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7 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

August 2, 2017 by Tash 43 Comments

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.

7 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

It’s no secret that essential oils are all the rage these days and for good reason! Their healing and supportive properties allow us to get restful sleep, soothe away pain, boost our energy, mitigate negative emotions, relieve stress, and can even help balance our hormones. It seems there is little essential oils can’t do when aiding our bodies on a mental, emotional, and physical level.

These potent plant essences can be used in a multitude of ways, some of which have spanned hundreds of years. However, one method of use that wasn’t available back in the days of Julius Cesar is the method of diffusion. Sure, they could “diffuse” oils via water and flame, but what they didn’t know is that the medicinal value of essential oils is greatly diminished by heat.

Thus, in the search for a way in which to protect the integrity of the oils, the first ventilation, ultrasonic, and nebulizing diffusers were invented just a few short years ago. Using these unheated methods allowed the user to protect and utilize the therapeutic qualities of essential oils.

7 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

I’m sure you’ve come across a staggering selection of essential oil diffusers on your journey to better health. For one, they can make beautiful centerpieces in our homes, offer soothing color therapy, and of course, deliver superfine particles of unadulterated essential oils into the air of our living spaces.

Here are my top 7 benefits of using an essential oil diffuser in your home:

1. Diffusing Essential Oils Promotes Better Sleep

Certain essential oils like cedarwood, lavender, valerian, sweet orange, and roman chamomile have the ability to exert a powerful calming effect on the mind and body through their influence on the limbic region of the brain. Diffusing these oils 20-30 minutes before bedtime is known to dramatically improve and support the body’s natural sleep cycles and combat sleep issues like insomnia, racing thoughts, and stress.

I often diffuse a few drops of lavender, valerian, and sweet orange in my bedroom while reading. Before too long, I’m nodding off and ready for a good night’s sleep!

Restful Sleep Diffuser Recipe

• 4 drops sweet orange
• 3 drops lavender
• 2 drop cedarwood
• 1 drops valerian (if desired since the smell is a bit funky, but boy does it work!)

2. Diffusing Essential Oils Boosts Our Resilience Against Cold and Flu

Using powerful anti-microbial essential oils like eucalyptus, oregano, cinnamon, clove, sweet orange, ravensara, and peppermint work by stimulating the production of white blood cells and boosting the immune system. When diffused into the air, these oils kill airborne bacteria and viruses, freshen a stale sickroom, and offer relief by supporting the respiratory system.

Diffusers are also great for use during times of cold and flu because they put much-needed humidity into the air which can help relieve dry sinuses and cough.

Diffuse the blend below for 20-30 minutes every few hours to help shorten the duration of a cold. This blend is also great for preventing cold and flu.

Immunity Booster Diffuser Recipe

• 4 drops eucalyptus radiata
• 3 drops cinnamon bark
• 2 drops peppermint
• 1 drop clove

3. Diffusing Essential Oils Clears the Lungs and Supports Respiratory Health

Diffusing essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, pine, and other conifer oils can help reduce inflammation in the lungs and cut through heavy mucus during respiratory colds. They’re great for relieving congestion and for soothing respiratory illnesses such as asthma, emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and allergies.

These EOs work best when diffused for 20-30 minutes every 4-6 hours.

Respiratory Support Diffuser Recipe

• 4 drops ravensara
• 2 drops eucalyptus globulus
• 2 drops eucalyptus radiata
• 1 drop pine

4. Diffusing Essential Oils Hones Focus and Cognitive Function

Diffusing essential oils like rosemary, basil, cardamom, lemon, cypress, helichrysum, sandalwood, lavender, and frankincense helps promote deep concentration, mental clarity, and improved focus. Oils that are high in sesquiterpenes like frankincense and sandalwood are especially good for increasing oxygen and blood flow in the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus glands which help support mental health and acuity. These essential oils are also known to help clear brain fog and keep receptor sites in the brain free of congesting petrochemicals.

Diffuse the blend below for 20-30 minutes when your mind feels fuzzy and needs a pick-me-up.

Brain Fog Reliever Diffuser Recipe

• 3 drops basil
• 2 drops cardamom
• 2 drops rosemary
• 2 drops sandalwood
• 1 drop lemon

5. Diffusing Essential Oils Supports Emotional Health

No matter what mood you’re in, essential oils can help mitigate or elevate certain emotions depending on your needs. They can help you de-stress, feel energized, cheer you up, eliminate anger, instill a positive atmosphere, or put you in the holiday spirit.

