What are diffusers and are they safe?
If you are into essential oils, chances are that you’ve heard of diffusing essential oils. What is a diffuser? A diffuser is a device that disperses aromatic molecules into the air. It’s a simple way to add a subtle yet noticeable aroma to any space that allows you to get creative with your essential oils. Plus, science says that diffusing certain blends can help battle unwanted germs, alleviate insomnia, and even boost concentration.
Inhalation by diffusion is one of the safest and most effective ways to reap the benefits of essential oils. In fact, it’s the fastest way to get essential oils into your bloodstream! However, there is some confusion about how to do it safely and effectively. Here is a primer on how to choose the right oils and diffuser for your needs.
What types of diffusers are available and how are they different?
The most common diffuser on the market is known as an ultrasonic diffuser, An ultrasonic diffuser is an electronic diffuser which disperses Essential Oils into the air. Diffusers work by breaking the Essential Oil particles down into micro-molecules & then diffusing them into the air as negative ions. Another advantage of ultrasonic diffusers is that not much essential oil is needed to produce a noticeable yet subtle aroma. It is super easy to use; simply fill the container with regular water, add in essential oils, then press the mist button.
There is no exact science to diffusing. There’s also no standard recommendation for how long to diffuse your oils. A standard rule of thumb is to diffuse for 15 to 20 minutes, which is more than enough time to saturate a standard-size room with scent molecules. A general best practice is to diffuse roughly 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per 100 mL of water in an ultrasonic diffuser and 5 to 15 drops of essential oil Remember, a little goes a long way.
There are a number of factors that affect how well diffusion works. First, each essential oil will stay in the air for a different amount of time. Top notes, like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus typically evaporate within an hour or two. Middle notes, like rosemary, geranium, and chamomile, often aromatically evaporate within two to four hours. And heavier base notes, like myrrh, cedarwood, and ginger can be detected by for five or more hours and may even linger for days. Creating balanced synergies can help make a scent last longer or enhance overall therapeutic benefit. For example, combining top notes with complementary base notes helps stabilize the more volatile top note chemicals, making them detectable longer than diffusing just that single note.
The environment also affects diffusion. Room temperature and air circulation can cause molecules to evaporate more or less quickly. For example, warm spaces create greater excitement within bonds of aromatic molecules, which causes them to vanish rapidly. So you may need to add a few extra drops if you’re diffusing in a particularly hot room.
Does the Purity of the Essential Oil Matter?
Absolutely! Certified Essential oils distilled from wild harvested and organic plant material are always the most potent. So be sure to add only 100 percent pure essential oils to the diffuser to avoid the hassle of clogging it and needing to clean it after every use.
While inhalation and diffusing are wonderful and easy ways to integrate essential oils into your routine, keep in mind that you should always diffuse in a well-ventilated area and make sure that what you’re diffusing is safe for pets, children, or anyone else who may be around.
