How to Use Essential Oil Diffusers for Aromatherapy

Essential oils have so many health benefits but they also smell amazing. It would be a shame not to use them to scent your home! For that, however, you need a diffuser.

I’d love to share a little bit of info on how to use an essential oil diffuser!

You can routinely use essential oils in your diffuser to create the exact ether for you and your family. Oils used in diffusers can be uplifting, energizing, immune-building, soothing and relaxing.

Also, they are anti-bacterial/viral/fungal and decongestant. We’ll be looking into the essential oils later. But, first, let’s talk about what a diffuser really is.

What Is An Essential Oil Diffuser?

Simply put, a diffuser dispenses and spreads a fragranced (herbal) mist. These widespread-used appliances have many benefits.

Everyone knows them as harbingers of great health.

The diffusing of oil dates back to ancient civilizations. Treatments of vapored oils would be used in healing diseases of all types.

Back then, diffusing essential oils was more difficult. But, now we have both science and art putting tremendous effort into creating high-tech devices.

Yet, you can diffuse essential oils in more simple ways without a diffuser too! But, more on that here.

How Do Diffusers Work?

The diffuser mixes water, essential oil fragrance, and heat to create a vapor/mist. It then ejects it into the atmosphere.

The heat helps break down the water and oil into micro-particles.

The good thing, nowadays new technology is minimizing the need for either heat or water. It instead brings in sonic waves to help produce the micro-particles.

Essential oils charge the air with negative ions. Thus, they have the ability to purify the air.

How to Use Essential Oil Diffuser?

With so many choices on the market, it can be daunting to choose a diffuser. Here is a quick look at three different diffusers.

1. How to Use a Terra-Cotta Dish Diffuser

Terra-cotta is fired clay well-known for its porous and absorbent qualities.

The diffuser is usually shaped like a small bowl or dish atop a base. It has a carved out space for a tea-light candle to be inserted. Also, patterned cut-outs to allow for ventilation.

It can also shape-shadows from the candlelight to reflect upon walls or surfaces.

So, pour a small amount of tepid water into the bowl part of the diffuser. Then, ignite the tea-light and add the essential oils to the water.

Basic glazed ceramic or terra-cotta diffusers are great value for money and you always get that ‘rustic’ feel when using this type of diffuser.

Keep it away from children so that they don’t burn themselves or the house.

2. How to Use Ultrasonic Diffuser

Commonly made from plastic, ultrasonic diffusers use no naked flames or smoke and require no heat source.

Therefore, there is a good element of safety in using this type of diffuser.  Instead of a heat source, this diffuser uses modern ultrasonic technology and therefore is very quiet in its working.

All you have to do is add your favorite essential oil or oil blend to the designated compartment. Then, switch the on the button, choose your favorite color for some mood lighting and enjoy the emanating calm.

This type of diffuser is portable. Safe for those who have children around!

Also, when it comes to price, it is affordable but can cost 3 to 4 times more than your basic diffuser.

Here are some of the best diffusers for large spaces to get an idea of what the prices are like.

3. How to Use Nebulizer Diffuser

Nebulizers work using atomizer technology. Like the ultrasonic, they do not use heat or water.

You just drop the essential oils in as is and diffuse.  Due to its atomizer ability Nebulizers give a much more potent, concentrated output of essential oils.

This type of diffuser is great for using in larger spaces and works for longer periods of time too.  It is more expensive, takes more oil and has a louder working mechanism than the ultrasonic.

On the plus side, there is an aesthetically pleasing range to choose from to suit any type of décor. The Nebulizer does require a bit more maintenance such as frequent cleaning and you will need a greater understanding of essential oils.

Nebulizers cannot use viscous oils (thicker, sap based).

Essential Oils You Can Use With These Diffusers

Here are a few essential oils you could use with this type of diffuser. Knowing how to use essential oil diffuser is not enough.

You also need to have an idea of how essential oils affect your skin and body in general.

1. Sandalwood

This essential oil is well known for its woodsy and sweet smell. It repairs DNA and has energizing properties (source).

Therefore, would be good to use it in the morning while the whole day is still ahead of you. It’s anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory too.

Thus, feel free to diffuse it whenever you’re feeling a little bit ill or just under the weather.

2. Frankincense

Many feel that frankincense essential oil calms them down and lets them relax.

It’s like a key to the spiritual world and self-awareness. It also helps with wrinkles and reduces acne blemishes. Surely, that’s something that could be appreciated by anyone.

Blend Sandalwood and Frankincense to help alleviate perennial allergic rhinitis.

3. Lavender

If you’re not a big fan of lavender, you might become one. It not only smells great but also offers so many diverse benefits. Its antioxidants slow aging and help your skin to get that healthy, youthful glow back. It relieves pain and reduces acne.

Additionally, studies show that it cures a headache too! Moreover, it reduces anxiety and helps to get some good, holly sleep. Therefore, it should probably be used before going to sleep.

4. Mandarin

Even those who don’t know how to use essential oil diffuser must have heard of this essential oil. It’s very simple and yet effective. Also, it can be anyone’s, who likes the smell of citrus fruits, favorite.

Studies show that mandarin can combat cancer due to its ability to inhibit tumor growth. It also reduces pain, anxiety and diminishes stretch marks.

5. Citronella

In case you have a problem with insects and you’re searching for a natural way to deal with that, then citronella is just for you. It repels insects, fights bacteria, fungi and fights respiratory infections.

It might be a good idea to use it in autumn/winter, when viruses and bacteria tend to catch us. It’s believed that it relaxes muscles too. Thus, you may want to use it with your nebulizer after the gym.

6. Geranium

Inflammations are caused by most of the health conditions and treating it is usually the way to go about getting rid of a disease. Geranium inhibits the skin’s inflammatory responses and helps your organism to fight with different issues a bit easier.

Use it to fight with dermatitis, reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, relieve stress and anxiety. Moreover, it repels insects just as citronella. Both you and your home will benefit from this little miracle.

Keep in mind that in high concentration essential oils can be potent so always look to ‘diffuse’ in a well-ventilated room or area.

Conclusion

Do you now have an idea on how to use essential oil diffuser at home? Have any questions? Would love to share a few ideas with all of us? Feel free to comment below! I’ll make sure to answer all of your questions too!