In this post we will talk about the basics of aromatherapy diffusers. Whether you’re an avid essential oil user or it’s your first time in the world of aromatherapy, you’ll want to know how to get the most therapeutic benefits from diffusion. The benefits of aromatherapy are huge, but are you using your diffuser to get the best home and health benefits? In this post, I will discuss different methods of diffusing essential oils.
What is a diffuser?
An oil diffuser is a device that breaks down essential oils into smaller molecules and emits them into the air. The job of a diffuser is to fill the air with small aromatherapy particles that are then inhaled by people in the living space. Several benefits of diffusing essential oils are better sleep, less congestion, increased concentration, and cleaner air quality.
But first, before continuing, let’s analyze exactly What is an essential oil…
An essential oil is a plant extract that is extracted from a plant by pressing or steam distilling certain parts of the plant. These extracts have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for many different mental and health problems. There have been countless studies showing that the use of essential oils is effective in calming anxiety, improving sleep, relieving depression, improving respiratory problems, relieving nausea, etc.
Using an aromatherapy diffuser is a great way to harness the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, as well as formulate special essential oil blends to suit your aroma preferences. Experimenting with your favorite essential oils is like making perfume, but with diffuser blends you can experiment with little to no waste. If you don’t like the blend you added to your diffuser, you can try a new one next time!
Related Post: Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils
Different types of essential oil diffusers:
- Nebulizer diffuser
- heat diffuser
- Ultrasonic diffuser
- Evaporative diffuser
TO nebulizer diffusers Does not use heat or water to diffuse essential oils. They shoot a stream of high-pressure air into a small tube that creates a suction effect. The essential oils are then placed in a glass tank and the molecules are released into the air. Because there is no water to dilute or heat to destroy the beneficial properties, you are inhaling unadulterated essential oil particles. The nebulizer diffuser is more suitable for small spaces and has a stronger aromatic intensity than other types of diffusers. I have never owned or operated a nebulizer diffuser, so I cannot speak to its efficiency. I’ve noticed that they seem to be much more expensive than any other type of diffuser and, based on my research, require more essential oils to work, but they typically only work for short periods of time rather than hours like an ultrasonic diffuser.
TO heat diffuser It usually works with a tea light placed under a small plate containing essential oils. Also included in this type are lamp ring diffusers. Using heat to reap the benefits of essential oils is not the most effective practice as heat can destroy the properties of essential oils.
The most common types of diffuser are ultrasonic essential oil diffusers. Ultrasonic diffusers require water and several drops of an essential oil and use ultrasonic waves to disperse the oil into the air. These types of diffusers are easy to use by filling the water tank with filtered or distilled water to the fill line and then adding up to 10 drops of essential oil or an essential oil blend of your choice. The diffuser will then emit a fine mist into the air. The ultrasonic diffuser is more suitable for large spaces.
Evaporative diffusers It includes reed diffusers that consist of a glass bottle containing essential oils. Reed sticks are then placed in the glass bottle where the oils saturate the sticks and the aroma is emitted into the air. Jewelry with essential oils is also a great example of an evaporative diffuser.
Related Post: How to Make and Use an Essential Oil Inhaler
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. It is an ancient form of holistic therapy.
One way to practice aromatherapy is by inhaling essential oils. When essential oils are inhaled, the aromatic molecules travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially affect the amygdala, which is the emotional center of the brain. Another way to benefit from aromatherapy is to apply essential oils directly to the skin.
Benefits of diffusion:
There are many therapeutic uses of diffusion.
- It makes your home smell fresh without using harmful fragrances.
- Relieves nasal congestion
- Promotes Better Sleep: Diffuse lavender oil while you sleep to induce sleep.
- Promotes good habits with the association of aromas. For example, diffuse peppermint when it’s time to read or study. Not only will it increase your ability to concentrate, but once you smell the mint, you will associate it with reading.
- Decreases appetite: Grapefruit, peppermint, and peppermint essential oils have been shown to reduce cravings!
- Kills airborne pathogens. Use the mixture. Germ fighter to remove harmful molecules from the air that could cause disease.
- Lifts your spirits during the winter blues.
- Boost energy levels with oils like peppermint and rosemary!
