The Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils

"Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing"-Barry Finlay

If you're interested in learning more about essential oils and how they're used in diffusers, then look no further you've come to the right place. Whether you're a newbie to the essential oil community or have been around for a while, the information I will provide in this blog will definitely suit you well.
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What is an essential oil?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and are often used in aromatherapy, which is a form of holistic medicine. They can also be applied topically or even ingested in small quantities, but I will discuss that in another blog.

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. These natural oils are typically obtained by distillation or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing. The aromas give each essential oil its unique "essence". The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered "true" essential oils because they are often diluted with chemicals and other "filler" oils.   

Pure, cold-pressed, therapeutic-grade essential oils have many medicinal qualities and can essentially replace many over-the-counter medications.  This quality of essential oil is what I recommend.

My favorite essential oils to diffuse:

• Eucalyptus: a warm but herby scent. It can be used to cleanse your environment, relieve stress, treat depression, reduce inflammation and act as a natural decongestant.
• Peppermint: a fresh, mint scent. It is a natural stimulant that can sharpen your focus, enhance mental alertness and boost your energy. 
• Chamomile: a sweet scent. It is a soothing essential oil that has antibacterial properties and can reduce inflammation, headaches and chronic pain.
• Lavender: a flower garden scent. Lavender essential oils are useful for promoting a pleasant sleep, alleviating allergies, asthma and sinus problems. 
• Bergamot: a sweet fruity scent. It can be used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
• Lemon: a fresh lemon peel scent. It will help improve your mood, act as a natural insect repellent, cleanse the air, treat asthma and allergies.
• Tea Tree: a herbal scent. It can be used to fight infections and boost immunity. 
• Frankincense: a fresh pine scent. It can be used to reduce chronic stress and anxiety.

*Mix two or three oils together to create an even more potent mix. Use a 1:1 ratio when mixing. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Lavender with Orange: both are calming essential oils that help to relieve stress, improve immune system function, and have antibacterial properties. This duo is  great for diffusing prior to sleep.
• Rosemary with Clove and Eucalyptus: an effective combination to prevent airborne bacteria. This would be a great trio to help someone fight or prevent bronchitis, a cold, or even worse... the flu.
• Basil with Geranium Rose and Orange: this trio makes a great study blend. All three oils have been shown to increase mental alertness, brain clarity, and concentration. 
• Frankincense with Orange or Lemon: great for meditation, spiritually uplifting and assisting with creativity.​

Best types of essential oil diffusers:

• Nebulizer diffuser or "cold air" diffuser 

This type of diffuser is considered to be one of the most therapeutic because the essential oils are not diluted − the nebulizer operates without water. It also does not heat the essential oils, thus the therapeutic properties of the oils are retained. Some feel this method energizes the oils and increases the oxygen content in the oil molecules. However, nebulizers tend to cost more than other styles of diffusers and they can be fairly noisy while operating. Models that say “whisper quiet” or “silent" are typically manufactured to be less noisy. Also, much more essential oils are used during the operation of a nebulizer, due to the fact that the essential oil is not being diluted in water. Lastly, It is more difficult to use a blend of essential oils due to the style of the diffuser. It only allows you to place one bottle in the atomizer.

• ​Ultrasonic Cool Mist Diffuser (what I use)

​​This is one of the most economical ways to diffuse essential oils. Due to the fact that the oils are dripped into a water reservoir, only a few drops of each oil are required. The cool mist diffuser can double as a humidifier − which can help in areas where the air is cold and dry. This type of diffuser generally has a timer, so you can set it to run for a specific length of time. It usually also has a safety 'off-switch' when the water level falls too low. It is also easy to clean and refill. Ultrasonic diffusers are noise free. They usually have an assortment of colored night light settings, which makes for a great diffuser to use with children as the concentration of the oil will not be too potent. 
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note: although essential oil burners are inexpensive, it is not recommended to use this method of diffusing.  Essential oils are delicate and very volatile. You will obtain no therapeutic benefit from this type of diffusing. Essential oils contain life energy from the plant in which they came from, so burning them essentially destroys the phytochemical bonds of that oil. Also, be weary of using reed diffusers , most of them come as part of a kit and the fragrance part is made with synthetic fragrances and unsafe chemicals. 

How to use:
follow the instructions on the diffuser packaging to know how to properly use essential oils for your specific diffuser. Chose the diffuser that best fits your lifestyle and budget. please use caution when using essential oils. Infants, small children, and pets may be highly sensitive to essential oils. Always diffuse essential oils in well-ventilated areas, especially in the presence of children and pets.

I have been using essential oils for years and have always found them helpful in alleviating illness or just bringing about a better mood. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and I believe they should be a staple in everyone's home. 

Stay tuned for my next blog post where I will discuss topical uses for essential oils. After all, we need to be healing ourselves inside and out!

Thank you for stopping by! Let me know in the comments below if you try any of the oil combos mentioned or if you have any combos of your own.

Till next time,

Chérie Jade

Helpful Links
Article by John Hopkins Medicine Discussing Essential Oils