A diffuser is an easy way to distribute essential oils into the air and spread the delightful therapeutic smell of essential oils throughout your home or workplace.
Using diffusers is one of the simplest and most effective methods to get the advantages of aromatherapy. Essential oils are intended to be sniffed and enjoyed, and diffusers aid in dispersing the fragrance molecules that comprise essential oils. More than any other sense, our sense of smell can change our mood and researchers have shown that the scents of essential oils stimulate our brain.
Breathing in molecules of essential oil activates the amygdala which is the area of the brain responsible for managing our emotions and memories.
This explains why certain aromas can create a high sense of wellness, physical well-being, and psychological health.
Different types of diffusers work in different ways, but the basic process is the same. The diffuser breaks down the essential oil into tiny particles, which are then dispersed into the air.
Active Diffusers use a stimulus like electricity, ultrasonic vibrations, or airflow to diffuse essential oils. They can fill large spaces with the aroma of your favourite oils in a short period of time.
There are three main classifications of active diffuser.
Nebulizing diffusers are believed to be the best form of oil diffuser. They emit a highly concentrated fragrance by atomising the essential oil into fine particles. Pressurized air disperses the resulting micro-mist of oils into the environment. Unlike the other types of diffusers, nebulizers don’t use heat or water, so the essential oils remain pure and powerful.
Nebulizing diffusers are easy to use, and their effects are long-lasting. With some models, you drop the essential oils directly into the glass tub and refill, as needed. Others are made so that you can attach the bottle directly to the diffuser and it will refill itself. Either way, the tiny particles of oil will remain suspended in the air for hours. So even just 15 to 30 minutes of nebulizing will provide hours of benefit.
Ultrasonic (humidifying) essential oil diffusers create a cold mist, which is very suitable for therapeutic uses. They have water tanks that you fill up and then add the essential oils into. The unit has an internal vibrating disc, which facilitates the spread of essential oil microparticles into the air. The oil is not exposed to heat, which can alter its structure, and this helps to keep the therapeutic properties of the essential oil intact. Another upside is that, because ultrasonic diffusers also mist water particles into the air, they are helpful in winter and also in dry environments, where you might want to use a humidifier. The (slight) downside is that the water dilutes the essential oil, but you can compensate for this by running the diffuser for longer.
Heat diffusers involve adding a bit of water and a few drops of essential oil into a small ceramic bowl and either lighting a candle underneath it or turning on the switch if it is electronic. Once it’s warmed, the oil’s aroma will release into the air. These diffusers are inexpensive, they are silent in use, unlike electronic diffusers, and they can quickly disperse the oil’s scent through a small room. However, heat diffusing causes the essential oil to evaporate quickly, and it is also quite easy to burn the oil. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, even slight heat can chemically alter essential oils and you may not be able to maximize the aromatherapy potential of these oils.
Passive (evaporative) oil diffusers use only the air around us to disperse the essential oils and are a great option for people (and pets) that find the intense aroma output of active diffusers irritating and overpowering.
This kind of diffuser consists of natural materials that absorb the essential oils and distribute the aroma into the space over time. They emit a subtle aroma of essential oils, and it is important to keep in mind that passive diffusion will usually not provide a noticeable scent in a large open room.
Passive diffusers are perfect for smaller spaces like a desk, small bathroom or bedside table and a great option for those with aroma sensitivities or for people who prefer less intense diffusion.
The absence of any stimulus to diffuse the essential oils means that passive diffusers can be safer to use. They provide continuous diffusion all day long without the need for electricity, water, or heat to disperse the oils. As with all diffusers, these must be kept out or reach of children and pets.
An essential oil diffuser can convert your house into a haven. Adding a diffuser to a room can instantly create a peaceful atmosphere and uplift with a beautiful aroma. There’s nothing better than walking into a room that’s been fragranced with a beautifully calming scent. Diffusers are also great for unwinding and relieving stuffy air, making winter the perfect time to use them.