Greetings and welcome to all our new subscribers since the last issue. April 22nd is Earth Day but the celebration is already underway! From schools and churches to community organizations and corporations across the nation, more and more people are taking advantage of this opportunity to learn about simple and different ways they can "green" their lifestyles.
Offering plant-based body care products is just one of the ways in which I aim to help as many people as possible experience the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy while reducing their exposure to toxins that are harmful to both humans and the environment. I often tell people: there are a lot of things in this world we can't control, but the two things that we can are what we choose to put in our mouths (the foods we eat) and on our skin (the personal care products we use). There is another thing we do have some control over, and that is improving the quality of the air we breathe inside our homes.
Air purifiers and de-ionizers can be helpful in trapping allergens or reducing noxious odors in the home but what about eliminating airborne bacteria or viruses? And what about the toxins that are released in the air from the candles you burn that have lead in their wicks? Or over-exposure to the phthalates that may be present in the synthetic fragrances used to scent most candles and commercial air fresheners?
Diffusing essential oils is one of the healthiest and most efficient ways to fragrance a room or space, and depending on the type of diffuser you use, it can be the most effective, non-toxic way to eliminate odors and airborne bacteria. In this issue we take a look at the pros and cons of different types of diffusers and how to select the right one for your needs.
Yours in health and prosperity,
Donya
p.s. If you like our products then help us spread the word! Follow us on Twitter or become a fan of Dropwise on Facebook.
How to Select the Right Type of Essential Oil Diffuser for Your Needs
Diffusers are the most effective way to experience the benefits of essential oils and essential oil blends via inhalation. A diffuser fragrances the air and is excellent for scenting a room to enhance mood, aid in respiration, or eliminate odors or airborne bacteria and viruses.
1. Light Bulb Rings
This method involves placing a few drops of essential oil on either a ceramic or metal ring that is then placed over an incandescent light bulb and uses the heat from the light bulb to activate the essential oils and release their aromas into the air. This type of diffuser is inexpensive, ranging in price from $5 - $15, but it uses direct heat which when applied to certain oils (like citrus essential oils), will burn off their more volatile components and make them evaporate quickly, requiring frequent re-application to maintain the desired scent. It also tends to diminish their therapeutic value -- not to mention increase the risk of getting burned or possibly starting a fire.
2. Candle-Based Diffusers or Aroma Lamps
A candle-based diffuser like a potpourri burner or aroma lamp is another heat-based method of diffusion. They typically range in price from $10 - $25. If used in the same manner as the light bulb ring (i.e. oils are placed in the burner and exposed to direct heat) then the results are similar. You can mitigate some of these effects by adding water to the bowl or dish first, then a few drops of essential oil to the water before lighting the tea light. When the water is sufficiently heated the scent will be released through the steam rising off the top. This is a gentler way to heat essential oils without destroying some of their beneficial properties. The down side with this method is that the scent will not travel far so you need to be close to the diffuser to enjoy the scent and will need to re-apply oils frequently if using over a longer stretch of time.
3. Electric Heat-Based Diffusers
The most common versions of this type of diffuser are the Scent Ball and Car Scenter. Both use a small square cotton pad that is saturated with the essential oils then placed in the diffuser where it comes in direct contact with a ceramic or metal plate. The diffuser is plugged into a wall outlet or a car lighter well and uses AC to lightly heat the pad, slowly releasing the scent. These diffusers can effectively scent a small space with continuous diffusion (up to 3 hours per application). You can control the intensity by how much essential oil you apply to the pad and refresh as needed or desired. They cost between $10 and $15, but replacement pads can sometimes be difficult to find.
4. Fan-Based Electric Diffuser
Fan-based electric diffusers like the Spa Scenter are an excellent way to quickly or continuously fragrance a larger space. Like the Scent Ball and Car Scenter, they also use cotton pads though round and larger. Essential oils are applied to the cotton pad in varying amounts depending on desired strength of the scent, but instead of using heat to release the scent, the pad is placed over a variable speed fan that blows cool air through the pad and out of the unit. These units run somewhere in the $30 to $50 range and are relatively quiet making them the perfect choice for creating a home spa environment. They can be connected to a timer for more efficient unsupervised use.
5. Nebulizing Diffusers
By far the most effective and expensive diffusers you can use. They consist of a hand-blown glass nebulizer that's attached to a motorized base which when plugged in forces the essential oils' aromatic molecules into the air in a fine, barely discernible jet stream. Since no heat is involved in the process the aromatic components of the oils remain unaltered providing maximum therapeutic value. This type of diffuser tends to cover large areas quickly and can be a little noisy. Still they're the best to use for eliminating airborne bacteria and viruses. They're also highly effective for odor elimination, managing allergy symptoms like congestion, or easing insomnia and anxiety. Prices range from $50 to $150 depending on features desired.
For a list of quality diffusers please visit our Diffuser Page.
Copyright 2010 Dropwise Essentials
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Donya Fahmy, is a green business owner and the creator of Dropwise Essentials' spa-quality aromatherapy body products that help you safely relieve stress, increase vitality, improve confidence, or simply manage your emotional state any time or place without popping a pill. For more free tips and valuable information visit www.dropwise.com and subscribe to the Dropwise Health & Beauty News Ezine or blog feed.
Dropwise Essentials is a San Francisco-based manufacturer of pure aromatherapy and organic plant-based personal care products that give people a safe and effective way to relieve stress, increase vitality, improve confidence, or manage their emotional state any time or place without popping a pill. Our products are:
- Free of synthetic chemicals and petroleum ingredients
- Made with high quality certified organic oils and pure essential oils sourced from around the world
- Packaged in re-usable or recyclable materials
- Hand-made locally in northern California
Dropwise Essentials was founded by Donya Fahmy, a writer, producer, and consultant whose avid interest in the curative powers of aromatherapy and herbs ultimately led her to design and create the seven products and seventeen unique essential oil blends that make up the current Dropwise product line. She has studied aromatherapy with Carol Schiller - a successful author of several aromatherapy books - and with Dr. Daniel Penoel - a renowned expert in the field of medical aromatherapy.
Dropwise Essentials is a proud member of the Indie Beauty Network (formerly the Handmade Beauty Network), the Green America Business Network (formerly Co-op America), Green Product Alliance, Natural Ingredient Resource Center, and a Friend of PETA. We were among the first companies to join the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics by signing their Compact for Safe Cosmetics - which simply formalizes our existing commitment to formulate products free of known or potentially toxic ingredients.
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