How to Use an Aromatherapy Diffuser

Imagine yourself surrounded with scents of the forest, citrus fruits of summer, or the cozy woodiness of winter. And you don’t have to go far to experience it. You literally have these experiences at your fingertips. At least, if you have an aromatherapy diffuser, that is.

Aromatherapy diffusers are often a person’s initial introduction to aromatherapy. They have changed a lot over the years, but they are all still relatively simple to use. However, it’s best to understand how one works, and which essential oils you can diffuse safely and with whom, before diving in. Here’s a few tips on how to use an aromatherapy diffuser to your best advantage!

How Does an Essential Oil Diffuser Work?

There are several types of aromatherapy diffusers out there. Let’s take a look at some of the popular choices:

• Atomizing Diffuser: This type of aromatherapy diffuser simply means that the essential oil molecules are dispersed without the use of water or heat. They are pushed into the air as really fine molecules, creating a fine mist.

What’s the advantage of this type of diffuser? Because no heat or water is involved in the dispersion process, it means that the essential oils are not subject to potential damage. All the potential therapeutic properties remain intact for you to benefit from. At Your Body Needs, we recommend the Wandor Unit Portable Diffuser.

• Ultrasonic Diffuser: This type of aromatherapy diffuser has a water tank where you place water and the essential oils. It uses sound waves (ultrasonic vibrations) to create a mist and diffuse the essential oils into the air. It doesn’t use heated water.

What’s the advantage of this type of diffuser? Ultrasonic vibrations are quiet, humidify the air and, in general, use a less amount of essential oils. At Your Body Needs, we recommend the Aroma Cloud Diffuser.

• Combined Humidifier and Fogger: If you’re looking for a commercial grade aromatherapy unit to disinfect and stop airborne viruses in their tracks, you can’t go wrong with a combined humidifier and fogger such as the Immune Pro Diffuser.  

What’s the advantage of this type of diffuser? It covers a really wide space and is great for schools, offices, and hospitals.

The Best (and Safest) Way to Use a Diffuser

If you’re just starting out with using an aromatherapy diffuser, follow this quick and easy checklist to make sure that you are doing things right (and safely):

• Diffuse in a well-ventilated space. Aromatherapy diffusers are designed to disperse essential oils over varying spaces from as little as a few hundred feet to over 2000 square feet with the Immune Pro diffuser. Just make sure you have good ventilation for the size of the diffuser.
• Diffuse for short periods of time. For example, diffuse for 30 minutes, then turn off for an hour. This avoids overuse of essential oils in a short space of time. Many diffusers have handy built-in digital timers, so you don’t forget!
• Make sure that the diffuser fits your needs and purpose. Is it quiet? Unobtrusive? Are there multiple ways to connect it making it versatile and portable? For example, wall plug, USB cord, rechargeable battery. Some have soothing LED lights in calming colors to add to the ambiance.

Setting up Your Aromatherapy Diffuser

Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for using the aromatherapy diffuser before first time use. Set it up in a safe, well-ventilated space, away from water. Once you’ve got it in a stable place, add your essential oils or essential oil blends (see below for ideas). Then plug it in, set the timer and switch it on!

Essential Oil Blends for Aromatherapy Diffusers

Looking for some quick, easy-to-use essential oil blends for your diffuser? Here are a few suggestions:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) essential oils: A calming blend suitable for most age groups and most situations. Use in lower amounts in pregnancy, with young children, and with seniors.
• Rose (Rosa × damascena) and sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oils: A romantic, seductive blend suitable for a cozy night in with your loved one!
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), lemon (Citrus × limon), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oils: A powerful, cleansing blend for respiratory and immune health. Avoid this blend if you are pregnant, have epilepsy, high blood pressure, or have specific health conditions which might be contra-indicated for use. Avoid diffusing this blend around babies, young children, and pets.

Safety Cautions for Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

So, now you are all set up, got your essential oil blend ready, and about to switch on your new aromatherapy diffuser. Great! Just check out these safety notes first:

• Use care when diffusing around pets, babies, and young children, unless otherwise advised by a professional aromatherapist (situations and needs are often individual).
• If pregnant or over the age of 65 years, know which essential oils you are diffusing and if they are safe to diffuse in your situation. Some essential oils are contra-indicated in pregnancy and/or recommended at lower dilution rates if pregnant or over 65 years.
• Take into account your diffusion area, and if anyone is sensitive to particular aromas.

Diffusing Essential Oils

Essential oil diffusers are a great way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. There are so many different blends that you can try, for different situations, once you become confident in using your diffuser. Enjoy!

More Ideas from Your Body Needs

Check out our great options in aromatherapy diffusers in our webstore. Looking for something more artistic for your home or workspace? You might consider our handblown glass diffusers such as the Lux Stella Black Diffuser or the Serene Living Maui Diffuser. They both make excellent gifts too, for the aromatherapy lover in your life!