Diffusing is one of the best ways to benefit from all the benefits of essential oils. For novices, it is even the preferred way to discover the extraordinary olfactory powers of essential oils, and for everyone, it is therefore a very good gift idea for Christmas! However, you may be wondering: Which diffuser to choose? Which essential oils to diffuse and why? What are the usual precautions? Discover the answers to your questions in this article!
The different modes of diffusion of Essential Oils
There are different ways to diffuse essential oils. It is important to master the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in order to enhance the magnificent experience of aromatic diffusion.
Perfume burners
They consist of a candle holder or an electrical resistance which heats a dish in which pure essential oils have been placed. If the heat is low, little diffusion is obtained; if the temperature is higher, the delicate odorous molecules of the oils are destroyed. Perfume burners are therefore not very effective and not recommended for the qualitative diffusion of essential oils.
So-called “atmospheric” or “cold nebulization” diffusers
They use the physical phenomenon called "Venturi Effect" : thanks to a flow of pressurized air, the pure essential oils are projected at high speed against the glass wall of the diffuser; they then burst into a cloud of microparticles which naturally rise to the top of the glass container, before escaping in the form of an odoriferous micro-mist. The diffusion is done cold and the integrity of the oils is well preserved, as well as their therapeutic virtues. This is the most popular method of diffusion among aromatherapists, because it allows you to consider treating yourself using essential oils in diffusion. Indeed, unlike the ultrasonic diffusers described below, essential oils are diffused in their pure state, and not in a water mist. The micro-drops of essential oils are therefore more concentrated and more conducive to having a beneficial action for health.
The only downside is the procedure to follow to change the perfume to be diffused or to clean the diffusion bell.
Ultrasonic diffusers
Arriving more recently on the market, these devices quickly established themselves as practical, effective and respectful solutions for diffusing essential oils. Their operation is simple: at the base of the container, a ceramic pellet vibrates very quickly, and produces a train of ultrasonic waves which cause a small mass of water to resonate on the surface of which a few drops of oils essential have been filed. The water and oils are transformed into microparticles and escape from the diffuser in the form of a very pretty aromatic mist , which optimizes the virtues of essential oils for health and well-being. These ultrasonic essential oil diffusers purify the air, slightly humidify the atmosphere and subtly enhance the olfactory environment. The diffusion process also takes place without heating the essential oils, and therefore preserves their integrity and olfactory balance.
Practical and often pretty, ultrasonic diffusers lend themselves readily to changes in olfactory experiences, because you can quickly change the water in the diffuser and apply a new mixture. On the other hand, it is necessary to ensure good maintenance of these devices and prevent the ceramic pad from becoming scratched or scaled.
These essential oil diffusers are suitable for the home, for use in any living room, in conference rooms, locker rooms, hotels, hospitals, beauty and aesthetic salons and spas.
How to choose Essential Oils to diffuse?
Synergies of ready-to-use essential oils exist to be able to diffuse easily and safely, but we will come to that later.
It is also entirely possible to formulate your own mixtures for diffusion according to your mood and your desires . You will quickly become adept at diffusion for a simple moment of well-being or a therapeutic action on the respiratory sphere, for example.
To relax
Citrus essences are perfect for diffusing to flavor the air. We then think of essences of Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot or even Petit grain bigarade. With their fruity and tangy aroma, citrus fruits chase away everyday worries while purifying the ambient air.
The Petit grain bigarade to diffuse in a work room can really reduce stress .
Lemon diffused in a room of sick people can also purify the air .
Sweet Orange diffused in a “Zen” institute can provide a feeling of pleasure and intense relaxation .
To mask bad odors
Mint essential oils ( field mint , peppermint and spearmint ) will be effective in masking tobacco odors . They will be used in combination with other essential oils, taking care not to exceed a maximum of 5% as these oils can become irritating to the eyes.
In the toilet , odors will be neutralized by Lemon Eucalyptus , Lemon , Grapefruit or Sweet Orange .
Against perspiration odors , Lavandin or Rose Geranium essential oils will be used.
To prevent winter ailments
At this time, don't hesitate to diffuse essential oils to combat the little ailments of winter. Also useful in prevention , they help stimulate your defenses and boost your immune system for better resistance to viruses.
Classic in winter, colds manifest themselves with sneezing, headaches and often runny noses. Typically, it heals spontaneously within 4-5 days. To prevent it from lasting forever, do not hesitate to diffuse essential oils of Radiated Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea tree or Ravintsara.
Some ideas for “diffusion” synergies:
Winter prevention
Pleasant purifying synergy to diffuse or spray into the atmosphere during sensitive winter periods.
HECT Scots Pine : 25 drops;
HECT Bois de Hô : 25 drops;
HECT Ravintsara : 60 drops;
Lemon Essence : 40 drops;
All in a dropper: 10 ml.
Pour 5 to 10 drops into an ultrasonic diffuser and diffuse for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
Sleep
A synergy to diffuse to bring calm and relief before bed and facilitate falling asleep.
HECT Incense : 20 drops;
HECT Noble chamomile : 10 drops;
HECT Ravintsara : 30 drops;
HECT Bois de Hô : 40 drops;
In a dropper: 10 ml.
Pour 5-10 drops into an ultrasonic diffuser and diffuse for 30 minutes before bed. (+3 years)
Stress
Create an atmosphere of calm and well-being at home (for teleworking) or whenever you feel the need during periods of stress and tension. Synergy with sweet citrus fragrances, sure values to reharmonize the senses.
TEO Sweet orange: 90 drops;
HECT Lavandin : 90 drops;
Mandarin Essence: 60 drops;
CTE Petit grain bigarade : 60 drops;
In a dropper: 10 ml.
Pour 5 to 10 drops into an ultrasonic diffuser and diffuse for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. (+1 year)
Do you prefer solutions ready to be distributed?
Simplify your use with redistributables
Discover our diffusibles, unique creations formulated by a Nez perfumer from Grasse . With 30 years of experience in perfumery, this creative artist has concentrated all his know-how in order to reinvent the olfactory universe of each synergy of essential oils.
Basic rules and precautions
Depending on the desired olfactory intensity:
pour up to 15 drops of essential oils into the reservoir of your diffuser
Diffuse for 10-15 minutes/hour.
It is not necessary to run the diffuser all day, otherwise it will saturate the room you are in.
Do not broadcast in a child's room in their presence.
For example, run the diffuser in his room an hour before putting him to bed.
Some Essential Oils are not suitable for diffusion.
They are contraindicated or unpleasant in diffusion. They can be irritating to the mucous membranes (e.g. Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, clove, mountain savory, common thyme, wintergreen to name the main ones). Other essential oils are neurotoxic (e.g. hyssop, sage). Finally, the smell of certain essential oils is unsuitable or hardly suitable when diffused alone (eg: basil, coriander, carrot, cypress, cumin, immortelle, noble chamomile).
