How to Use a Vaporizer

During cold and flu season we all suffer at some point with running noses, congestion and bad coughs. One of the environmental factors that can make it worse is dry air. The air tends to be drier in homes during the months when the heat is on and doors and windows are kept closed. Using a vaporizer in the home during these months can brings some much-needed relief.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Distilled water
• Pinch of salt
• Essential oils, eucalyptus and lavender

1. Unpack the vaporizer and clean the water reservoir well with a small amount of bleach in warm water. If there is residue of minerals in it from previous use, you may add a bit of vinegar to warm water and this should dissolve the residue.
2. Dry the reservoir out and fill about half way with fresh distilled water. Add a pinch of regular table salt to the water to aid the formation of steam. Place the vaporizer where you desire in the house and plug it into the outlet. It may take about 10 minutes for the water to heat and steam to begin flowing out of the vaporizer.
3. Add a few drops of essential oil to either the water, or if there is a holder for medication or essential oil, to the holder. This will give the steam a pleasant odor and using the right essential oils can actually aid in the relief of cold and flu symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a combination of eucalyptus oil and lavender oil to help relieve chest congestion and nasal congestion.
• Keep away from furniture that may be damaged by water vapor.
• Clean as in Steps 1 and 2 on a weekly basis.
• Monitor the water level and refill with distilled water as the reservoir level drops.
• Do not place where children may be hurt by the hot steam. Make sure they understand not to play with it.