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There are many health benefits to using essential oils. Diffusing the oils brings them to a whole new level and will have a big impact on your family’s health and the health of your home environment.
There are four types of diffusers.
Types of Diffusers:
Nebulizer – There is no water or heat with this type of diffuser. You attach the essential oil bottle and then it disperses the oil into the air. This will give you a large concentration of oil. Since nebulizing diffusers work so powerfully they are usually louder than other types of diffusers. They also use the oils at a faster rate than any other types of diffusers so it will end up costing you more to use.
Evaporative – Evaporative diffusers are basic. The oil sits on a pad or filter and a fan blows air through and vaporizes the oil that is on the pad. When an essential oil evaporates, some of the lighter components of the oil evaporate faster than the heavier components. Instead of getting the whole oil all at once, you get a higher percentage of the lighter components in the beginning and a higher percentage of the heavier components towards the end. This can cause diminished therapeutic properties. These are not ideal to use in a big room, it’s more for personal space like in your car or in a necklace. I have one that I plug in to an outlet and use in the bathroom. It is used solely for scent purposes.
Heat – This diffuser is only good for making your home smell good. Heat will alter the chemistry of the oils and they will no longer have their therapeutic properties.
Ultrasonic – This diffuser uses ultrasonic vibrations to diffuse the oil instead of heat. The oils are diluted down since water is used. The therapeutic properties of the oils stay in tact. Due to the water also being dispersed it acts as a humidifier which is great if you are using it at night to help you sleep.
I have two Ultrasonic diffusers and absolutely love them! I have Green Air, Pure Enrichment, and Joly Joy You can purchase these from Amazon. Below is a picture of the Joly Joy Ceramic Diffuser. It’s so pretty!
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Diffuser
- How many square feet it covers
- How long does it diffuse
- If it has a light can you turn it off
- Does the diffuser shut off once the water is gone
- How easy is it to clean
- How loud is it. (Read the reviews to get an idea. The two I have do make a faint noise, it’s not enough to keep you awake.)
Why Use a Diffuser
***Note: I have included some oil suggestions. There are many oils you can use in each category, this is just a good starting point. Also, if you are going to use around children please refer to the Essential Oils by Age Chart so you don’t use an oil that is not safe for them.***
Cleans the Air & Helps you Breathe: Have you ever had someone over that was sick and now you are stuck in the room with all their germs that they left, praying that you won’t get sick too? Diffusing will kill viruses, bacteria, pathogens and anything else that is in the air. While you are diffusing you will breathe in the benefits which will help you to remain healthy and it will make your room smell nice. Some oils carry anti-inflammatory properties which can help aid those with asthma, allergies, and congestion. Oils for allergies: peppermint, breathe ease (not for asthmatics) and tea tree. Oils to clean the air include lemon, lavender, tea tree and purify
Keep You Healthy: Some oils are anti-microbial which means the oils get to the pathogens in the air before they get to you. Pretty amazing, right? Also, some essential oils are immunity boosters. Try fortify, immune strength, and rosemary.
Calm Children: Are you faced with an overtired, frustrated, or whiny child? Diffusing oils can help to calm them down. Oils to try vetiver, cedarwood and lavender
Give you Energy and Lift Your Mood: Grapefruit, bergamot, lemon and orange are great for giving you a boost of energy and increase your mood.
Relaxation and Help you Sleep: Many essential oils can stimulate the release of hormones, serotonin and dopamine in the brain which leads to a more restful and uninterrupted sleep. Oils good for sleep include bergamot, vetiver and lavender. (Lavender is a favorite in our house.)
Improve Cognitive Function: Using essential oils in a diffuser is an effective way to amp up your brain cells. Oils can level out your mood which can help you to focus. Oils to try peppermint, eucalyptus, and mind alive
Alternative to Scented Candles: Some Scented Candles have chemicals, such as toluene and benzene, which can cause damage to the brain, lungs and central nervous system. They can also cause asthma and other respiratory issues
Repel Insects: lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, purify, and eucalyptus
Reduce Stress and Anxiety: lavender, frankincense, and chamomile.
Weight Loss: Some oils can curb your appetite like grapefruit, lavender, and orange.
Whew! That’s quite a list. I hope you have a good place to start or ideas to add to your essential oil protocol.
Do you diffuse oils? Which ones are your favorites?
Read more about why Essential Oils are wonderful and the ones I use: Why Essential Oils are Great and Which Ones I Use to Keep my Family Healthy
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