Supporting my emotional health is one of my favorite ways to use an essential oil diffuser and I am constantly experimenting with different blends based on my mood.

Here are a few single oils and their properties to help get you started:

• Balsam fir – recharges vital energy and instills a sense of strength and vitality
• Black pepper – increases energy in all systems of the body (use just 1-2 drops in a diffuser)
• Grapefruit – counteracts depression and destructive thoughts and circulating negativity
• Lavender – relaxing, uplifting, stress-relieving, mentally clarifying
• Lemon – cheerful, uplifting, dispels anger and feeling of negativity
• Nutmeg – gently stimulates the adrenals and boosts energy (use just 1 drop in a diffuser)
• Spruce – removes emotional blocks and instills a sense of balance
• Sweet orange – encourages feelings of joy, happiness, and peace
• Tangerine – relieves anxiety and nervousness

Add 8-10 drops of the essential oil that resonates best with your needs and diffuse it for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times daily. Keep in mind that “hot” oils like cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, oregano, clove, etc. should only be used in 1-2 drop amounts as too much can irritate the mucous membranes.

For a more in-depth approach, check out my back to school article which has a wide spectrum of emotions and the best essential oils to use for each.

6. Diffusing Essential Oils Offers a Safe Alternative to Candles

Unless you’re buying pure beeswax candles or those made with 100% natural waxes like coconut, hemp, or soy, chances are they’re probably toxic! Many candles both scented and unscented are often made with toxic paraffin wax that gives off dangerous vapors like benzene and toluene – the same vapors found in diesel fuel exhaust!

It is said that up to 30% of candles have wicks that contain heavy metals which when burned, become airborne and easily inhaled. Candles with lead-core wicks are said to emit 5 times the amount of lead into the air considered hazardous.

Not only that, scented candles often contain artificial scents and dyes that when burned, release even more harmful chemicals into the air causing an array of hormonal, behavioral, and general health-related issues.

Using an essential oil diffuser to naturally scent your home is an incredibly effective and healthy way to enjoy the scents you love. You can often find tons of recipes that can replicate almost any scent you desire.

For instance, you can make blends that remind you of different holidays and seasons, favorite perfumes (learn how to blend your own here), and places you’ve visited (think the redwoods, an orange grove, or a lavender field).

What’s fun is experimenting with different oils to create practically any scent you want! And the best part? You can change the scent as often as you like when using a diffuser unlike burning a candle.

7. Diffusing Essential Oils Repels Insects

Using essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, lemongrass, geranium, or citronella in a diffuser in your home or on the patio can help repel biting and stinging insects. I find it especially helpful to diffuse lemon essential oil in my room during the summer months toward myself against mosquitos and flies that may have snuck into the house.

Diffusing lemongrass or citronella outside while enjoying outdoor meals is a great way to keep insects away from guests and food alike, not to mention it’s way healthier than burning toxic candles!

Diffuse the blend below in 20-30 minutes intervals when dining outside or for 20-30 minutes every few hours while indoors to help repel bothersome insects.

Bug Repellent Diffuser Recipe

• 6 drops citronella (can sub lemongrass)
• 4 drops peppermint
• 2 drops tea tree

My Current Favorite Essential Oil Diffuser!

Now that you know the many benefits of diffusing essential oils, I want to tell you about one of the best diffusers I’ve used thus far (and I’ve used a lot of them!).

Currently, I am REALLY loving my Levoit Essential Oil Diffuser.

Here’s what makes it great:

1. The base of the diffuser is made of beech wood and has engraved touch control buttons giving it a luxurious yet natural feel. This is great because every other diffusers I have used have been made of plastic material so it’s nice to have a more natural looking option.

2.
The top half of the diffuser is made of frosted glass that emits a lovely glow as it cycles through an ambient color pallet. You can also see a nice rippling effect from the water during use which is especially relaxing to look at while winding down. It really reminds me of a luxurious spa experience.

3. It’s ultrasonic, meaning it uses ultra-rapid vibration to disperse the essential oils into the air without the use of heat. However, unlike other diffusers I’ve used, this one has a nice strong output of mist, ensuring that the essential oils actually make it into the air instead of billowing over the table it’s sitting on.

4. The scent of the essential oils “whole” and seem to last longer. I have used other diffusers where the sent only lasts 20 minutes before losing potency and its true scent. This diffuser seems to keeps essential oils whole during diffusion without some of the lighter constituents of the EO evaporating too quickly before the heavier constituents.

