The Benefits of Using a Diffuser with Essential Oils

With the rising popularity of essential oils and other natural holistic treatments, it is only natural that we explore the benefits of diffusing our favorite essential oils. Diffusers are an affordable, healthy, and relaxing way to take full advantage of all the benefits essential oils offer us. 

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is just one of these holistic treatments we have already made mention of. This kind of healing treatment uses natural plant extracts that promote health and well-being. It also goes by the name of essential oil therapy.

The aromatic essential oils can help improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. This treatment has been gaining more recognition in both the science and medicine fields.

Aromatherapy works through your sense of smell and skin absorption. Diffusers are just one of the convenient ways you can use essential oils.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Some of the more common benefits of aromatherapy include pain management, improved quality of sleep, reduced stress, reduced anxiety, can help improve hospice and palliative care. In addition, it can also help improve digestion, fight bacteria, fungus, viruses, help treat headaches and soothe sore joints.

How Does a Diffuser Work?

A basic essential oil diffuser works by evenly dispersing essential oils into the air so they can then be inhaled and absorbed by the body. An added benefit to its healing properties is the pleasant and appealing scent that wafts through the air. This can also kill any bacteria and fungus that may be present while purifying the air in your home.

Types of Diffusers

There are a few different diffuser types to choose from. We will go over each quickly then give our recommendation on which is the best for aromatherapy and why.

Ultrasonic Diffusers

These diffusers use vibrations to break down the essential oils. It turns them into microparticles that can be dispersed through the air in a very fine mist. This process isn’t noisy, so it is the ideal solution for when you are sleeping or when you are in the office. No heat is used with this kind of diffuser, so the integrity of the essential oils stays intact.

This kind of diffuser uses a mix of water and essential oils as well to create the fine mist that disperses into the air. It is important to note that when you introduce water, the essential oils may become diluted, which lessens their positive health effects. 

Heat Essential Oil Diffusers

This kind of diffuser heats the oil until it evaporates into the air. Thicker oil is best when heating is involved because it allows for more even dispersal of the essential oils. They are an economical option, but the heat can change the integrity of the oils at a chemical level. When this happens, the health benefits you can find when using the oils are slightly diminished. 

Evaporative Diffusers

With this kind of diffuser, the essential oils begin to evaporate and are then released into the air as the oils go from a liquid to a gas state. This is done with a small fan in the diffuser. It blows the air past the essential oils you add, which causes the oil to evaporate at a much faster rate. 

One of the biggest drawbacks to this kind of diffuser is when the essential oil evaporates, the heavier components aren’t dispersed as quickly as the lighter ones, so you may miss out on the full benefits of the essential oils.

Nebulizing Diffusers

These diffusers are one of the most popular because they don’t require any heat or water to work. These units also do not contain any plastic, which is an added benefit. This diffuser works by using pressurized air and oil. A stream of air blows over a small tube, and this creates a vacuum that successfully pulls the essential oil to the surface where it is then blown around the room in a fine mist.

The essential oils are perfectly distributed with a nebulizing diffuser. The integrity of each oil you use remains intact because of the absence of heat and water. Therefore, you are able to take full advantage of all the benefits your essential oils have to offer.

So, which is best?

As you can see, the nebulizing diffuser is the best choice for aromatherapy. Not only does the oil’s benefits and healing properties stay intact, but you will also find that it disperses more evenly than with the other diffusers. It also puts a larger amount of oil into the air which is helpful when you need it the most.

More Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils

The following are some of the more common benefits along with some hidden benefits of using a diffuser for your essential oils:

• Achieve more balanced emotions
• Promote rest and relaxation
• Support a healthy immune system
• Freshen and purify the air
• Support healthy respiratory functions

Common Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

Now that you know all the benefits you can get by using a diffuser with your essential oils, let’s take a look at some of the more popular oils commonly used for aromatherapy.

Lavender. This is one of the most popular and most versatile essential oils. It is a must-have for any home. It helps to create a calming atmosphere and promotes better sleep.

Lemon. This is another good go-to for the diffuser. It has a very refreshing pleasant scent and can easily deodorize the home while removing potential pathogens from the air.

Ylang-Ylang. This can help balance both male and female energy while restoring the balance in your life.

Lemongrass. This has a fresh scent and helps you feel more awake. It is ideal for diffusing in the morning for a pick me up.

Cedarwood. This has a rich and earthy scent. It does wonders when it comes to having a calming effect on your mood. 

If you are looking to achieve mental clarity, you want to uplift your mood, or you just want to relax and calm your brain, then diffusing essential oils in the home is a great way to accomplish all this while also taking advantage of all the benefits aromatherapy has to offer.

Remember, it is best to use a nebulizing diffuser that doesn’t require any heat or water. This will keep your essential oils in their best state allowing you to take full advantage of their healing power and properties.