You wish to buy an essential oil diffuser? However, it is not enough to go to the shop, grab the first diffuser on the shelf and pay for it, because before you buy it, you have to choose it.
The choice of a diffuser is not always easy because several criteria must be taken into account: the diffusion technology, the use (therapeutic or ambient), the surface of the room to be diffused, the noise and the size of the diffuser, its price, its design, ...
There are several types of broadcasting and therefore a multitude of different broadcasters. Each technology is different and has its advantages and disadvantages. One method is no better than another and it is up to the user to decide which broadcaster to buy according to his personal preferences and how he will use it.
The misting method
Ultra-sound diffusers, or misters, allow cold diffusion of essential oils. Cold diffusion is the most effective because it keeps intact all the aromatic molecules that are soaked into the essential oil.
The operation is as follows: a pellet located at the bottom of the diffuser emits a small high frequency vibration and above this pellet is a small space filled with water and essential oils. On contact with the vibration, a mist composed of aromatic molecules will form and be released into the room.
The nebulisation method
In contrast to the misting method, in which the aromatic molecules are only transported in the air, nebulisation will cause the molecules to burst into the atmosphere. The smoke is therefore much more powerful because the aromatic molecules are not mixed with water. Being lighter, they are deposited directly in the lungs.
The ventilation method
As the name suggests, this method uses ventilation to blow air into the room. The essential oil is deposited on a cotton wool pad in the diffuser and it will blow a jet of air through the cotton pad soaked in essential oil to evaporate the aromatic molecules. This method also exists without cotton wool but with the bottle inserted directly into the diffuser.
The gentle heat method
Diffusers using the latter method are less efficient but have the advantage of being smaller, more easily transportable and generally quieter than the others. For this method, it is very important to use high quality essential oils to prevent the heat from destroying the aromatic molecules.
These diffusers are useful for small spaces such as cars or small rooms.
Oils for diffusers, yes, but not just any oils!
There is no point in having a quality diffuser if you don't have the essential oils that go with it. All essential oils have very specific properties and their smells give different results. It is important to choose your essential oil according to the benefits you wish to obtain.
Here are a few examples.
Relaxation: Sweet orange, Lavandin
To improve sleep: Lavender
Clean the air: Lemon
Rebalancing energy: Ylang-ylang
Decongesting the nose: Peppermint
Keep mosquitoes away: Lemongrass
Soothe the mind: Cedar
Facilitating mediation: Incense
Regaining a good hormonal balance: Clary sage
Comfort: Cinnamon
It is also possible to mix several essential oils together to combine their benefits, this is called synergy.
Precautions for using an essential oil diffuser
It is best to diffuse the essential oils when there are no babies and children in the room.
Essential oils should be diffused with caution for asthmatic and epileptic people.
It is advisable to leave the door of the room open when diffusing so as not to saturate the air with aromatic molecules.
Do not allow the essential oils to be diffused for too long, but do so in 15-20 minutes increments and no more than 3 times a day.
If you have a pet, give it the opportunity to leave the room during the diffusion.
Not all essential oils are meant to be diffused. It is important to check it on the bottle before use.
Read the instructions for use of the diffuser before using it. Some of them require the addition of water to the container while others do not.
Essential oils can be allergenic. It is therefore advisable to carry out an allergy test before use.
Any use of essential oils on pregnant women must be approved by a doctor.