Essential oil diffusers have been popular for quite a few years now, but many people still might be confused about what they do or the various types that exist. Natural health enthusiasts use essential oils in cleaning product recipes, by dabbing them on their skin, and by releasing their scents into the air. To incorporate more essential oils into your life and infuse your home with more of their healing benefits, here is an overview of the popular styles of diffusers.
What Essential Oils Do?
Certain essential oils have healthy benefits and can soothe the body and mind in significant ways. For example, lavender essential oil has anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties, while lemongrass essential oil is often used for its antibacterial and anti-fungal abilities. Beyond the health claims, essential oils like eucalyptus instantly freshen up a room, while orange essential oil has a way of energizing the body and boosting mood.
Kinds of Essential Oil Diffusers
To help you choose the right kind of diffusers to give essential oils a try, here are some options to consider.
Ceramic Diffusers
Many people use ceramic-style diffusers to ensure that essential oils evaporate and are disbursed in the air. They are best for small spaces but don’t generally have the capacity to infuse oil into large rooms.
Reed Diffusers
Another good option for small spaces is a reed diffuser that uses rattan sticks with narrow channels to guide oils through them so that oil can be released into the room. These diffusers work best for light oils, such as lemon, rather than heavy oils like sandalwood.
Electric Diffusers
By incorporating an electric fan into your diffuser, you can spread essential oils out further into a larger space. Electric diffusers don’t use heat but have a wider reach than ceramic and reed diffusers.
Ultrasonic Water Diffusers
These popular diffusers use ultrasonic vibrations to break oil up into tiny particles without the use of heat. They can help put humidity in the air if you live in a dry climate and are quiet enough to use at nighttime.
Nebulizer Diffusers
A nebulizer diffuser breaks down essential oils into small particles with high velocity and releases the oil into the air as a fine mist. It’s a great diffuser for getting the entire oil into the air for maximum health benefits. However, these diffusers are often the most expensive ones available to buy.
Choosing the Right Diffuser for You
If you’re ready to fill your home with healing air and pleasant scents, there are a few factors to consider before settling on a new essential oil diffuser. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you learn more about the available models:
- Cost of the diffuser
- Ease of maintenance and cleaning
- Your room’s size
- Material the diffuser is made from
- Whether the diffuser requires electric power
- The types of scents you like and your health goals