.You will want to replenish the water in the dish often to insure that it doesn’t completely evaporate. And, you may want to add a drop of two of essential oil occasionally, as they will also vaporize quickly into the atmosphere. Tea light diffusers are ideal for a desk or small space.Never leave a tea light diffuser within reach of children and make sure that the tea light is extinguished when unattended.

For those who prefer the lower cost and ambiance of the tea light diffuser without the open flame, we also carry a number of electric "tea light" diffusers that use an electric light bulb to provide the heat for vaporizing the oils, and are safer for providing aromatherapy diffusion around pets or children.

Nebulizing Diffuser

Nebulizing diffusers are the most efficient method, however, they are also more expensive. This investment is well worth it if you are looking for the very best for your family’s health and comfort. Depending on the size, they will easily cover from 300 to 600 square feet. The vibrational action of the air pump gently moves the aromatic molecules into the nebulizer, where they are fractionated into the tiniest molecules and then dispersed into the air, covering a wider area than when using a tea light diffuser. Nebulizing diffusers should be used sparingly, not more than 5-10 minutes each hour, unless you are addressing sickness or extreme odor conditions. Adding a timer will insure regulated periodic dispersal of your essential oils.

Air Diffuser

Air diffusers are another simple device, made to disperse essential oils placed on a pad with air circulation from a fan. An air diffuser is safe to use in a small child’s or elderly person’s room because you can be sparing with the essential oil drops and not run the risk of overdoing. Air diffusers will gently disperse essential oil molecules in a slightly wider area than a tea light diffuser. They are ideal for a bedroom.

Cold Steam Atomizer (Ultrasonic)

Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser/AtomizerThis is the ultimate diffuser for introducing essential oils for family wellness, as it introduces humidity while diffuses healing essential oils for gentle inhalation. The Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Diffuser/Atomizer carried by Samara Botane is safe (no risk of overheating) and user friendly (change levels of output with a turn of a knob and five different timer settings). It is easy to operate and digital controller shuts the diffuser off when water level is too low.

Since essential oils are volatile, they are already aromatic and begin dispersing into the environment whenever a bottle is opened or they are dropped upon any surface. This makes it easy to place a few drops on a handkerchief or Kleenex and place nearby for instant aromatherapy by inhalation. This is quick and handy when you don’t have another type of diffuser readily available.

Aromatherapy Candles 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.

Aromatherapy Inhalers are not "diffusers" because they disperse essential oils locally and directly into the nostrils. We stock several styles that you can carry in your purse or pocket to disperse essential oils without diffusion.

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