Diffusing essential oils has been the topic du jour as of late for the health-conscious community. We’ve been touting the health benefits of essential oils far and wide for some time now and are thrilled to be a part of the conversation!
Diffusers For Better Health - How Your Diffuser Works
February 03, 2020
“How does my essential oil diffuser work?” This is one of the most common questions that we get about our diffusers, so we’re going to break it down and get into the nitty-gritty of how diffusers deliver those sweet healing scents into the air that we breathe.
How Do Diffusers Work?
As much as we wish the answer to this question was something whimsical and having to do with magical scent-obsessed pixies being inside of each diffuser, there is a smidge more science and a lot less fantasy involved in the process. To fully answer the question, we’ll have to get into the different types of diffusers that are commonly used and how each one varies from the other.
Heat Diffusers
Heat diffusers do just what the name implies. This type of diffuser heats essential oils until they reach a temperature at which they evaporate into the air and a lovely aroma ensues. These diffusers can have a variety of different heat sources that warm the essential oils: electric, candle, and lamp ring are the three different types of heating methods available. All three of these heat diffuser types use a tray that is close to the source of heat in order for the oil to warm and evaporate into the air.
Evaporative Diffusers
Evaporative essential oil diffusers use a fan to cause the oils to evaporate. These diffusers typically have their oils held in an absorbent pad or wick that the generated wind from the fan will spread throughout the room.
Nebulizing Diffusers
These waterless diffusers use pressurized air to make microparticles from essential oils. The process is called atomizing and involves forcing air pressure through a small tube in the device. The velocity of air being pressed through the tube increases while simultaneously decreasing the pressure at the exit point. This creates a suction that forces oils upwards in the tube. When the oil is moving up the tube, the pressurized air comes into contact with the oil causing it to atomize. Those atomized microparticles then rise to the top of the diffuser and are released into the air.
Ultrasonic Diffusers
These diffusers use negative ions to distribute essential oil into the air. Ultrasonic vibrations break down the oils into microscopic particles that are blended with steam and released into the air.
Why Use A Diffuser?
There are many reasons to use diffusers in your home. The benefits of diffusing essential oils are plentiful and vary from simply pleasing the senses to improved health. A plethora of studies have linked inhaling the soothing scents of lavender and orange oil to reduced stress levels which in turn helps to promote good health. When we’re stressed our cortisol levels spike and free radicals can rapidly wreak havoc on our bodies under these conditions.
Whether you want to mask the questionable scents coming from your son’s hockey bag or elevate your mood, diffusing essential oils can benefit your lifestyle and improve your overall sense of well-being with just a few drops.
“The minute anyone’s getting anxious I say, ‘You must eat and you must sleep.’ They’re the two vital elements for a healthy life.” — Francesca Annis