The Benefits of an Oil Diffuser
An oil diffuser is one of the easiest ways to introduce elements of wellness into your home. You simply add your chosen essential oil to a diffuser with water and it pumps out a fine mist of scent throughout the room.
Be careful about certain oils that can trigger respiratory distress if inhaled directly. It’s best to use diluted oil when possible.
Calming
Essential oils can have a calming effect when inhaled. By lowering blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate, they can help ease feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also promote deep breathing, which is helpful during times of distress as well as during times when you just need to take a step back and recenter yourself.
You can find a variety of oil diffusers to use for calming purposes, from electricity-free reed diffusers that soak up essential oils through the wick and disperse them into the air, to electric diffusers that run on electrical power and emit a mist that diffuses the scent into the air. The choice of which one to use will depend on the desired outcome and the size of the space where you plan to place the diffuser.
Regardless of which type you choose to purchase, it is important that the oils you use are labeled for aromatherapy and produced using clean distillation methods. You should also follow the brand’s recommendations regarding the number of drops to add to your diffuser. Too many drops can overpower the fragrance, which will not provide any health benefits. However, as you become more familiar with your diffuser and how the oils affect you, you may want to experiment with different concentrations to figure out what works best for you.
Energy Boosting
Energizing scents can help you stay alert and productive throughout the day. Try a blend with citrus oils like grapefruit and lemon to refresh your mood and boost energy levels. Or, opt for a brisk, refreshing fragrance with oil-rich blends like peppermint and eucalyptus. These can also provide an instant pick-me-up on those days when you need to focus and clear your mind.
You can use an electric diffuser or a basic reed diffuser, which uses the same vaporation process that you find in everything from puddles to ocean water as heat from the surrounding environment causes moisture to turn into a mist. Add your chosen essential oil to the water reservoir of the diffuser and plug it in. Follow the instructions for your specific model to determine how much oil to use.
Regardless of the type of oil diffuser you choose, Nelson warns that anyone who wants to try an essential oil should do their research first and check in with a doctor to see if there are any concerns. In particular, anyone who has allergies should be cautious about trying any new oils because of the possibility of irritation. Those who have pets should also be cautious because some oils could be toxic to animals aromatherapy diffuser when inhaled. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to consult with your doctor before using an oil diffuser.
Stress Reliever
When you use an oil diffuser to scent the air, the vaporized essential oils are inhaled and pass through the nose and lungs into your bloodstream, where they can act on the limbic system of your brain. This can have a direct effect on your nervous system, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
For a more targeted approach, apply the essential oil directly to your skin or put it in a carrier oil like olive, rose or jojoba and massage it into the areas most affected by tension and stress. Adding essential oil to your bath is another way to enjoy their relaxing effects and can help you unwind at the end of a long day.
Try diffusing a combination of the following essential oils to create a stress-relieving aroma: Roman chamomile has calming properties and encourages feelings of peace; neroli promotes confidence and hopefulness; clary sage is an invigorating oil with antidepressant effects; and sandalwood’s musky, woodsy scent has been used for centuries in yoga and meditation to enhance connection and grounding [source]. Be sure to aromatherapy diffuser follow your oil diffuser’s recommendations for the number of drops to add. You may also want to avoid certain oils, including eucalyptus and peppermint, which can trigger respiratory distress side effects like shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Sleep Aid
If you struggle with a restful sleep, an essential oil diffuser can help. You can try a single oil or a combination of oils, such as ylang-ylang and lavender, which are both known for their calming properties.
The oils that you use in an oil diffuser are highly concentrated plant extracts that can interact with your brain to improve mood and sleep. There’s a growing body of research on aromatherapy and sleep, including studies showing that essential oils can reduce stress and anxiety and help you fall asleep faster.
A diffuser works by vaporizing the essential oil into the air, which is then inhaled. You can find a variety of oil diffusers at big-box stores, discount retailers, and home and department stores (our handcrafted Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is sold at many of these places).
The food and drug administration doesn’t regulate essential oils, so it’s important to read labels carefully. Look for “clean” distillation methods, which avoid chemical solvents. Avoid oils that contain terpene, which can cause respiratory distress, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Also, anyone who has an existing lung condition like asthma should be cautious about using an oil diffuser, because some oils can trigger symptoms. Finally, anyone who has pets should check with their vet before introducing an oil diffuser into the house.
