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Essential Oil Application Methods

ESSENTIAL OIL APPLICATION METHODS: DIFFUSION

by truadmin on May 17, 2009

DIFFUSION
Diffusion is accomplished with a cold air, nebulizing diffuser.  This is a device which uses a stream of air to nebulize or ‘break up’ the oil into micro fine droplets that become a mist.

This is done by blowing the oil inside a glass nebulizer.  As the oil droplets hit the baffles in the nebulizer, only the tiniest droplets rise to the top and escape as a fine mist.  Because of the volatility of essential oil, when they are released in such a fine mist, aromatic molecules spread very rapidly into the surrounding air.

Typically nebulizing diffusers will cost about $100 and are capable of filling a room with aromatic molecules within a few minutes.  The aromatic molecules not only scent the air, but also kill air-borne germs and other microbes, creating a healthier breathing environment.  Suspended aromatic molecules are also inhaled (see INHALATION) taking them antiseptic properties into sinus and lung cavities, and also into the limbic system, where they can stimulate or calm the brain and its functions.

Diffusion can be a very helpful application at night for children suffering from cold or cough congestion, as it can work while they sleep.

The aromatic molecules that they breathe in during the night help to calm a cough, reduce throat irritation and heal the infection.

Diffusion is also useful in maintaining a desired aromatic environment in a room or workspace.  It also is the most effective way of maintaining a constantly purified breathing environment.

Diffusion is very helpful in preventing the spread of a disease within the same family in the same household.  It is also the most effective way of combating mold infestations, but must be used with very strong oils when no one is in the environment that has been contaminated.

Classic diffusion applications include:

  • Eucalyptus oil, Tea Tree oil and, especially, Exchange blend at night (and during the day) for coughs and colds
  • Ravensara to fight air-borne viruses and to purify air
  • TLC blend as a more pleasant-smelling air purifier
  • Delight blend for a wonderfully uplifting environment
  • Lemon and Rosemary for mental stimulation
  • Rose,  Lavender or Quiescent blend for mental calming

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ESSENTIAL OIL APPLICATION METHODS: INHALATION

by truadmin on May 17, 2009

INHALATION
Inhalation of essential oils is possible because they are volatile (evaporative) compounds.  Many are surprised to find that the aromas from essential oils that they inhale are familiar to them, because essential oil compounds are used in common cough and cold remedies.

Inhaling essential oil vapors, in effect, pulls aromatic molecules suspended in the air into the internal nasal, bronchial and lung cavities, where they can directly work on soothing and loosening irritated mucous membranes and fighting bacteria and viruses.

Inhalation is similar to Diffusion, except that diffusion involves the use of a nebulizing, cold air diffuser.  Inhalation, as we define it here, refers to inhaling vapors directly from a bottle or from essential oil that is on a tissue or on the hands.

The basic approach to inhaling essential oil vapors is to

(1) place 2-3 drops of oil on the palm of one hand,

(2) rub the palms of both hands together,

(3) cup the hands around the nose and mouth without touching the face, and then

(4) inhale deeply as the aromatic molecules expand from the palms.

This is a fairly concentrated way of getting aromatic molecules into the respiratory system in one quick dose.  It may need to be repeated regularly throughout the day to bring relief and promote healing.  Using anti-microbial oils, it is an excellent method for supporting the lungs and sinuses against infection while traveling or when away from home.  Alternatively, using certain flower oils and mentally stimulating blends, it works well to re-focus the mind, dispel discouragement and stimulate creativity.

Alternate ways of inhaling oils include putting a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief and holding it near the nose while inhaling, putting a few drops on a pillow at bed time, or just holding the essential oil bottle under the nose.  These methods are less concentrated than using the hands.

Anti-microbial oils which lend themselves very well to this application method include all of the eucalyptus oils, ravensara, palmarosa and Exchange blend.

Mentally stimulating oils to use this way include bergamot, jasmine, frankincense, neroli, peppermint, Focus blend and One Vision blend.

Calming and soothing essential oils might include lavender, Quiescent blend, chamomile.

There are many others, we suggest the above lists, for the sake of example.

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