Essential oils are highly concentrated fragrant essences extracted from herbs, flowers, fruits, or other plants. Their scents alone attract people, but many are not aware they can also be used for medicinal purposes. These can include helping to ease anxiety, supporting detoxification, energy levels, the immune system, and much more.
Applying the oils topically is one of the best ways to enjoy each essential oil. Simply blend a few drops of your essential oil of choice (watch out for certain essential oils that may affect those with sensitive skin) with a carrier oil and rub the mixture onto your skin. The oils will absorb into the skin and you will inhale them. However, this method can be messy or less than ideal for people with sensitive skin, so another popular way to use essential oils is aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy involves diluting the essential oils in water and releasing the mixture into the air using a diffuser. When you breathe in the essential oil molecules, the brain may experience a stimulating effect that results in some change to physical, emotional, or mental health.
There are four different types of diffuser devices: ultrasonic, nebulizer, heat, and evaporative.
The ultrasonic diffuser (or humidifying diffuser) uses a water tank and an atomizer that helps to make the air less dry. The nebulizer diffuser is the same thing as the ultrasonic diffuser, except it does not require water. However, these devices may be more expensive, louder, and less efficient in oil use.
A heat diffuser utilizes a heating element (a coil or candle) to expedite the conversion of liquid oil into a gas. The heat diffuser is often preferred because they can have more aesthetic appeal, lower prices, and contain less expensive parts. Also, they can more quickly disperse the oils into the air.
Lastly, the evaporative diffuser (or fan style) uses the movement of air across an absorbent pad or tray that holds the essential oils.
Most of these devices have a small housing and a fan with a speed setting. Because of the relatively simple design, these devices are usually inexpensive to buy and maintain. An alternative method that is free to anyone who already owns tissues is tissue diffusion. This includes placing 3 to 4 drops of the essential oil of choice on a tissue and leave it near a vent or door. Any movement of air, whether from someone walking by or the air conditioner, will help to spread the essential oil molecules around.
The 15 areas of potential benefits and uses of essential oils include: alertness, relaxation, digestion, energy, cleaning, detox, memory, meditation, immunity, sinuses, hair, skin, nails, mood, and sleep. Depending on one’s needs, there are at least two different essential oils in each category that may provide improved quality of life.