5. It operates quietly yet has a pleasant soft bubbling sound from the water in the diffuser. I find it incredibly relaxing!

6. It’s easy to use – simply add water and essential oils to the diffuser, use the touch controls on the front to start the color cycle, pause on any color, or well as turn off the colors altogether.

7. Looks great no matter where I put it in my house!

Have you used an essential oil diffuser before? How do you like it?

You may also enjoy reading:

How to Choose The Best Essential Oil Diffuser
The Amazing Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt Inhalers
MONQ Personal Essential Oil Diffuser Review
The Benefits of Sprouting + A How To

7 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser - Learn how diffusing essential oils can support restful sleep, stress release, a better mood, and mental clarity.

This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure and disclaimer.

Filed Under: Essential Oil Articles, Essential Oils, Giveaways, Health Tagged With: essential oil diffuser

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About Tash

Tash Penman, Founder of Holistic Health Herbalist, has a background in herbal and essential oil studies at The Herbal Academy and Aromahead Institute. Holistichealthherbalist.com is a culmination of her passion and research regarding how herbal remedies can support our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Read More…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sustainable Planet says

    January 27, 2019 at 8:08 pm

    Great article on diffusers. I actually love the fact it’s an insect repellant!

    Reply
  2. Jonathan says

    January 27, 2019 at 9:11 am

    Thanks for the great article. You have shared great information in this post. Good job.

    Reply
  3. Monica says

    January 6, 2019 at 11:08 pm

    I can’t find this Levoit Diffuser anywhere. Not even on their website. Can you provide me with the link? Are there alternative diffusers you also recommend?

    Reply
    • Tash says

      January 23, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      Hi, Monica!

      It appears they have stopped making it =/ How sad!

      Reply
  4. Raabe says

    December 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    Hi,

    I am using essential oil diffuser at my home. Thanks for sharing great information about essential oil diffuser benefits. Thanks again!

    Reply
  5. Raindancer says

    November 17, 2018 at 8:50 am

    Hi! Do you know of a blend to enhance creativity?

    I’m thinking maybe….
    peppermint
    Jasmine
    Sage?

    What do you think?

    I just stumbled on your site and I’m obsessed, I have 18 tabs open on your articles to read!!

    Reply
    • Tash says

      November 18, 2018 at 5:35 pm

      Hi Raindancer!

      I have personally really found cardamom, lemon, and bergamot to be especially enhancing for creativity 🙂 But really, the best part about essential oils is trying them out and seeing how they make YOU feel. I think the blend you mentioned SOUNDS CREATIVE 😀 So why not give it a go? Go light on the jasmine! It’s a strong one!

      Reply
  6. Ruth Bryant says

    September 19, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    Thanks for the tips. I love essential oils and have two doggies I love very much at home! Appreciate it

    Reply
  7. Emma says

    March 24, 2018 at 7:31 pm

    Hi Tash, I love these diffuser blends you’ve posted here. I’ve tried the bug repellent one because it’s easy to make with the most basic oils I’ve had at home for forever. Not only does it work, it also smells amazing! Great blend thank you!!

    Reply
    • Tash says

      March 26, 2018 at 11:53 am

      Glad you liked it Emma! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Katy says

    March 7, 2018 at 1:15 am

    thank Tash. You always bring us awesome articles. I tried Immunity Booster Diffuser Recipe and Restful Sleep Diffuser Recipe. They worked like charm.

    Reply
    • Tash says

      March 7, 2018 at 4:22 pm

      Super glad to hear it Katy! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jack Duff says

    January 31, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    I like what you said about some essential oils helping you sleep better. I always struggle with insomnia, so I would love to find ways to help me get to sleep. I have never tried diffusing essential oils, but it seems like it could be a big help. I will have to give them a try, thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Tash says

      February 1, 2018 at 10:23 am

      I hope they work out for you Jack! I especially like cedarwood and lavender for sleep 🙂

      Reply
  10. Karen D says

    August 15, 2017 at 8:31 am

    I commented to claim, but it doesn’t show up 🙁

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Tash says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Don’t worry! I got you! 🙂 I will contact Levoit. WHOO HOO!!!

      Reply
    • Tash says

      August 15, 2017 at 8:49 am

      Be sure to check your email!

