Have you ever wondered how to get the best out of essential oils? Inhalations might just be the answer! They’ve been around for centuries, traditionally used to ease all sorts of respiratory issues like colds, sore throats, sinus problems, and coughs. Today, essential oils provide a convenient and effective way to create your own inhalation remedy at home.
Let’s dive into how you can make the most of inhalations using essential oils and explore a few other handy methods of diffusion.
Inhalations: The Traditional Way
The old-school method of inhalation involves placing plant materials in a bowl of steaming water. You’d then lean over, cover your head with a towel (so you don’t lose any precious steam!), and breathe in deeply for five minutes or so. Many different herbs have been used this way over the years across various cultures.
Now, natural essential oils online make this process even simpler. Just add a few drops—usually three or four—of your chosen oil into a bowl of hot water, lean over with a towel, and inhale the aromatic steam. Not only does it smell great, but it can really help clear up congestion and soothe your respiratory system.
Tech-Savvy Inhalations
If you’re not up for the towel-over-your-head routine, there’s a more modern option: facial saunas! These devices are commonly used for skincare, but they work just as well for inhalations. Since they don’t require much water, you only need a single drop of essential oil to do the trick.
Whether you go old school or opt for a facial sauna, just be sure to proceed with caution if you have asthma, hay fever, or any other allergies. Start by inhaling for 30 seconds and gradually increase the time if there’s no adverse reaction.
For kids, make sure to supervise them closely to avoid any accidents. If you’re continuing a hot water inhalation, just top up the water and add more oil to keep the steam flowing.
Another easy method is to put 6 to 10 drops of essential oil on a tissue and hold it close to your nose. A quick and mess-free alternative!
Electric Oil Burners
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without dealing with steam, electric oil burners are a solid choice. These are safer and more convenient than candle-powered oil burners for several reasons:
- No water or candles required: So, less mess and no need to keep buying candles!
- Low cost: They only cost around 10 cents per week if you use them 24/7.
- Safe: With no open flames and no risk of the burner boiling dry, they’re much safer for indoor use.
- Low heat: The element heats up to just 70°C, so it’s less likely to cause burns.
On the downside, while they don’t get as hot as candle burners, they still use heat to disperse the oils, which can change the composition of the oil slightly. And like their candle counterparts, electric burners work best in small spaces—so they may not be ideal for diffusing oils throughout a large area like your entire home.
Aromatizers (Waterless Diffusers)
If you’re serious about inhalations, the Aromatizer (also known as a waterless diffuser) is your new best friend. This handy tool creates a fine mist of essential oils, which you can inhale deeply without the sharpness of hot steam. Not only are they great for personal use, but they can also be left running overnight in a sick room, making them perfect for extended treatments.
Here’s why Aromatizers stand out as the top choice for inhaling essential oils:
- Therapeutic benefits: You can easily get a significant dose by holding the diffuser close to your nose.
- No heat involved: Unlike oil burners, Aromatizers use air pressure to disperse the essential oils. This means the oil’s composition remains intact, giving you the full benefit.
- Efficient diffusion: The whole oil is diffused at once, which is key when you’re using oils for therapeutic purposes.
- Safe and reliable: Even if the oil runs out, the diffuser will keep pumping air, making it perfectly safe.
- Purifies the air: Aromatizers are also excellent for keeping room environments clean, helping to rid the space of bacteria, moulds, and viruses.
Another bonus is that they can diffuse oils across large areas, like an entire house, or be adjusted for smaller rooms.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the best method depends on your specific needs and environment. If you’re dealing with respiratory issues or want a quick and effective solution, traditional steam inhalation or a facial sauna might work wonders. Electric oil burners are perfect for constant, low-maintenance diffusion in small spaces, while Aromatizers offer top-notch therapeutic benefits and can purify larger areas.
Whichever method you choose, essential oils are a versatile, natural way to improve your wellness and make your living space smell amazing. So why not give one of these methods a try today and breathe in the benefits of essential oils?