After one of the most brutal winters in northeast United States, we’re finally seeing the light of spring at the end of the tunnel. With a February that was the coldest month on record in Connecticut, we pushed through roughly six weeks of snowstorms and bitter freezing temperatures. Not surprisingly, people I knew in the area were felled by flu and colds left and right—including myself. Loath to take antibiotics, I treated myself with essential oils, hot lemon tea, extra vitamins C and D, nasal saline solution, and, when necessary, Nyquil. After enduring more than a month of an aggressive cough, sinus pressure and earache—and countless nights sleeping inclined against the coach— I finally gave in and sought medical attention.

My nurse practitioner confirmed a nasty, upper respiratory infection and agreed that antibiotics would do more harm than good in my case. After completely clearing out my lungs (at last!) with a nebulizer and prescribing me an inhaler, she told me I was doing exactly the right things at home—irrigating the sinuses, suppressing the cough and finally clearing the lungs with a diffuser. The delivery of a PureGuardian® Spa aroma diffuser from Guardian Technologies™ for review couldn’t have come at a better time.

Previously, I had only used essential oils topically during a cold. Applying a dab or two of peppermint oil to the chest and over the sinuses has always helped clear my sinuses and relieve chest congestion, in addition to making me feel more alert again. The blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, laurel leaf, melaleuca (tea tree) and ravensara has also done wonders to soothe the airways, to help fight bacteria and viruses and to reduce the pain of coughs and colds. Yet further research revealed additional benefits of the aromatic application of essential oils.

Essential oils can be breathed in by direct or indirect inhalation; through a diffuser, humidifier or a steam tent; or used as a perfume or room deodorizer. In addition to supporting the respiratory system and stimulating an immune system response, aromatic application can help protect against airborne contaminants and improve indoor air quality. Using a diffuser allows you to breathe in the fine mist or vapor, which contains all the physical properties of the oil.

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The PureGuardian® Spa Aromatherapy Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser is stylish, portable, lightweight and easy to use. I simply filled the unit with tap water, added a few drops of eucalyptus oil and used the touch screen controls to turned on the diffuser. Within seconds, a fine, cool mist began filling the room. Almost immediately my nose perked up to the eucalyptus and my sinuses and lungs began to clear. Left on, the diffuser continually disperses oils throughout the room for more than five hours, and up to eight. A good diffuser uses cool or room temperature or ultrasonic vibrations to diffuse oil into the air; the PureGuardian Spa uses ultrasonic vibrations.

Eucalyptus oil is a powerful decongestant and cough expectorant, helping you to breathe easier. It also has antibacterial and anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system, helping to fight germs. Eucalyptus also increases oxygen to cells all over the body and boosts blood flow to the brain, which may have the effect of alleviating exhaustion and mental sluggishness and stimulating mental alertness and clarity.

When essential oils are inhaled, the olfactory receptors of the nose send information about odor to the olfactory bulb of the brain. The olfactory bulb sends information about the odor to other parts of the brain, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, to be further processed. The limbic system, of which these structures of the brain are a part, can effect motivation and memory, as well as emotion and behavior. The effect of essential oils on the limbic system can stimulate or subdue us and cause us to be more attentive and alert or more restful and relaxed. According to sustainable baby steps, inhaling essential oils can boost alertness, cognition and memory; support the hormones; and alleviate both physical and emotional distress and tension.

The PureGuardian® Spa diffuser comes with lavender oil, which has calming and relaxing effects, both physically and mentally. Lavender oil has been used as a remedy for both insomnia and stress, and it helps to promote deep wave sleep. Thus it is the perfect essential oil to diffuse while doing restorative yoga in the evening. I can select the night light option on the diffuser and a glowing blue nightlight accompanies the soothing scent of lavender. The PureGuardian Spa Line also includes a deluxe diffuser that has an alarm clock and timer with four settings to control when the aroma is released.

PureGuardian Spa Aromatherapy Oil Diffusers are currently sold on the Guardian Technologies’ website. For more information about the products or to find a retailer near you call, 1-866-603-5900.