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The ultimate guide to essential oil diffusers: types, benefits and how to use them
Written byLaura Harcourt
Reviewed byHeeral Patel
Tired of air fresheners, or quickly burning through candles? Have a go at essential oil diffusers instead
Summary
1Why use an essential oil diffuser?
Other than giving off a wonderful smell, it turns out there are other benefits to using an aromatherapy diffuser...
2Types of essential oil diffusers
There are many types of oil diffusers available, from sleek electric diffusers for larger spaces to reed diffusers...
3Electric vs. reed diffusers: how do they work?
Electric aromatherapy diffusers use advanced technology to break down essential oils into tiny molecules...
Fill your home with delightful scents, whilst being safer, longer lasting and easy to use.
With essential oil diffusers, you can create a personalised aroma experience that goes beyond just making your home smell good. So, if you’re looking to transform your home and make it smell truly spa-like, here’s our run down of aromatherapy diffusers and why they’re a welcome addition to your well-being routine.
Why use an essential oil diffuser?
Other than giving off a wonderful smell, it turns out there are other benefits to using an aromatherapy diffuser.
Here’s seven reasons to add an aromatherapy diffuser to your home...
1. They allow you to create your signature scent
Blending essential oils in your electric aromatherapy diffuser is easy. You can combine a few drops of different essential oils together to create your own unique signature scent.
There’re many that complement each other, too. For instance, bergamot and cardamom are great for giving you an uplifting boost, while geranium, frankincense and mandarin make a perfect relaxing combination.
2. They offer a flameless fragrance
Sometimes, there's nothing quite like candlelight, but candles aren't the most practical choice for long-term fragrance – they burn down quickly, and we've definitely all had that sudden panic of realising we might have forgotten to blow one out!
Aromatherapy diffusers, on the other hand, offer a safer, flame-free and longer-lasting alternative. Better still, most electric diffusers have an automatic cut-off, so they’ll turn off when they run out of water. Plus, you can change the scent every time you use them, so you’re not just stuck with one.
3. They’re very versatile
Possibly the best benefit of a diffuser is simply how versatile they are. Whether you’re scenting a small room or a large, open plan space, your diffuser has got you covered.
Plus, they’re easy to move around and there’s so many different scents to choose from too, so if you fancy switching it up, you can.
4. They could help boost your focus
Did you know that your diffuser could work wonders for keeping you focused?
Many people say that using an essential oil diffuser helps them stay productive and focused – ideal for working from home or even for in the office.
5. They’ll help to cover up unpleasant smells
Whether it’s in your bathroom or kitchen, aroma diffusers are a perfect choice for helping to cover up unwanted smells.
Add a few drops of an essential oil like lemon, lemongrass or lime, to bring fresh, clean scents into your home.
6. They could help repel insects
We all love the warm weather that summer brings, but we’re probably all less keen on the insects, and often their bites, that it brings.
Research has found that some essential oils like clove, lemongrass and citronella are thought to be excellent at keeping those pesky bugs at bay.1,2,3 So you can enjoy al-fresco nights and hazy days outdoors.
7. They could help you sleep better
If you’re looking for a helping hand to switch off, relax and drift off to sleep at the end of the day, an aromatherapy diffuser could be your new best friend.
For many years, relaxing fragrances like lavender have been used to help people drift off to sleep and sleep better.4,5 While more reliable research is needed into how, there’s no denying that lavender could be great for encouraging sleep.
Try a few drops of lavender essential oil in your diffuser before heading to bed to help you bank a good night’s sleep. Plus, if you’re a fan of white noise at night, some people find the gentle hum of electric diffusers relaxing too.
Types of essential oil diffusers
There are many types of oil diffusers available, from sleek electric diffusers for larger spaces to reed diffusers for smaller ones and even oil burners for a more traditional way to scent your space.
Electric vs. reed diffusers: how do they work?
Electric aromatherapy diffusers use advanced technology to break down essential oils into tiny molecules, which are then dispersed into the air as a gentle, fragrant mist. This method allows for a more immediate and controlled release of the essential oil's properties.
