What if a few drops of oil could open your sinuses, provide instant stress relief, and even help you sleep better at night?
When you diffuse essential oils, this dream can be a welcome reality.
In today's fast-paced society, a ritual as simple and sacred of dropping oils into water and breathing them in can seem almost too basic. However, science has proven the effectiveness of essential oils time and again.
Ready to shift the mood, ignite your senses, and see how very far scent can take you? Today, we're sharing the benefits of a diffuser, along with ten reasons why it's smart to start diffusing oils today.
What is an Essential Oil Diffuser?
Before we dive into why you need them, let's recap what an oil diffuser is and how it works.
In short, a diffuser is a machine that breaks essential oils down into smaller molecules. In most designs, you'll fill it up with water to a predetermined line, and then add two to three drops of your preferred oil. Once you plug it in, the process begins.
Once it breaks them down, your diffuser will disperse molecules of the oil into the air, where you can enjoy their aromatic effect. A quality diffuser will create an even dispersal, keeping the concentration of particulates in the room at a comfortable level.
What Are the Different Types of Diffusers?
Just as there are many essential oils to choose from, there are also a few different kinds of diffusers. The exact one you need will depend on the intensity of effect that you wish to derive from the oils, along with your space limitations.
Let's take a look at four of the most common types.
Ultrasonic/Humidifying Diffusers
As its name implies, an ultrasonic diffuser breaks up oil molecules via ultrasonic vibrations. The result is a fine mist that permeates well in a small space.
Note that water is required to dilute the essential oil. Only then will the electronic frequencies in the oil release it into a mist. Do you suffer from dry skin, itchy eyes, or any other symptom that could point to low indoor humidity?
If so, an ultrasonic or humidifying diffuser can prove beneficial. In addition to oil molecules, they also project fine water droplets into the air, increasing relative humidity levels.
Nebulizing Diffusers
Instead of ultrasonic vibrations, nebulizing diffusers use pressurized air to create a fine mist of oil.
How does it work?
These diffusers include an integrated vacuum and distribution tube. The vacuum pulls the oil to the surface of the tube when the machine is turned on. As a result, the tube distributes a mist of aroma.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance model, this one is ideal, as it operates without water or heat.
Heat/Electric Diffusers
A heat diffuser uses heat to transform essential oils into fine gases. Most of these machines operate via electric heat.
While this type of diffuser can be powerful, it's important to understand that heating essential oils can alter their chemical makeup and as a result, their efficacy. However, this is the go-to machine if you need complete silence while you sleep or study.
Devoid of a fan or any type of motor, a heat diffuser is silent.
Evaporative Diffusers
Rather than using heat, an evaporative diffuser relies on a small fan to turn essential oils into gas. As the fan runs, the oil quickly evaporates into the air.
Again, this process can cause the oil to lose both efficacy and potency. Still, if you're on a time crunch and need to experience the benefits of essential oil diffusers immediately, it's one of the most fast-acting models on our list.
What Are the Benefits of a Diffuser?
You've heard about the health benefits of diffusing essential oils. You even purchased a few bottles at the urging of a friend. Now, you're looking at the tiny tubes and wondering how to use them!
Ultimately, there are myriad ways you can incorporate essential oils into your daily life. You can add them into recipes, create DIY household cleaners, incorporate them into your skincare routine, and much more.
Yet, when you want to truly experience the healing, calming, energizing, or grounding effects of your favorite oils, you need a diffuser. Let's review 10 of the top, hidden reasons why it's time to invest in one (or a few!) for your home today. Some of them might surprise you!
1. Better Shut-Eye
Are you one of the estimated 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic sleep problems? Even if you only toss and turn a few nights out of the week, you know the negative effects that a restless night can have on your health.
This is where an essential oil diffuser comes in!
When you diffuse calming scents such as lavender, rose, or clary sage, the scents can promote feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. Certain oils can also help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
To encourage your body to produce melatonin (the sleep-regulating hormone), lower the lights in your room as you plug in your diffuser!
2. Keep Germs at Bay
We could all use a stronger barrier against the onslaught of germs and bacteria that invade our personal space on a regular basis. Diffusing essential oils is one powerful step you can take to keep the cooties at bay.
How does it work?
First, many of the oils themselves (including lemongrass and eucalyptus) are anti-microbial. This means that when their organic compounds interact with the airborne pathogens in your room, they bind to them and eliminate them before they can enter your body.
If you run a humidifier diffuser, the effects of this step are magnified. In this case, if any microbes do make it into your body, they won't get very far. The humidity that these machines provide can lubricate your nasal passages and help you flush out the unwelcome visitors.
