Diffusing Essential Oils For Focus, Relaxation & Energy
What's The Deal With Diffusing?
Over the last couple of years I've been using and experimenting with various essential oils, I've written several other articles on the benefits of certain oils however I haven't discussed diffusing - the #1 method of using essential oils in my opinion.
When diffusing essential oils (we'll discuss the specific oils shortly!) I add between 3 and 5 drops of the oil I'm planning on diffusing into my ultrasonic diffuser along with an amount of distilled water.
Diffusion works by distributing essential oil molecules through the air. Once in the air, they are inhaled and come into contact with nerves that send them directly to the brain. This is a quick and safe way of letting the essential oils go to work for you.
How To Use A Diffuser
Choose an essential oil based on your desired outcome, be it stress relief, easier sleep, increased focus or energy and place 3 - 5 drops into your essential oil diffuser.
Ensure your diffuser is topped up with adequate water.
Time to start diffusing! I recommend starting off with 15 - 30 minutes of diffusing once or twice per day.
Based on the effects and results you notice via diffusing your essential oil your diffusing time can be increased or decreased as necessary.
As of right now I diffuse peppermint oil for 30 minutes in the morning to aid focus and lavender oil for 30 minutes in the evening as part of my night time routine.
I've heard of people diffusing for 15 minutes every hour of the day, people diffusing for a 2 hour long stint as well as people diffusing a diluted mixture of essential oils for 24 hours a day!
Find what works best for you and your budget.
There's no specific rule to state that you can only use one essential oil in your diffuser at a time either - a couple of drops of various oils can be combined to make a blend (alternatively you can purchase a blend, however they're very expensive... it's far more cost effective to create your own in your diffuser). The only guideline here is to ensure you're blending oils that'll complete each others' effects. i.e. don't combine a relaxing oil such as lavender with a stimulating oil such as peppermint.
Different Types Of Diffuser
An essential oil diffuser isn't a flame or an incense stick holder, there's a bit more to an essential oil diffuser.
There's 4 different types of diffuser - they all make look similar in appearance, however the method used to diffuse the oil differs (which without a doubt is the most important part).
Ultrasonic Diffusers
Ultrasonic diffusers utilize electronic frequencies to create vibrations that are carried to the surface where oils are floating. The vibrations vaporize the oil and disperse it into the air without heat.
Cold Air Diffusers
cold air diffusers utilize room temperature air to blow your essential oil into a nebulizer where it's vaporized.
Although fast and efficient, cold air diffusers are noisy and can be messy to clean when using thick oils.
Evaporative Diffusers
Evaporative style diffusers utilize a fan that blows air through a filter (where the oil is) and vaporizes the oil.
Heat Diffusers
Heat and essential oils are not a winning combination.
As heat alters the chemistry of your essential oils the benefits are significantly reduced - if you're diffusing essential oils only for the smell then a heat diffuser might be for you... but if you're after increased focus from peppermint oil, better sleep for lavender or increased libido from ylang-ylang I do not recommend using a heat diffuser.
Benefits & Specific Essential Oil Recommendations...
Want to get started? Here's my recommendations when it comes to which oils you should be diffusing...
Purifying Air
Oils can assist removing mold and the toxicity of chemicals.
Recommended oils:
- Rosemary
- Citronella
- Tea tree
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
Reducing Stress & Relaxing
Recommended oils:
- Lavender
- Ylang-ylang
- Bergamot
Better Quality Sleep
“The inhalation of essential oils with hypnotic properties may provide a safe and effect therapy for some sleep disturbance” as per this study on essential oils and sleep.
Recommended oils:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Clary sage
Increasing Libido
Ylang-ylang is known for its ability to increase libido, so it is not surprising that newlyweds in Indonesia enter their bridal suites to find their beds covered in ylang-ylang flowers.”
Essential oils have been used for mood enhancement for many, many years.
Recommended oils:
- Jasmine
- Ylang-ylang
- Allspice
- Clary sage
Increasing Focus & Energy
Recommended oils:
- Peppermint
- Ylang-ylang
Here's The Essential Oil Diffuser I Use & Recommend...
- Ultrasonic diffuser generating waves at 2.5 million times per second
- On/off switch for ambient light
- Alternating 30 second off/on setting
- Easy-fill diffuser
- Creates spa-like atmosphere
Lasts approximately 6 hours before requiring water refill.