      Reply
  11. Karen D says

    August 12, 2017 at 6:23 am

    I don’t have one and it would help my family’s health

    Reply
  12. Tracey says

    August 10, 2017 at 5:40 am

    I love the information you provide on your blog. It is informative, uplifting and knowledgeable. I would love to win this diffuser to give to my daugher, who is still skeptical but willing to embark on this oily journey with me.

    Reply
  13. Carla Freeze says

    August 9, 2017 at 5:46 am

    Hi Tash ~ I would love to win this diffuser for my office. I absolutely love your post and helpful suggestions and always look forward to you diffuser combos.

    Reply
  14. Robyn says

    August 7, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    Hi Tash, I love your site. I read your article about emulsifying the EO before taking orally. I would really like to do the same for my diffuser, rather than having the oils floating on top of the water. Would any of your methods for emulsifying affect the oils during diffusion? Would emulsifying help keep the diffuser cleaner perhaps? Your thoughts on this please?

    Reply
  15. Robyn says

    August 7, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    Hi Tash, I love your site. I read your article about emulsifying the EO before taking orally. I would really like to do the same for my diffuser, rather than having the oils floating on top of the water. Do any of your methods for emulsifying affect the oils during diffusion? Would emulsifying help keep the diffuser cleaner perhaps? Your thoughts on this please?

    Reply
  16. Jean Zimmer says

    August 7, 2017 at 10:47 am

    I would love to have this gorgeous diffuser. The one I have is as pretty.

    Reply
  17. Detona says

    August 6, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Been following for sometime now. I would love to win this. Also I entered to win good luck everyone

    Reply
  18. Jess says

    August 6, 2017 at 8:54 am

    Amazing recipes – the diffuser looks gorgeous too!!

    Reply
  19. Nia says

    August 6, 2017 at 2:31 am

    Hi Tash! I currently am a senior in college (psychology major, writing minor) getting ready to jump into law school. A diffuser would really help me ease into the new, yet challenging world I am about to enter. I have steadily been implementing healthy alternatives into my life to not only better my self, but better my environment. To win a diffuser would be tremendous. Thank you for the opportunity! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Cassie says

    August 5, 2017 at 9:09 am

    would love love love a diffuser

    Reply
  21. Kim says

    August 5, 2017 at 7:16 am

    Hi Tash, Thank you for the great article! This is such a great help and I love that you included several blends to try and how to use them properly. It may be a problem on my end, but the link you mention above for learning how to make your own essential oil blends doesn’t seem to have been added as I don’t see anything to click on. Thanks for your time and help.

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    August 4, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    This is so cool! I really could use an EO diffuser for when the going gets tough during college study hours. That is amazing that the scent of herbs have been shown to increase factors such as memory, concentration, and calmness just to name a few.

    Reply
  23. sk says

    August 4, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    TO have a diffuser on my desk at work would be a treat every day at work. To lift the mood of the office, bring energy to all workers in the office, and change oils as needed for projects that must get done.

    Reply
  24. Robin V. says

    August 4, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Thank you for the diffuser giveaway. I use these as gifts for wedding showers and would love to win one.

    Reply
  25. Robin V. says

    August 4, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Thank you for doing a diffuser giveaway.

    Reply
  26. Katlynn Monique Slayton says

    August 4, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    I am about to start my freshman year of college this fall, a diffuser like this one would do wonders for my mental health and for all of the homework/study sessions I will experience in the near future. I hope to win. (:

    Reply
  27. donna says

    August 4, 2017 at 3:38 pm

    how fun

    Reply
  28. Kimmer says

    August 4, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    I need an air purifier that can help me sleep at night and this diffuser looks exactly what I’ve been looking for! Perfect size for my bedroom.

    Reply
  29. Jeretta says

    August 4, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    This sounds really good. To bad we can’t smell the oils over the net work. I would love, love to win.

    Reply
  30. Kimberly Jones says

    August 4, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    This diffuser looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win! I need one for the bedroom!

    Reply
  31. Kimberly Jones says

    August 4, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    This diffuser looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  32. Jenna says

    August 4, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    Great read. I entered I hope I win. You have some awesome recipes for the diffuser.

    Reply
  33. Ann says

    August 3, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful diffuser. Would love to win. I shared on Pinterest here, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/63331938493366946/

    Reply

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About Tash

Tash Penman, Founder of Holistic Health Herbalist, has a background in herbal and essential oil studies at The Herbal Academy and Aromahead Institute. Holistichealthherbalist.com is a culmination of her passion and research regarding how herbal remedies can support our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Read More…

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