Related post: Benefits of diffusing essential oils that you may not have guessed
How to use an ultrasonic diffuser:
Ultrasonic diffusers are easy to use. It takes a few seconds to set up and enjoy the pleasant aroma and positive effects of your essential oil diffuser!
The first rule of diffusion is do not use tap water. Tap water is usually hard water and can quickly erode the diffuser. You always want to use distilled water or filtered water.
The first step is to add water to the diffuser. You may want to unplug the diffuser if you fill it at the sink. There is a fill line you’ll want to pay attention to. If you fill it too much, there will be little or no steam. You don’t have to always fill up to the fill line if you don’t want to. Just don’t overfill. The next step is to add the essential oils. I usually add 8 to 10 drops. Replace the cap and turn on the diffuser. Enjoy!!
The best place to place your diffuser is where you can get the most benefit from it. Pay attention to room size and ventilation when small children or cats are in the house. Unless you are trying to protect small children or pets, keep the diffuser away from a fan and keep overhead fans off. I like to place my diffuser next to my bed at night or where I work during the day.
My favorite aromatic essential oils to diffuse:
The best oils for anxiety and relaxation:
- Lavender
- Ylang Ylang
- Lemon
- Pink
- sage
- Incense
- Geranium
- roman chamomile
Best oils to increase concentration and focus:
- Mint
- Lavender
- Basil
- Lemon
- Rosemary
The best oils to freshen the air:
- Lemon
- Cedar wood
- Eucalyptus
- lemon grass
- Tea tree
- Orange
When I combine oils to make a diffuser blend, I use a top note, a middle note, and a base note. The top notes are citrus oils. The base notes are woody aromas and the nuts in the middle are everything in between. My post on DIY perfumes gives you a list of which oils are considered which notes.
Safety and dissemination precautions:
Some people and pets are sensitive to the diffusion of essential oils. If you experience a headache, nausea, shortness of breath, or a sore throat, the cause could be the oil you are diffusing.
Be very careful when diffusing it around babies 12 months or younger. Cats are also very sensitive to certain essential oils. When diffusing near sensitive people, children, or animals, ensure there is decent air circulation by not diffusing in a small, enclosed space. I leave the windows open most of the year or diffuse in an open area of my house and may even turn on a ceiling fan. I make sure my cats can leave the room or even leave the house if they want.
Cleaning your diffuser:
Ultrasonic diffusers need occasional cleaning because essential oils and minerals in the water can build up at the base of the water reservoir, which can cause the mist to reduce significantly over time. An effective way to clean your diffuser is with a little soap and water and then run a cycle of water and a teaspoon of white vinegar. You can also use a cotton swab or small brush and alcohol to clean the cap where the steam is emitted.
It is not necessary to thoroughly clean the diffuser daily or weekly. Once a month is a good rule of thumb if you use your diffuser daily. How often you clean your diffuser depends on how often you use it. Once you notice reduced mist flow, it’s definitely time to clean your diffuser.
Where to get the best diffusers and essential oils:
The jury is out on which is the best essential oil diffuser. Nowadays there are so many to choose from in all different price ranges. I have 3 in my house and none are still available on Amazon. For full disclosure, I’m going to look at which diffusers have the most 5-star reviews and are affordable.
Diffusers with the best reviews:
When using essential oils, high quality organic oils are a must. I usually get pure essential oils from Plant therapy. I love that they offer organic oils that are affordable. They also offer fast and free shipping. You can use my code. JENNIRAINCLOUD To get a 10% discount on your order! You might be interested in my full review of plant therapy. They also have several certified in-house aromatherapists to analyze their essential oils and ensure consistent quality. I also like to use Mountain Rose Herbal Essential Oils. They are also high quality and very affordable, but their shipping is a little slower.
We hope this post has informed you in detail about what a diffuser is, what essential oils are, and how to benefit from both. Diffusing it regularly requires minimal effort and is a great way to improve your mood, energy, and even your health. Now you know the four different types of diffusers and have probably chosen which method will work for you.
Diffusion is a ritual that I incorporate into my daily routine. I find that it not only refreshes my air, but also gives me a feeling of calm and peace. Spreading when my family is sick is also a basic practice when trying to isolate an illness to a single person or relieve symptoms such as nausea and congestion. If you have not ventured into the world of broadcasting, I encourage you to do so. You will not regret!
xx, jenni