In addition, there are also some oils (such as frankincense) that help give your immune system a gentle boost, helping you stay as well as possible, even during flu season.
3. Brighten Your Mood
Feeling a little down? What about groggy?
Essential oils are not only great at helping you wind down when your mind can't seem to rest. There are some oils that can work in quite the opposite way!
Take cinnamon oil, for instance. This particular oil is known to deliver a powerful energy burst, making it the perfect oil to diffuse when you're feeling sluggish as soon as the day begins.
Then, there's bergamot, a citrus oil that scientists reveal can help generate positive feelings. You can also find specially-crafted essential oil blends designed to help you focus, calm your anxiety, and even boost your self-esteem!
4. Breathe Easier
Especially during the wintertime, it's common for your throat and nasal passages to dry out. This can cause those areas to become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe.
If you're tired of suffering from seasonal allergies or even chronic sinusitis, it can help to diffuse the right essential oils.
From peppermint and rosemary to lemon and eucalyptus, there are many oils that have a cooling and soothing effect on your sinuses. When paired with an ultrasonic/humidifying diffuser, these oils can help open your nasal passages and allow you to breathe easier at night.
5. Extended Pain Relief
You may already know that there are essential oils designed to provide targeted relief to bodily aches and pains. There are even some pain-fighting ointments and lotions that list essential oils in their key ingredients!
While applying these products can provide near-instant relief, you can extend those effects by diffusing the same oils. Ginger is an especially potent pain reliever that can help you address persistent, ongoing pain such as headaches, arthritis, and muscle exhaustion.
6. Safe Alternative to Candles/Air Fresheners
When you want to make your room smell great, you have three main choices: diffusers, candles, or air fresheners.
All three can permeate your home with a fresh, welcoming scent. Yet, oil diffusers win out by a landslide.
Why?
The molecules they release into the air actually serve to cleanse and purify it. On the other hand, candles and air fresheners might make the room smell good, but most of them also release chemicals into the air, some of which could be dangerous.
Then, there's the issue of risk.
Any time you have an open flame in your home, as with a candle, you create an immediate fire hazard. As long as the cord on your diffuser is in good condition, this is one issue you don't have to contend with at all. It's also important to follow all of the manufacturer's guidelines when using a heat diffuser!
7. Instant Stress Relief
Did you know your body has an actual, physical response to stress? Your heart begins to pound faster, your blood pressure rises, your muscles get tight, and your breath even quickens.
While inhaling essential oils might not make all of those symptoms go away in an instant, it can help you slowly return to a state of calm.
The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try diffusing jasmine, vetiver, holy basil, or any other essential oil blends formulated for stress relief. As you do, you'll find that your levels of cortisol, the stress-inducing hormone, will begin to recede.
8. Appetite Control
When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, certain essential oils can help keep your appetite in check!
While they won't work as an automatic fat-shedding solution, they can give your body the extra boost it needs to burn fat and reduce cravings.
One of the superstars in this category? Grapefruit oil.
When you ingest or inhale this oil, it activates certain enzymes in your body that help it shed fat. It also has an impact on your autonomic nerves. These are the nerves that help regulate some of your most vital functions, including your heart rate and appetite.
9. Send Insects Packing
Looking for a safer, greener, and more effective pest control solution than the chemical-heavy sprays at the store? Try diffusing essential oils, instead!
There are certain scents that bugs just won't go near, including clove, lemongrass, citronella, and thyme. Fill your diffuser with these and watch them scatter!
One of the best parts? This solution will work both indoors and outdoors! Set up a diffuser outside to keep mosquitoes and moths from ruining your summertime soiree. Then, bring it inside to ward off fruit flies and common house flies.
10. Stronger Cognitive Function
Trying to study for a big test? Have a major presentation at work that you need to prepare for?
In today's fast-paced world, there are distractions that tug at our attention on a minute-by-minute basis. To help you focus and concentrate, try diffusing essential oils in your home office!
Sweet orange, spearmint, and rosemary are only a few of the essential oils that are proven to help improve your concentration. Need an extra-strong kick? Add a few drops of the oil to a cotton ball and pull it out when you're feeling spaced out.
Invest in Your Health and Wellness Today
There are only a handful of household items that you use on a daily basis. An essential oil diffuse should be one of them.
The benefits of a diffuser listed are extensive, but this list is far from exhaustive. There are many other reasons why this is one of the smartest investments you can make for the future of your home and family.
When you're ready to further transform your living space from the inside out, we'd love to help. We offer a wide variety of comfort-centric products in our online shop, from diffusers and humidifiers to memory foam cushions and knee pillows.
Feel free to take a look around and contact us if you have any questions!
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