Benefits of essential oil diffusers
Are you looking for ways to make green living your way of life? When we live a more natural life daily, we damage the environment less and benefit our bodies and minds much more. While making eco-friendly choices in our daily lives is usually not easy, a simple way to make a difference is using an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils don’t just add an aroma to the room; they also provide numerous health benefits. Using essential oil diffusers is an easy way of diffusing essential oil benefits into the air and improving your health.
Let us learn more about the benefits of the essential oil diffuser. In this post, we will cover topics like –
- What is an oil diffuser?
- What does a diffuser do in a room?
- How does an essential oil diffuser work?
- Pros and cons of diffusers
*This post contains affiliate links to the essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing from the links here on my blog is no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is an oil diffuser?
An essential oil diffuser is a device that breaks essential oils down into smaller molecules. It disperses them into the air for a pleasant, energy-boosting, or calming effect, depending on which oil has been put into the diffuser.
How do diffusers work?
Essential oil diffusers work by diffusing essential oil molecules into the air. When you inhale these oils, you absorb the benefits of these oils. There are several different types of oil diffusers, and each one of them uses a different process to diffuse the oil into the air.
There are four main types of oil diffusers available in the market. Let's take a look at how the different types of diffusers work.
1. Nebulizing diffusers
These diffusers break the essential oils into tiny molecules before dispersing them into the air. Nebulizer diffusers are made up of motors and a glass cylinder or bottle. They don't require water or heat.
Many nebulizing diffusers are equipped with controls to adjust the airflow and timers that allow the distribution to be moderated throughout the day.
However, nebulizing diffusers can be more difficult to clean than other types of diffusers.
2. Ultrasonic diffusers
Ultrasonic diffusers work by using electronic frequencies to create vibrations that break up oil molecules to create a fine mist. Also, know as a mist diffuser, You need to dilute essential oils in water to use in these diffusers. Ultrasonic diffusers work like cold humidifiers, making them a great choice if you want to add moisture to the air, especially during the cold season.
3. Evaporative diffuser
In this type of diffuser, drops of essential oils are added to a pad or water. A small electric fan blows air at the water or pad, which causes the oils to evaporate into the air.
One drawback of this method of using essential oils is that the lighter components of the oil evaporate and disperse more quickly than the heavier elements, making the delivery unbalanced. Evaporative fan diffusers are also loud and consume more electricity.
Reed diffusers are also considered evaporative diffusers. They use rattan sticks with tiny channels that allow the essential oil to travel up and scent the room.
4. Heat diffusers
Heat diffusers use heat to turn oil into gas, this can change the properties of the essential oil. The different types of heat diffusers include candle diffusers, electric heat diffusers, and lamp rings diffusers. Heating oils can also pose a potentially dangerous risk as some oils are flammable.
The heat diffusers have the same drawbacks as that of the evaporative diffusers – the potential fractioning of the air. But since they work silently, they are a popular choice.
PRO TIP– For beginners new to essential oils the best way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils from a diffuser is using the Ultrasonic diffuser. The ease of adding small amounts of essential oil and water into a relatively quiet diffuser make this type of diffuser a favorite. Plus you get the greatest scent dispersal with a minimal effort many times scenting the entire room.
Now that you know how do essential oil diffusers work, let us read about the various benefits of essential oil diffusers.
Oil diffuser benefits
1. Calming the Mind
We all experience stress in our life from time to time. But when stress starts affecting the quality of your daily life, you must seek help from a professional. When you want to create a peaceful oasis away from the hectic world outside essential oils can help.
Essential oils directly affect the part of the brain that can help relax and calm the mind. Diffusing essential oils like lavender oil, rose, neroli, and chamomile promote feelings of relaxation and calm your busy mind.
2. Promotes good sleep
Sleep deprivation is a serious health issue. Not getting a good night's sleep can affect us mentally, physically, and emotionally. It can lead to concentration issues, irritability and mood issues, and even caffeine addiction.
Diffusing essential oils in your room can help support sleep by relaxing and soothing you.
Lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, and marjoram effectively help your mind relax and promote good sleep. You can also create a blend of lavender, rose, and roman chamomile and use it in your electronic diffuser.
3. Supports memory and concentration
Many essential oils have adaptogenic qualities. They help to soothe us when we are stressed and boost us up when we are feeling low and sluggish. But did you know, diffused oils can also help support memory and focus?
Rosemary, lavender, peppermint, cypress, lemon, and basil are a few essential oils that you can diffuse to support focus and memory.
A try this favorite blend of two drops of cypress, cedarwood, and lemon each and add them to a diffuser of your choice to support your concentration.
4. Supports respiratory health
Essential oil diffusers can really help support your respiratory health. For instance, the active ingredients in the eucalyptus oil offer a refreshing experience when inhaled.
You can also diffuse tea tree oil, clary sage, fir, frankincense, ravensara, pine and peppermint oil for an invigorating and awakening aroma. Peppermint essential oil diffuser benefits are not limited to supporting respiratory health; this versatile oil also supports memory and alertness, supports fatigued muscles with a cooling sensation when applied topically, and provides an instant energy boost.
5. Supports your immune system
A healthy immune system is key to a healthy life. It is our immune system that protects us against germs that may harm our bodies.
Essential oil diffusers can support your immunity by creating a calm environment, supporting the respiratory system, and soothing the nervous system. You can diffuse helichrysum oil, eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, and eucalyptus oil to support immunity.
