Using aromatherapy at home can be done simply and with very little equipment
Diffusing a room:
you can use oil burners, diffusers, ceramic rings, or even place oils over a safe heat source:
Oil burners;
These usually rely on a heat source such as a tealight candle, you partly fill a saucer like dish above the candle and place a few drops of essential oil into it (normally 2-3 drops is
enough). when the candle is lit it begins to warm the water, as the water evaporates, small particles of essential oil is lifted into the air and fragrances fills the room. When using oil burners, please ensure the burner is suitable for the direct heat of the candle, place on a heat proof surface away from flammable items, the surface should be wide enough to hold the oil burner safely, check there is no chance of the burner being knocked over.
Diffuser;
There are a number of diffuser options, one of the most popular is the plug in diffuser/humidifier, unlike ready fragrances room plugins this works to a similar principal to
that of the oil burner, the essential oil and water are placed in a reservoir; according to manufacturer's instructions, the heat is provided by a heat element, powered by your household electric via plug or USB. Unlike the naked flame of a candle this should be a safer option, though it is upto the user to check it conforms with safety standards and as such should be treated as any other electric heat source.
one advantage of this over the oil burner is that many have timers to either release short bouts of fragrance or to switch on/off at a set time, so that you can be sure of the freshest fragrance at the time you deem most suitable.
Reed diffusers, these work by allowing the fragrance oil to slowly be drawn up through the reeds, the fragrance is not spread as far as with heated methods, some are not designed to be refilled, they are usually pre filled and not always with essential oils, but instead with fragrance oils.
Ceramic rings;
These fit around a hanging light bulb, you simply add a few drops of essential oil, as the bulb warms it heats the oil and releases it into the room. these work with old style bulbs and may not fit a modern LED bulb (depending on shape), modern LED bulbs do not get as warm either, the oil is only heated when the bulb temperature is high enough, this also means there is no release of fragrance when the light is turned off.
Heat elements;
please take caution when placing anything over or near a heat element.
In the winter when bedroom radiators are turned on before bed time, I often dampen a flannel and apply a few drops of essential oil, then place over a radiator. as the heat warms the damp flannel the water and oil vapours fill the air around it, so by the time we are all ready for bed each room has its own fragrance specifically designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the person or persons sleeping in that room. the flannel should be removed and washed once spent to reduce fire risks and to allow you to reuse with fresh oil the next day.
Candles
Fragrances candles can be used to release aromatherapy particles and scent into the room, caution should be taken due to fire risk, but when used correctly can offer a beautiful glow as well as scent.
Fragranced candles can be made from a number of waxes and different types of scents, not all are equal. I recommend looking for a candle that contains essential oils and natural waxes such as Soya or bees wax.
Colours in candles can also irritate some users, again this will depend on the individual and type of dye used.
Following manufactures instructions on candle care can ensure best burn rate, and scent throw, as well as ensuring the candle is used safely.
Is fragrancing a room with essential oils safe?
Essential oils are a powerful healing tool, which can improve the lives of those who make use of them, however it is advisable to take precautions when fragrancing a shared space, some oils do not suit some people and some people may not share your sense of what smells good.
It is a good idea to consider how the room is used and by who, this should include household pets. the quantity of oil used for the space is generally low, so if a person only uses the space to move through to other areas there should be little to be concerned about.
areas such as bedrooms need greater caution, to ensure the right essential oils are used and avoid upset.
*it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified aromatherapist to help determine which oils are safe and suitable for your household.
For information on personal Aromatherapy ideas, please see my post; Self healing- Aromatherapy for you
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