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If you’re new to essential oils you probably have plenty of questions! Choosing the right brands, figuring out how to apply them, and wondering what the deal is with diffusing.
What does ‘diffuse’ even mean? And what kind of diffuser should you buy?
Let’s get down to it and learn how to diffuse essential oils and the three most common types of essential oil diffusers.
How to diffuse essential oils
Let’s start with what diffusing is — it’s simply finding a way to disperse essential oil molecules into the air. It’s one of the easiest ways to use essential oils (making it perfect for beginners!).
Diffusing essential oils is a simple thing to do. Start with a simple ultrasonic diffuser, they are very easy to use.
All you need to do is add some water, a few drops of essential oils, plug it in, and turn it on. Within a few minutes, you’ll be enjoying the aromatic benefits of your oils.
If you’re just starting to use an essential oil diffuser, don’t use too many oils at once or diffuse for more than 15-30 minutes at a time.
Also, if you use different essential oils blends, use just one at a time or one blend and another oil or two. The major point is not to overdo it when you’re learning how to diffuse essential oils.
Types of Diffusers
There are a few choices when it comes to diffusing. Of course, you can simply use a
You can let one run all night while you’re sleeping (very nice for those snoring spouses). You can put them on timers to run intermittently. They are so, so nice to have!
The basic science of a diffuser is simple – they break down the essential oils into small particles and project them into the air.
There are the types that work well with essential oils:
Let’s take a look at each of these types of diffusers.
How to Use an Ultrasonic Diffuser
The easiest diffuser to start with is an ultrasonic diffuser. It uses an electronic frequency that creates vibrations that vaporize the oils and water into a fine mist and disperses it throughout the air.
There is no heat involved so the properties of the oils are not broken down in the process. It’s easy to use and your risk of diffusing too much is minimal compared to the next type of diffuser.
How to Use a Nebulizing Diffuser
Nebulizing diffusers differ from ultrasonic in that you attach a bottle of essential oil right to the machine. The mechanism in a nebulizing diffuser creates a very powerful release of essential oils into the air.
While that is a great thing, you want to make sure you are running this type of diffuser for short periods of time as too much can overwhelm your body. They are also louder than the other types of diffusers because of the way the machine operates.
How to Use an Evaporative Diffuser (or a Fan Diffuser)
Evaporative diffusers (or fan diffusers, as they are commonly referred to) are another alternative though they aren’t so great for everyday use.
You place a few drops of oil on a pad, insert it into the device and when it’s turned on, a fan blows air through the pad and disperses the oil.
While they aren’t ideal, I like to have one when I’m traveling. They are very useful for long drives or overnight trips.
Diffusing is easy!
Now that you know how to diffuse essential oils — there are a few more simple, inexpensive ways to enjoy the benefits of diffusing without purchasing a diffuser.
Add a few drops to a
You can also make your own reed diffuser if you’re not quite ready to purchase a diffuser.
The oil blend ‘travels’ up the reeds that are held in a glass jar. It’s a nice way to try diffusing without spending the money on an expensive diffuser.