On the other hand, reed diffusers offer a simpler approach. Slender reeds are placed in a bottle of scented oil. The reeds act as natural wicks, drawing the fragrance up and subtly releasing it into the surrounding air. Unlike electric diffusers, reed diffusers provide a continuous yet more subtle scent experience.
The effect of diffusers can be influenced by the essential oil you choose, but some diffusers have unique benefits even without oil. There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to pairing essential oils with your diffuser. Experiment and discover what works best for you. Let your diffuser be your personal haven of aromatherapy bliss.
The do’s and don’ts of using essential oil diffusers
- don’t use too much oil: using too much oil can lead to an overpowering and unpleasant smell that may give you a headache or even make you feel sick6
- don’t use around pets or small children: pets and children under the age of two are prone to being more sensitive to essential oil diffusers6,7
- do clean your diffuser regularly: diffusers that use water can potentially harbour bacteria in any leftover liquid that’s left sitting there until you use it again.6 Clean water and a wipe with a cloth should do the trick
- do check about using diffusers if you’re pregnant: while some essential oils may be considered safe for use during pregnancy, it’s important to chat to your doctor or midwife to ensure their safety first. In some cases, it may be best to avoid diffusers altogether6,8
- do keep your diffuser away from open flames: some essential oils are extremely flammable, so make sure you keep your diffuser away from open flames
- do avoid having your diffuser on all the time: electric diffusers tend to release a more concentrated blast of fragrance, so it’s not really ideal to have them on all the time. Aim to use them for up to 60 minutes and then switch them off for 30 to 60 minutes
The final say
Just as there’s a whole range of different essential oils to choose from, there’s an increasingly wide collection of diffusers to explore too and with so many types available, finding the best diffusers for your home has never been easier.
Top tip: give the inside of your diffuser a wipe with a soft cloth when changing the water and oils – this keeps your diffuser working better for longer and allows your chosen scents to really stand out.
This article is for information only and does not constitute as medical advice. Please speak to your GP before using essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have skin sensitivity, pre-existing medical condition or any other reason for concern. Note that essential oils should not be applied direct to the skin unless it is diluted with a carrier oil first.
- Duangkamon Sritabutra, Mayura Soonwera. Repellent activity of herbal essential oils against Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.). Asian Pacific journal of tropical disease [Internet]. 2013 Aug 1 [cited 2024 Jun 26];3(4):271–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027311/
- Luker HA, Salas KR, Esmaeili D, F. Omar Holguin, Bendzus-Mendoza H, Hansen IA. Repellent efficacy of 20 essential oils on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and Ixodes scapularis ticks in contact-repellency assays. Scientific reports [Internet]. 2023 Jan 30 [cited 2024 Jun 26];13(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9886999/ Peach DAH,
- Almond M, Gries R, Gries G. Lemongrass and Cinnamon Bark: Plant Essential Oil Blend as a Spatial Repellent for Mosquitoes in a Field Setting. Journal of medical entomology [Internet]. 2019 May 30 [cited 2024 Jun 26];56(5):1346–52. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/56/5/1346/5506539?login=false
- Luo J, Jiang W. A critical review on clinical evidence of the efficacy of lavender in sleep disorders. PTR Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research [Internet]. 2022 Apr 12 [cited 2024 Jun 26];36(6):2342–51. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35412693/
- Her J, Cho MK. Effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality of adults and elderly people: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in medicine [Internet]. 2021 Aug 1 [cited 2024 Jun 26];60:102739–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34166869/
- Sindle A, Martin K. Art of Prevention: Essential Oils - Natural Products Not Necessarily Safe. International journal of women’s dermatology [Internet]. 2021 Jun 1 [cited 2024 Jun 26];7(3):304–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8243157/
- Ross JA, Eldridge DL. Pediatric Toxicology. Emergency medicine clinics of North America [Internet]. 2022 May 1 [cited 2024 Jun 26];40(2):237–50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35461621/
- Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents. International journal of molecular sciences [Internet]. 2021 Feb 27 [cited 2024 Jun 26];22(5):2380–0. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/5/2380
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