It’s proven that with the help of essential oils, you can solve a number of psychological, emotional, and physiological problems. The great thing about it is you can get a good result without excessive spending. Depending on your needs, personality and preferences, you can choose the essential oils that are perfect for you personally. This is possible thanks to different kinds of diffusers and methods to diffuse essential oils.
How do essential oils work?
Essential oils are volatile multicomponent organic compounds of terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, oxides, ethers and other compounds produced by plants.
These aromatic compounds are transparent liquids, colorless or colored with pigments: yellow (orange), green – from the presence of chlorophyll (bergamot), red (thyme), rarely dark brown (cinnamon, jasmine) or blue or greenish blue color from the presence of azulene (chamomile, yarrow, wormwood).
These oils penetrate the body and are incorporated into the metabolic processes. At first, they reach the surface tissues of the body that are in contact with the environment – the skin, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, bronchioles, lungs and partially the gastrointestinal tract.
The most important “conduit” is the olfactory canal, through which essential oils have a very strong effect on the body. When you inhale an oil like this, its molecules reach the receptors of the olfactory nerve. And this is the only cranial nerve that’s in direct contact with the environment. The olfactory nerve passes the information to the oldest structure of the brain – the limbic system. Here a certain influence on the person’s emotional status, desires, needs and memory takes place.
From the surface layers, essential oils, due to their amazing penetrating ability, get into the blood and lymphatic systems and are included in the general circulation of fluids in the body. Through the circulatory system, tissues and organs can take the necessary components of the oils to include them in their vital functions.
Then they enter the excretory systems. Due to their volatile nature, they normally don’t stay in the body for more than two days.
Some oils are excreted through the respiratory system, evaporating from the mucous membranes of the lungs. At the same time, they have therapeutic effect at the level of bronchi, bronchioles and lungs.
Others pass through the kidneys and have a therapeutic effect on the respective organs: kidneys, bladder, ureters.
Some components of the oils are absorbed by the liver, and then excreted into the gallbladder, after which they enter the gastrointestinal tract. And all along the way, they have a therapeutic effect.
Why diffuse them in your home or office?
There are many great reasons why you should use the oils at home or office on a regular basis. Here are some of them.
To clean the air
In addition to their emotional impact on humans, essential oils destroy bacteria and harmful microorganisms, and reduce chemical toxicity. For example, you can use a blend of lemon, citronella, tea tree, and clove to combat unpleasant odors and remove harmful bacteria. They all have a refreshing and antibacterial effect. 4-6 drops of each oil are enough.
To boost the immune system
To enhance the immune system and to resist seasonal illnesses, disperse eucalyptus, frankincense, cinnamon, fir, grapefruit. Regular use of aroma diffuser can reduce and even eliminate acute respiratory and ENT issues, as well as diseases of the bronchopulmonary system.
To create a special mood
It’s also known that essential oils can improve emotions and mood, and fill you with energy for the most productive day at work. The most suitable oils for this purpose are bergamot, orange, and basil. You can use them separately or mixed together, choosing the most favorable ratio.
To improve sleep
It’s not always possible to relax and switch off after work or household chores. Insomnia can be caused by sedentary lifestyle, overwork, various stresses, poor diet, and other factors. Lavender is known to relax and improve sleep. For the same purpose, they use sage, rosemary, peppermint, and laurel.
To set a romantic mood
It’s no secret that some essential oils can increase libido, acting as aphrodisiacs. Ylang-ylang is one such oil popular for its properties. In Indonesia, wedding apartments are traditionally decorated with ylang-ylang flowers. The essential oil is not inferior to natural flowers in terms of its effect.
Regular use of aroma diffuser with these oils in a bedroom promotes harmony in a relationship and creates romantic environment.
How to diffuse essential oils using aroma diffusers
Aromatic diffusers are special devices used for room scenting. These products are perfectly suitable for creating comfort in a house, office, or beauty salon. Over the years, there has been a belief that comfortable environment in a space is created only by a quality renovation, beautiful textiles, or fashionable furniture. But without the presence of a pleasant and fresh scent, no one will feel comfortable.
