Nebulizers

by Michel VanHove

Following are some images of the hand making of the glass used for nebulizers.

More discussions about diffusing oils or heating them in a burner:

There is absolutely no better way to use essential oils therapeutically than to place them in a diffuser / nebulizer. This little device "spits" out a barely visible stream of micronized essential oil droplets, so tiny they almost look like smoke coming out of it. The Cool Air type simply acts as a fan to blow the oil's fragrance molecules from a saturated pad ... some also humidify the air as they do this. For me, a nebulizer ... I can always buy a regular humidifier and put eo's in it too. A good tip .... **** get one with a timer on it **** so that you can use it with or without the timer. You will use less oil this way, and can set and forget about it all day long! Susan

Basically the "nebulizers" have a pump usually housed in a square or rectangular base and powered by electricity. They also have a strange-looking glass goodie with lots of twists and turns which sits on top of the base. There are some differences from here on. All of them somehow pump up teensy amounts of EO which is forced through the glass goodie, bouncing and slapping off its walls as it goes through the twists. This breaks up the drops of EO into itsy, bitsy droplets which are pushed into the air. EOs diffused in this way are whole although in tiny droplets. When EOs are diffused with heat, some portions of the component chemicals vaporize into the air before others, so the EO is kind of broken down into its parts somewhat by the diffusion. At the right sort of heat, the EO constituents will vaporize nearly at once and the "separation" is not noticeable. This is why it is better to put the EO into already heated water in an aroma lamp. The nebulizer diffusor will saturate the air if run long enough for the room size and will guarantee that the EOs are breathed in. This is important for respiratory problems because the topical antimicrobial effects of the EOs in the nose and breathing passages are needed. This situation also increases the chances of mucus membrane absorption. You get to decide whether or not you want to have this on a regular basis or just when you are sick enough to need it. Jo ***

Anyway ... a nebulizer type diffuser forces air into the essential oils (via an air pump) and then out a nebulizing piece that is designed to make the essential oil particles very very minute ... almost invisible. It looks like smoke (almost) coming out of the nebulizer. THESE are the most effective way of getting aromatic molecules of essential oils out into the air as well as being utilized by the body. There is absolutely nothing better (IMHO) than a good synergistic blend placed in one of these units when it comes to treating coughs / colds / congestion or cleaning air. They are also far more effective for mood / emotions and anything else you would use essential oils for (except perhaps things like arthritis, skin conditions, etc. where topical application is best). The tiny aromatic bits of essential oil can then attach themselves readily to the molecules in the air ... you breathe in the air ... and hence the effect. They will also fill up a room with frangrance in almost seconds! The timer type is great because we humans get used to the smells around us after a few minutes (about 20 or 30) ... the timer allows for diffusion ... a rest period and then diffusion again (not to mention that it is just a lot more convenient than turning it off and on). You will notice that the timed ones are more expensive but ARE really nice to have. Susan ***

Thanks, Susan, for a wonderful passage on diffusion. I would just like to add this: It is not recommended to run Nebulising Diffusers continually except in very airy or open conditions. In fact the thinnest of dispersions will give the best results. Nebulising Diffusers are best used in short 15 minute bursts at, say, two hour intervals. Remember that long-term exposure and the accompanying lack of awareness of the aroma does not mean it is not having an effect. Long term exposure can also lead to negative effects of the essential oils....sometimes the opposite of what they were originally being used. Less is better, both in time and exposure. Jade ***

Other web pages with images of nebulizers: Joanne Basset

This site is hosted by Michel Vanhove