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Aromatherapy diffusers - What is an aromatherapy diffuser and what types of essential oil diffusers are available?

Aromatherapy diffusers are devices which use diffusion to release the fragrant aromas of pure essential oils into the surrounding atmosphere.  Using an aromatherapy diffuser can be a simple but effective way to disperse the fragrance of an oil into a room.  Essential oil diffusers work by diffusing the aroma molecules into the air, so they can be inhaled into the lungs for their therapeutic benefits to take effect.  Common means to diffuse oils include inexpensive aromatherapy oil burners.  A burner can look a bit like an ornament, and has a ceramic or metal bowl which can be held in place above a tea candle.  The flame provides a heat source to warm up the water in the bowl above, to which is added only about 6-12 drops of oil.

An aromatherapy diffuser can be improvised from everyday objects if necessary.  For example, adding a few drops of oil to a bowl of boiling water can be a good way to diffuse the aroma around a room.  Aromatic oils can also be added to hot melted wax on an unlit candle, although as oils are highly flammable care must be taken to avoid getting oil on the wick before re-lighting the candle.  Ready made aromatherapy candles can be a more convenient alternative.  There are several other types of aromatherapy diffusers that are designed especially to maximize the therapeutic benefits of diffusion.  Several use heat to disperse the aromas, such as light bulb rings and electric essential oil diffusers, although aromatherapists suggest that some of the natural constituents of a plant essence can be damaged by heat.

Some essential oil diffusers don’t require any power source, such as small clay pots that allow the aromas of oils to diffuse into the air through their porous surface.  This sort of aromatherapy diffuser can be a cheap and safe way of diffusing oils.  A pot can easily be moved to another room or even placed in a car, to allow the fragrance to circulate in any enclosed environment.  Fan aromatherapy diffusers are powered by batteries or electricity, and work by blowing air over a tray or absorbent pad of oil.  Fans can be very effective and are portable, but some models can be a noisy.  An aromatherapy nebulizer is used by many aromatherapists as the way it breaks down oils into separate molecules before diffusion is thought be make it easier for the aromas to be inhaled.  A wide range of diffusers, including nebulizers, and other aromatherapy products can be purchased online.