Millions of people across the world use air diffusers in their homes or their workplace. What is a diffuser, and what do these contraptions contribute? In the broadest sense, a diffuser is a device that spreads something over a wide area. In the case of a diffuser for essential oils, it takes a pleasant smell of your choice and then spreads this smell throughout the area you choose to place your diffuser. Although a diffuser holds a wide spectrum of benefits, not only to your physical health but to your mental health, there are some things you need to know.
You should not leave your diffuser on overnight. Research shows that essential oil diffusers should be used moderately, like any other form of medicinal products or recommendations. The recommended usage is usually between 1 to 3 times daily, depending on the size of your room, apartment, office, etc.
If you are using a diffuser inside a big place, you can diffuse it for 30 minutes to an hour, whereas in a smaller room only up to 20 minutes at a time. If you decide to leave your diffuser on during nighttime, it could mean 5 to 8 hours of exposure, which is considered to be way too long.
Why You Should Not Sleep With Your Diffuser On
There is a lot of common mistakes made when using an essential oil diffuser. Whether it is to use your diffuser in a closed environment, diffusing around pets, while pregnancy or breastfeeding, to just using too many oils in general, there is much more you can do right than wrong!
Used in the correct ways, essential oils can uplift your mood, increase productivity, help cure underlying health issues and just be simply wonderful! Because essential oils are natural products, many people seem to think that they do not cause side effects. Unfortunately, this is not true. When used incorrectly or in excessive amounts, diffusers can cause mild to severe discomforts.
Firstly, it can cause irritation and burning of your skin. Always dilute your chosen oils with a carrier oil before applying a small amount to your skin to test for any reactions. Secondly, the diffusing of the wrong amount of oil can asthma attacks.
While essential oils may be safe for most people to use, some people with asthma or people who are prone to asthma may react to breathing in the fumes of the oils. While inhaling essential oils may help some people with their headaches, inhaling too much could lead to more headaches or more severe cases of it. Diffusing for the wrong periods of time can also cause increased blood pressure in some cases.
Leaving your diffuser on for long periods of time might not be life-threatening, but it can worsen your immune system if you have severe allergies. If your choice of fragrances is overpowering, the air can become heavier, which can lead to the atmosphere of your room being unpleasant or even unhealthy.
What Exactly Are “Essential Oils?”
Essential oils are compounds extracted from different types of plants. You can mix these oils for various types of reasons, but the way these oils are made is important, as essential oils are merely obtained from plants through chemical processes.
Diffusing your essential oils is the best way from reaping your oils’ most valuable properties. In this way, you will get a pleasant smell, while receiving all the health benefits that come with it. Essential oils are not meant to be swallowed, and every oil has a different use and effect.
People are beginning to use essential oils worldwide for a variety of common conditions, and research shows it is not only effective but recommended.
Watch Out For These Essential Oil Problems
Getting essential oils in the mouth or mucous membranes may also cause burning and damage in the area. If essential oils come in contact with the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and contact your doctor. Store your essential oils out of the reach of children and keep them away from other products.
Some essential oils can be deadly to pets, even if you only use them in a diffuser. Therefore, it is important to research the type of oils or contact a veterinarian if you do have pets in your home.
It is still unclear what effect essential oils have on pregnant or breastfeeding women and their children. While some are considered to be safe, many doctors advise pregnant women to stay away from essential oils.
Common Oils And Their Properties
Different essential oils will help for different medical cases, exactly like medication prescribed by your local doctor or pharmacist. Some of the most common oils are Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Bergamot, and Jasmine.
Lavender is used commonly to treat headaches and relieve stress, while Chamomile is used to improve your mood and relaxation. Not only does Sandalwood smell pleasant, but it helps with concentration as well. Peppermint is perfect to boost your energy levels and also helps with digestion and respiratory problems.
Bergamot has a lot of benefits in helping with problematic skin problems such as dryness, eczema, breakouts, and acne prone skin. Jasmine is used largely for the treatment of depression and childbirth.
It is important to consider a few things when choosing the right oil for yourself. You need to consider the purity and quality of the oils, as well as the reputation of the brand you are purchasing your oils from.
It is important to find an oil that only contains plant compounds, without any additives or synthetic oils. A helpful reminder that pure oils usually would contain the plant’s botanical name, such as “Lavandula Officinalis”, rather than terms like “essential oil of Lavender.”
The quality of your oil are usually determined by how much the extraction process has changed them. Make sure you choose a chemical-free essential oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold-pressing.
Lastly, it is of utmost importance to choose an oil from a brand that is known for producing high-quality products, to guarantee value for your money and satisfaction with the oils you are purchasing.
Some Benefits Of Using My Diffuser Correctly
When used correctly, you can experience the everlasting benefits of your diffuser!
• Improved sleep. By getting the correct amount of sleep in a healthy, consistent manner we feel more positive and more competent to deal with the challenges we face in our everyday lives.
• The reduction of stress and anxiety. Essential oil diffusers have an excellent way to reduce or prevent severe stress and anxiety in your life. Because essential oils have a direct effect on your brain, it allows the chemicals in your brain to balance, allowing you to focus and become calmer in general.
• Essential oils boost your immune system. A diffuser boosts your immune system by soothing the nervous system, enhancing immunity, and strengthening the respiratory system.
• Helps with management of weight. Essential oils are not a weight-loss miracle, although they can be an excellent aid in weight management by increasing your metabolism through balancing your mood, controlling blood sugar levels, and improving appetite.
• Natural insect repellent. Essential oil diffusers can be used to repel multiple types of insects naturally. While tics, mosquitos, and outdoor bugs are a nuisance, they can carry harmful diseases.
The benefits stated above are just a few of the most common and important benefits the use of diffusers can bring. Diffusers are also effective when getting rid of odor such as tobacco smoke, mold, as well as kitchen smells.
Not only do these essential oils increase your energy, but it helps with concentration and memory. The relief of pain is a tremendous benefit that can change your life and the way you handle your emotions.
The best benefit of all would be that the diffusing of essential oils is a healthier, safer, more sanitary, and easier alternative to burning candles and incense sticks.
Is There An Alternative Solution If I Like To Sleep With My Diffuser On?
If you really enjoy falling asleep to the soothing noise of your diffuser, there are luckily some alternatives that will bring you the joy of falling asleep in your most comfortable way. There are various different diffusers that run with an auto shut-off function.
Once you have purchased one and have gotten familiar with it, you can set the timer to 30 minutes to an hour (which is the recommended time for the best results) and fall asleep knowing your diffuser will shut itself off.
Can I Keep My Diffuser On During The Day?
You should apply the same principle to your diffuser during the daytime as you would during nighttime. However, if you keep your windows open during the day you can run your diffuser for longer periods of time, if you have a clear circulation, preventing the air from becoming heavy.
Conclusion
Essential oil diffusers are definitely the future of strengthing and protecting ourselves from physical and emotional sickness! Whether you use it in your room or in your living room, essential oil diffusers are definitely an investment.
Remember to turn your diffuser off during the night, to enjoy and experience its long-lasting freshness!