Ultrasonic diffusers also double up as humidifiers also help keep your airways moist, allowing you to breathe easier and be less susceptible to germs.
6. Discourage insects
Most insect repellents are full of toxic chemicals that can be quite harmful to children and pets. Using an oil diffuser is an excellent way to discourage those pesky insects. Essential oils are a natural and safe alternative for avoiding insects. Different oils are unliked by different insects, so picking the right oils can be an outdoor game changer for you.
Here are some of the oils you want to use in your diffuser–
To replicate the scent of your favorite Mosquito candle try – lemongrass oil, peppermint, citronella
Fleas try- pine, citronella, cedarwood
Ticks- juniper, rose, geranium, grapefruit
Young Living has an insect repellent that is formulated with essential oils traditionally recommended for their bug-repellent properties. It is tested and verified to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas and prevent bug bites. I use it on my family all summer long.
7. Boosts energy
If you find yourself reaching for that cup of coffee halfway through your day, it may be time to opt for an essential oils diffuser instead. Essential oils also help to boost energy and brighten your mood. Their sweet and fresh aroma can help add a pep to your step.
You can diffuse essential oils like lemon essential oil, sweet orange, peppermint, and rosemary essential oil to give yourself that energy boost. Citrus Oils are some of the most popular for energizing and boosting energy.
Some of my favorite energy boosting diffuser recipes can be found using citrus oils
8. Eliminate odors
Diffusing essential oils can also help reduce stinky and musty odors from the house. What does an essential oil diffuser do to reduce odors? Diffusing specific essential oils can kill the bad smells and purify the air.
Eucalyptus, patchouli, and lemongrass essential oils are some of the best oils to diffuse to get rid of bad smells. Lemon, clove, and grapefruit can help combat odors caused by molds and mildew. Vanilla, verbena, and citronella can help reduce undesirable odors from your kitchen.
9. Safe scents
Unlike room fresheners or a scented candle, essential oil diffusers are a safe way of adding aroma to any room. Diffusers release essential oil scent molecules into the air and not chemicals, as is the case with room fresheners. Scented candles pose a risk of fire, while diffusers are pretty safe.
Another benefit of using diffusers to scent a room is that you can use different essential oils to add different aromas, depending on your mood and the health benefits you want to achieve.
Want more information on the dangers of essential oil diffusers? check out our post – Dangers of essential oil diffusers, 5 mistakes you need to avoid making
10. Cost saving
Last but definitely not least, one of the best benefits of aromatherapy diffuser is that it saves money. This one device is a room freshener, stress reliever, sleep supporter, energy booster, and mosquito repellent; all rolled into one.
Pros and cons of essential oil diffusers
You are now aware of all the incredible benefits of essential oil diffusers. But some of you may still be unsure. Are diffusers safe? Are diffusers healthy? – you may be wondering. Let us look at some of
pros and cons of diffusers.
Pros of essential oil diffusers
- It's a great way to freshen up the air in the room without adding toxic chemicals
- Require little effort and no change to your routine to set up and run an essential oil diffuser.
- You can easily change the scent to what you want it to be.
- Provide several health benefits.
- Carrier oils are not required for diffusing
Cons of essential oil diffusers
- Getting started with essential oils and a diffuser can get pricey in the beginning.
- Some people may be allergic to essential oils. Check with your doctor before you start diffusing oils.
- Not all essential oils and diffusers are the same. You need to research and check whether the oils you are using are pure and safe.
- Many people do not know how do essential oil diffusers work. It can be confusing to know which kind of diffuser is the best for you and what essential oil combinations can work the best for you.
FOR BEGINNERS WE RECOMMEND THIS BLOG POST-
Oil in diffuser 101 – All you need to know about diffusing essential oils
Oil diffuser benefits FAQ.
What is the purpose of an essential oil diffuser?
An essential oil diffuser is used to fill the air with tiny, breathable particles of beneficial essential oils. It fills the room with the scent of the essential oils creating a pleasant smelling ambiance. It also provides numerous health benefits depending on which oil is diffused in the diffuser.
Are diffusers healthy for you?
Yes, diffusers are healthy for you as long as you correctly use them. Prolonged use of a diffuser can cause you more harm than good. Talk to a trained aromatherapist to learn how to use diffusers and different essential oils in the correct manner and dilution to get the best therapeutic effects.
Why is a diffuser good for you?
A diffuser can make your home smell nice, and it is good for your health as well. When you add different essential oils to your diffuser, you can get a whole lot of benefits like stress relief, energy boost, improved concentration, and a better night's sleep.
Is it okay to use a diffuser every day?
When it comes to diffusing essential oils, less is more. It would be best if you did not leave it on all day. Keep it on for 30 minutes which is enough to disperse the oil throughout the room. Please turn it off for at least an hour before you turn it on again.
Does diffusing essential oils work?
Yes, diffusing essential oils works. In fact, it is one of the easiest and safest ways to reap the benefits of different essential oils.
Final thoughts
Diffusing essential oils in a diffuser is one of the best ways to gain their benefits. As mentioned earlier, there are four main types of diffusers, and each one works differently. You can choose a diffuser, depending on how and where you wish to use it. The benefits of diffusing essential oils diffusers may vary from person to person, but they are a safe option when used correctly. Make sure you learn how do oil diffusers work before you diffuse different essential oils in them.
Written by Manveen Grewal , Edited by Ruth Rackley