Essential oils can be diffused into the air, inhaled, applied topically or ingested if certified as a food additive by the FDA.
There are many diffusers made specifically for dispersing essential oils into the air. Traditional oil burners/pot pourri pots and plug in type units are not safe for use with essential oils. (There are a few plug in units made specifically for essential oils that use a cotton pad to absorb the oils). If essential oils are heated too high, the chemical structure of the oil can be altered, lessening the therapeutic effects and possibly producing toxic fumes.
Since many essential oils are anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, diffusing them helps purify the air. We diffuse oils like Thieves and Purification when someone has a cold to prevent the spreading of infection. Thieves is a powerful blend and can irritate the respiratory tract so it’s best to diffuse Thieves in an empty room for 15-20 minutes at a time. I know a teacher who diffused Thieves in her classroom each day for 15 minutes before the kids came and she had significantly less sick children than previous years.
Purification is a blend that neutralizes odors without leaving a lingering scent. I diffuse this in my kid’s rooms when they leave for school – it neutralizes the boy’s “locker room” odor and they don’t detect any fragrance when they get home. Frankincense is also highly anti-microbial and safe even for babies. I diffuse Frankincense in my kid’s rooms during cold season to keep their immune systems strong, and I don’t have to worry about it irritating their repiratory tract. Lemon essential oil is also highly anti-bacterial, yet gentle and is still diffused in hospitals today in England to fight infection. Diffusing Peppermint while you are studying can help with memory recall.
Fragrance is a powerful sensory tool and can affect our moods and emotions. Many oils can alleviate anxiety simply by inhaling them or diffusing in a room. Different oils have varying effects on the psyche. Citrus oils for example are uplifting and may combat depression. Peppermint is stimulating, chamomile and lavender can be relaxing. Peace and Calming is one of my favorite blends for relaxing.- the tangerine essential oil in this blend is appealing even to children. Cinnamon and spruce can be festive when diffused at Christmas time, and will keep your air pure.
Make sure any essential oil you diffuse is only a pure oil, therapeutic grade essential oil with no chemicals or fillers added. If these are used, they are simply dispersing chemicals and toxins into the air and can be harmful.
Young Living carries several high quality diffusers. When you enroll for wholesale pricing you can save quite a bit of money on your first diffuser.
Diffusing essential oils into your home or office can not only improve your mood and concentration, they are cleansing the air without harmful chemicals.
[...] as we exhale. Practice regular breathing patterns when you realize you are getting tense. Diffusing stress relieving essential oils like frankincense and sandalwood can keep your thoughts focused [...]