How an Oil Diffuser Can Transform Your Home Into an Aromatic Oasis
Whether allergies are taking their toll or winter dry air is making breathing difficult, an oil diffuser is a simple solution. These devices work through evaporation, when heat in the room causes the essential oil to perfume the air.
You can choose a signature blend of oils that are therapeutic for you, such as an uplifting mix with bergamot and cardamom or calming blend with geranium, frankincense and mandarin.
How to Use
The most popular oil diffusers utilize ultrasonic waves and water to disperse the scents of your chosen oils. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small to large and affordable to high-end. To use one, simply fill it with room temperature water (check the guidance chart for specifics), add in your chosen essential oil or oil blend and set it to work!
Some essential oils have well-known therapeutic properties, helping to lower blood pressure, relieve stress, calm the mind and encourage sleep. Others may help elevate moods, boost cognitive function and alleviate pain. And, because they’re so easy to incorporate into daily life, they make self-care a breeze.
However, the most important thing to remember is to be careful using an oil diffuser with children and pets. Many oils are toxic to animals and can be dangerous to the young, so it’s vital that you follow safe etiquette when adding aromatherapy to your home. For example, avoid a diffuser with your pet’s bed, and keep it away from children’s toys or play areas. For best results, a small diffuser can be placed on your coffee table and used throughout the day or evening to promote relaxation. A larger diffuser, like an atomizer, can be kept in your bedroom to support a restful night’s sleep.
Choosing Your Oils
Using essential oils to scent the air is a great alternative to candles, which burn and emit toxic chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, levels of indoor air pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor ones, largely due to the chemicals released by many popular scented candles and other household products.
Adding just a few drops of oil to the water reservoir of your diffuser is a simple, safe way to freshen up any space in your home without adding harmful synthetic fragrances or chemical-laden odors. Essential oils are highly concentrated and only need a small amount to provide an uplifting aroma that can be reassuring or relaxing to the senses.
Choose from a wide variety of oils, and make sure you have the right diffuser for your needs. “Look for an easy-to-clean unit that can be run continuously or intermittently,” says Nelson. You also want one that ultrasonic diffuser has a built-in timer, as too long of an exposure can result in respiratory distress side effects (shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing), particularly for those with asthma or COPD.
As you begin to explore the world of essential oils, experiment with a few different smells by removing the lids from each bottle and holding them under your nose to see how they mix together. For example, ylang-ylang oil has a sweet, exotic scent that promotes feelings of relaxation. The same goes for patchouli, which helps reduce anxiety and boosts self-esteem.
Creating a Signature Blend
A well-crafted scent is the perfect complement to any wellness routine. Diffusing essential oils is one ultrasonic diffuser of the easiest ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily life. It takes a minimum of effort for big impact and can transform your home into a serene oasis.
But what if you want to up your aromatherapy game with something more personalized? Creating your own signature oil blend allows you to harness the power of aromatherapy and make it completely your own. And what’s more, it’s a lot of fun too!
If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for essential oil blends that align with your wellness goals. There are plenty of options available on the market, ranging from mood boosters to sleep aids. Then, pick your favorite scents and test them out to see what hits the mark.
Keep in mind that different oils have varying chemical compounds that can affect the body differently. So, when you’re selecting a blend, test out the aromas by holding each oil up to your nose and sniffing to see what it smells like. Then, compare that to the oils you’ve selected for your diffuser blend.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your space when deciding on a diffuser. If you’re scenting a large room, consider a high-capacity model that holds up to half a gallon of water. This option can run for up to 20 hours on a single fill, and it even acts as a humidifier for added benefits.
Getting Started
If you’re new to essential oils, getting started with an oil diffuser is a great way to enjoy the benefits. A few drops of oil in a diffuser can turn your home or office into an aromatic spa, and there are plenty of settings on most models to help you customize the experience.
First, choose your preferred scent. Remember that essential oils are super concentrated and you only need a few drops at a time. Nelson advises newcomers to start small and add more drops only if necessary.
Once you’ve filled the tank, you can plug in the device and press a button to start distributing vapor. Different types of oil diffusers work in slightly different ways, but all models create a fine mist of essential oils and distribute the aroma throughout the room. Ultrasonic models use vibrations to break down the oil and diffuse its fragrance, while nebulizing models like our top pick, the Pura smart diffuser, dispense more potent undiluted essential oils.
It’s important to keep in mind that some essential oils may cause respiratory distress or irritate your skin, so be careful about where you place your oil diffuser and what kind of oils you use. And as with any device, it’s a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it. It might take some experimentation to find the right combination of settings that make your home or office smell amazing.