While aromatherapy has been around since the 10th century, it has recently picked up some popularity (rightfully so). We credit the popularity gained to the advancement in diffuser technology. Before essential oil diffusers were made, it wasn’t as convenient to have your favorite smells dispersed throughout your home. If you aren’t sure what diffusers do, or if you’re considering joining the aromatherapy club, then keep reading! We’re here to educate you on all things diffusers and essential oils alike.
What Is a Diffuser?
Essentially, a diffuser is a device that breaks down oils into smaller, more breathable molecules and then disburses those molecules throughout a given area or space.
While essential oils are used for aromatherapy purposes, the effects of the oil are dependent on the essential oil you choose to diffuse. For example, lavender essential oil helps promote sleep, while clary sage essential oil can be used for hormone balancing and symptoms of PMS.
Why Use a Diffuser?
Diffusing essential oils in your home not only will get your house smelling amazing, but it’s also beneficial to your health.
Diffusing essential oils can help calm your nerves and stress through aromatherapy, not to mention it leaves any room feeling calmer and more pleasant smelling.
We love candles as much as the next person, but we also love the convenience a diffuser offers. There is no need to stress over a candle burning the house down because you forgot to blow it out. Plus, you’ll get your money’s worth from a diffuser!
Best Diffusers To Use
You may think that there is only one type of diffuser, but we’re here to tell you that’s not the case. There are quite a few options, so we want to clarify which are the best—follow our guide, and it’ll make shopping for your new diffuser a breeze!
Electric Diffusers
These diffusers are a low maintenance choice—no heat or water required. The objective is the same as your traditional diffusers; however, the process is a bit different.
This diffuser uses pressurized air to diffuse essential oils into a mist. A small vacuum pulls the oil into a distribution tube where the oil is then dispersed into the air; next, a sweet-smelling aroma fills the room.
These diffusers are best used in smaller rooms or apartments as the scent only travels around 500 feet. That’s not to say they won’t work in a bigger home - you just might need to buy a few extras!
Humidifying Diffuser
Humidifying diffusers are the most common and traditional type of diffuser. These diffusers use water to break down the thick essential oils into a fine mist. That mist is then disbursed through the carrier tube and spritz around your room of choice.
Humidifying diffusers are great because they can reach a bit more distance than the electric ones. Expect any 500-foot radius of your diffuser to smell your lovely Bubbly Belle essential oil scent of choice!
Essential Oils That Work Best for Diffusers
Contrary to popular belief, not all essential oils are beneficial when used in a diffuser. Some essential oils are used as topical products. Just because an essential oil works to soothe itchy skin when applied directly to the skin, doesn’t mean it will have the same effect if diffused in a diffuser.
We know it can get tricky when you’re shopping for essential oils, so we’re here to let you know which ones to avoid and which ones to put in your cart immediately.
No matter the essential oil used, it will give you at least one benefit—leaving your house smelling amazing. However, it is smart to shop wisely. If there is a specific reason for you getting a diffuser, then it is best to shop for essential oils that will be beneficial to you.
Essential Oils for When You Can’t Sleep
Many essential oils can help promote better sleep. When you diffuse one of these essential oils, they can help you fall asleep quicker and rest longer!
Lavender oil: We’re sure you’ve heard that the scent of lavender can promote better sleep - well, we’re here to confirm it. By diffusing lavender right before bed can help you fall asleep quicker! Lavender is also great to calm your nerves and help you relax.
Chamomile oil: If the scent of lavender isn’t your thing, don’t stress—other oils can help you get your much-needed beauty rest. This calming and soothing subtle floral scent has an apple-tinged fragrance. Inhaling these scents produces an instant calming and relaxed sensation. What better way to wind down after a busy day than experiencing that? We get sleepy just thinking about it!
Essential Oils for When You’re Anxious
Anxiety is a considerable issue for many people, and aromatherapy has been a huge help to tons. While, of course, if you struggle with anxiety or mental health, consulting a medical professional is always your best bet. But that’s not to say essential oils are of no help to you.
Essential oils have been used through aromatherapy for hundreds of years to help soothe and relax people’s minds.
If you’re having an extra stressful day and this is triggering your anxiety, then you should consider popping these oils into your diffuser.
Bergamot Orange: Bergamot is a common essential oil used when trying to soothe anxious feelings. We all have those stressful days of life and work, and there is no better feeling than inhaling a relaxing and soothing whiff of sweet citrus orange!
Clary Sage: Like bergamot orange, the scent of clary sage essential oil can help reduce stress and calm anxious nerves.
Essential Oils for When You Have a Headache
A bad headache or migraine can feel debilitating. If you’re tired of popping Tylenol left and right in hopes of soothing a bad headache, then you should instead try these essential oils.
Essential oils have great healing properties that can promote the soothing of migraines or headaches.
Peppermint: Whether your headache is due to a hormonal imbalance, stress, tension, or even a hangout - peppermint essential oil should be your first choice. Peppermint oil is said to treat headaches by relaxing your muscles. This lessens the intensity, promotes blood flow, and eliminates inflation.
Eucalyptus: We get that peppermint is a powerful smell, so if the scent isn’t your thing, you should try eucalyptus instead. Eucalyptus offers a much more subtle scent but still gives you the same result as peppermint.
How Essential Oils Are Made
Now that you’re an expert on all things diffusers and essential oils, we think you might find this information fascinating.
Essential oils are super cool, but the way they are made is even cooler. Yes, you now know what essential oils are good for and which ones to use when; but we have even more interesting facts about essential oils for you!
Let’s talk about how these awesome and beneficial oils are made! First off, all essential oils are derived from natural plants, flowers, or seeds.
The plant’s oils are extracted by steaming various plant parts. Next, the steamed plants are pressed; this helps retrieve the oil. The compounds being captured are the compounds that produce the fragrance.
Yes, essential oils are commonly known for their fragrance but that shouldn’t take away from their other attributes. Essential oils aren’t just pretty smelling, they serve well for tons of other purposes too!
Bubbly Fun Fact: It takes a lot of material to produce essential oils. It can take pounds of one plant to make a single essential oil bottle. A bottle of essential oils is a concentrate, so there are no additives. We know that essential oils can smell super strong when smelt right from the bottle, but that won’t be the case once they are in the diffuser. Since the oil is broken down by either water or air it should leave your oil smelling just strong enough. In other words, you don’t have to stress about getting smell sick from too powerful of a scent.
Diffuse Away
Diffusers are an interesting product that can offer tons of benefits. Even if your main objective of purchasing a diffuser is to have a more convenient way of getting your house smelling good, then you can see all the other benefits as a plus.
Aromatherapy is excellent for your physical and mental health. Next time you have one of those rough, tough, and stressful days, just think about relaxing next to your diffusing. Take the downtime to read a book or scroll through your social media of choice. We don’t care; as long as you’re able to wind down and relax!
Sources:
Aromatherapy Uses and Benefits | Healthline
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Using an Oil Diffuser | Byrdie
12 Essential Oils For a Better Night's Sleep | intrepid mental health