A Guide to the Selection and Use of an Aromatherapy Oil Burner

Aromatherapy relies on olfactory contact with the natural, healing properties of essential plant oils. Our sense of smell transfers oils’ vaporized odor molecules to the limbic system. The stimulation of the limbic system located within the brain allows emotional and physiological reactions to essential oils to take place. One of the safest, simplest and most cost effective ways to disperse essential oils for olfactory contact is to gently warm the oils with an aromatherapy oil burner.

How Does an Aromatherapy Oil Burner Work?

Oil burners function simply, but very effectively in the practice of aromatherapy. They slightly heat essential oils to release and disperse them into the surrounding air. Most essential oils are quite aromatic and as they are warmed and dispersed, their pleasing scents infused with therapeutic properties quickly fill average sized rooms.

An aromatherapy oil burner consists of two parts. There is a metallic, ceramic or glass dish at the top for holding water and essential oils. A small space for a tea light candle is located several inches below the glass dish. To use the oil burner:

1. Place the aromatherapy oil burner in a safe location
2. Fill the glass dish with distilled water
3. Place a tea light candle in the holder below the dish
4. Light the candle and allow the water to warm for several minutes
5. Add a few drops of one or more essential oils to the surface of the warmed water
6. Add additional distilled water to the glass dish and additional essential oil as needed to prevent the dish from emptying during the course of evaporation.
7. Completely extinguish the flame of the tea light candle whenever the oil burner is not directly supervised.
8. Once it has cooled, completely clean and dry the water and oil pool dish

Oil Burner Styles and Materials

For the most part, virtually all styles of aromatherapy oil burners contain the same basic parts and function equally well. Choose one you find aesthetically pleasing that looks sturdy and convenient to use. The simpler the design of the oil burner, the easier it may be to operate and observe. A ceramic dish may be preferable to a clear glass variety which may become permanently infused with individual oils.

It is best to use quality tea light candles made of soy or beeswax. While they may cost slightly more, they tend to burn hours longer than their inexpensive counterparts. Take care however to add additional water and essential oils to long-burning oil lamps. A glass or ceramic dish left empty can quickly overheat and break.

Essential Oil Selection and Usage

Never purchase or use perfume or “aromatic” oils in your aromatherapy oil burner. Use only quality essential oils labeled 100% pure. Certain rare or expensive essential oils may be purchased diluted in carrier oils such as jojoba. This is perfectly acceptable, provided the essential oil itself is of pure grade.