The use of essential oils has been practiced throughout history. Along with being applied directly to the body, the oils are also used to place scent and fragrance in the air. This is accomplished by the use of an oil burner or vaporizer. There are a variety of oil burners and vaporizers available. They range from simple inexpensive pieces to exquisite pieces of workmanship, but they all operate in the same way.
The oil burner is comprised of a reservoir and a heat source. The reservoir is filled with water and drops of the essential oil. The heat source is placed under the reservoir to heat the water and oil, causing it to evaporate and release the scent of the oil.
Some of the simplest designs use a small candle to heat the water and oil. An important factor to consider is the distance between the heat source and the reservoir. This will prevent the oil from burning if the water is evaporated too quickly. It'should also be easy to clean, so you can use it for more than one oil. This type of oil burner does require constant supervision, and should not be left unattended.
There are also electric vaporizers available. These are usually better suited in an office or hospital setting. By using this type of burner you are still able to derive the same benefits from the oil without constantly watching it. Some electric oil burners simply heat a ceramic dish, while others use a fan to disperse the evaporating oils.
When using an oil burner you want to pay careful attention to the amount of oil used. A small room will require fewer drops than a large room. A small room will probably only require two to three drops, while a larger room may require six to ten drops. Less is more in a sense when it comes to using essential oils. It is better to user a smaller amount and refresh the room later, then to over saturate the room with scent at one time. You should also consider the fact that you will become less sensitive to the smell, but the smell is still present.
A tip for using essential oils when there is no burner available is to place one or two drops on a paper towel or cloth napkin and place it close to you. If you are using an oil to make you'relaxed and get a better nights sleep you could place the napkin under your pillow.
Essential oils keep best if they are stored in a cool, dark, dry place. The use of essential oils has many benefits. They can refresh, invigorate, inspire, calm, smooth, arouse, and help you sleep. The benefits of these wonderful oils are inhaled. Once you inhale the scent of these oils it moves throughout the body to produce the desired result. Although essential oils are also used in other ways, for example applying directly to skin, you should exercise caution. If you chose to apply directly to the skin, start with a small amount to make sure there is no allergic reaction.