Diffusion! ------------- Diffusion is the process of breaking essential oil into minute particles and spreading them throughout the room, both for aromatherapy effect and to kill airborne pathogens. There are a number of ways to diffuse essential oils, many of which are free and can be performed with ordinary household implements. If you are serious about aromatherapy and willing to make an investment in an electronic diffuser, you will find that it is also an excellent way to disperse oil throughout a room in an efficient and quiet manner. Basically, there are two methods of diffusing essential oils: hot and cold, based upon whether the oil is heated to disperse it. Cold methods are generally preferable to hot diffusion, as they have less likelihood of damaging the volatile compounds in the essential oil. Here are a few methods of essential oil diffusion: Candles – Candle diffusers allow you to place a candle directly under a ceramic container that holds essential oil mixed with water. As the water is heated, the scent of the essential oil is diffused. Electric fan diffusion – This is a type of diffuser that blows cool air across the top of a tray or pad containing your essential oil. With a little ingenuity, you can develop your own version of a commercial fan diffuser using an ordinary household fan. Electric heat diffuser – This is a method of diffusion that uses a heating grid to warm up a reservoir containing essential oil and water in a manner similar to a candle diffuser. The nice thing about using an electric heat diffuser is that they generally have timers that allow you to set the length of diffusion time. Nebulizer – While nebulizers are one of the most expensive diffusion methods, they are also one of the most effective. A nebulizer works by vaporizing essential oil and dispersing it throughout the room in atom-sized particles. They do a better job of diffusing essential oils through large spaces than pretty much any other diffusion method and are the preferred method of diffusion for professional aromatherapists. The only downside (other than the price) is that they can be rather noisy. Reed diffuser – A reed diffuser consists of a small pot containing the essential oil with wooden reeds in it. The essential oil travels up the reeds, diffusing as it moves up the reed. This method works best in rather small spaces. Steam – This method simply involves adding a few drops of essential oil to steaming hot water and allowing the steam to carry it throughout the room. It doesn’t last long, but is simple, easy and inexpensive. Terra Cotta – With this method, essential oil is placed inside a small pot or pendant made of porous terra cotta clay. The oil slowly seeps through the pot, allowing the smell to permeate the room. Just be careful not to place the terra cot on or above a surface that might be damaged by essential oil coming through the porous terra cotta.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:34:00 +0000
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