Vaporisation is an excellent way to use essential oils. When an essential oil is inhaled its molecules effect the body in several different ways.

Setting an atmosphere.
Just by smelling an oil you can tell whether or not it is stimulating or relaxing. Essential oils can be used to fragrance your home or work place but in doing so they can affect the atmosphere and moods of everyone so you can use different oils for different times of the day. Some companies in Japan use essential oils to increase productivity in the workplace!

Purifying the air.
Because essential oils are anti bacterial they make the perfect air freshener. They can break the chain of illnesses that sometimes occur in the home or at work because of germs in the air.

Ways to vaporize essential oils.
Having spoken of the benefits of vaporising essential oils. Here are some methods of doing so.

Candles.
A lovely and unusual way of diffusing essential oils is by adding them to candles. Real aromatherapy candles are rare and expensive. This is because, as the oils evaporate so easily in the manufacturing process, much oil is lost to evaporation. This results in a very high percentage of oil being needed, sending the price out of proportion. However you can add a few drops to the puddle of wax that occurs a few moments after lighting any candle. The fragrance of the essential oil then lasts until you extinguish the candle. Reapply on re-lighting.

Vaporiser
Probably the best known method of diffusing essential oils is using a vaporiser. These are usually made from ceramics or porcelain. They are heated by tea light candles. Usually you add water to the top bowl and a few drops of essential oil to the water. These work very well and throw off a pretty light but you have to keep an eye on them incase they burn dry or mark the surface they are on.

Electric vaporiser.
Electric vaporisers are wonderful because they are so safe. If you forget to turn it off it doesn't matter because the thermostat keeps it at a constantly low temperature so it cannot over heat. This is good news for the oils too as their fragrance will last longer when they are kept at a lower temperature. Electric vaporisers are quite expensive but well worth the extra cost when you consider the safety aspect, especially with regards to children.

Light bulb ring.
Light bulb rings are porous rings usually made from low fired ceramics, metal or sometimes a heat resistant card. The ring fits snuggly over the top of a light bulb. The oil is dropped onto the ring which is then placed on the bulb. The heat from the light bulb then diffuses the oil.

Flannel.
A wonderfully cheap way to diffuse the oils is to fill a basin with water. Add about six drops of essential oil. The oils will float on the surface. Place a flannel or cloth on the water. It will absorb the surface oils. Wring the flannel or cloth and place on a radiator. The fragrance will fill the air as the cloth dries. Leave the basin full as this fragrances the air too, also allowing you to use it to soak the cloth with again later.

Inhalation.
For coughs, colds or any bronchial or congestion complaint, inhalation is ideal. Fill a bowl with hot water. Add approximately 10 drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, naouli or pine. Put a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale for about ten minutes. (Make sure the water isn't so hot that it burns the skin.)

Tissue. Neat inhalation.
Just by breathing in the neat oil you can reap the benefits of essential oils. Very simply put a few drops of your favorite oil onto a hanky and carry it around with you to inhale whenever necessary. You can also place it under your pillow at night. This method is very good for people who suffer panic attacks.