Aroma diffusers can help achieve this environment. They create a relaxing or invigorating atmosphere, improve your well-being and put you in a good mood – it all depends on the aroma they diffuse.
How to use a reed diffuser
Reed diffusers for home are very easy to buy and even easier to use. You just need to find a suitable place in a room and put the diffuser in an open space. Thanks to the special porous bamboo or rattan reeds, aromatic composition can evaporate and fill the air with pleasing fragrance. All you have to do is put the reeds in the vial and let them soak in the aromatic liquid. If you want a stronger fragrance, you can regulate the number of sticks – the more sticks you put in at the same time, the more intense the evaporation and the smell you get.
How to use an aroma lamp
There are two types of aroma lamps: candle-powered and electric. The lamp that works on electricity is heated by a special heat element. Candle aroma lamps work like this:
- You pour water into a bowl.
- You add a certain amount of oil or aromatic blend drops to the water.
- A lit candle heats the mixture, the essential components evaporate, creating the desired effect.
When using this kind of device, one must follow a few important rules. For safety reasons, it must not be placed on flammable surfaces, including plastic.
Essential oil should be used at the rate of 6 drops per 160 square feet of the room. At first, it’s better to use the minimum amount of oil (2 drops). Frequency of aromatization – 1-2 times a day for 2-3 hours. When using it for the first time, let it last no longer than 25 minutes. It’s necessary to make your body get used to it and prevent side effects. As you use your aroma lamp, be sure to control the liquid level by adding water little by little. How to use an electric diffuser Automatic aroma diffusers work in the same way as aroma lamps: when the liquid is heated, the fragrance spreads around the room.
Only instead of a candle flame an electric heating element is used. As a rule, manufacturers require installation of equipment on a smooth flat surface: table, nightstand, cabinet, etc. away from animals, drafts and small children.
First you need to remove the lid (if any). Then add water. The liquid must be at room temperature – not too hot and not too cold. There is usually a limiting line marked on the container for how much water to add. Once the water is filled in, you need to add the essential oils of your choice. 3-5 drops will be enough to aromatize a small room of 215-320 square feet. How to use an ultrasonic diffuser Ultrasonic fragrance diffusers are electrically powered, so you need to choose a place to install the device. Usually, if you place the diffuser higher, for example on a shelf, the fragrance is dispersed more effectively and will be felt stronger.
Using the electric aromatic diffuser is fairly simple and quite similar to other types of devices: the tank is filled with clean, filtered water, up to the maximum mark and a few drops of aromatic oils are added. The lid is then put in place and the device is turned on.
For an aromatherapy session, a dosage of essential oils is usually 1 drop per 32 square feet of room space. If you use the oils for aromatization, the dosage can be increased.
When using aromatic concentrates, 2-3 drops are sufficient for aromatization. Usually, manufacturers of these products indicate the recommended dosage to add to the diffuser.
After the water level in the tank reaches a critical point, the diffuser will automatically turn off. This function is included in all devices. And it’s very convenient: you can safely turn on the aroma diffuser before going to sleep; it will turn off by itself.
How to use essential oils without a diffuser
If there’s no aroma lamp at hand, it can be replaced with one of these handy room scenting methods:
- Use a spray bottle filled with distilled water and 20-30 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water. Shake well and spray indoors.
- Add 3-5 drops of essential oil to a damp piece of cotton cloth and place it on the radiator.
- You can also replace the aroma lamp with a regular glass by filling it with water and adding essential oil and placing it near the heater.
- Add a few drops of essential oils on dried flowers or soak cotton balls or strips of paper with them and use them for interior decoration.
How to make aroma sticks at home
Scented candles and sticks are also an excellent alternative to the aroma lamp. You can buy them in specialized stores or you can make them yourself.
For this purpose, you will need bamboo sticks, binding components (for example, gum-arabic), charcoal, and a set of herbs, resins and wood bark of your choice, as well as accurate scales, a mortar and pestle and some patience.
The most popular fragrances are vanilla, sandalwood, frankincense, cinnamon, clove, laurel, jasmine, violet and rose. You can choose a ready-made recipe or you can trust your own ingenuity.
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind the herbs and spices into a powder. Viscous ingredients, such as resins, should preferably be frozen beforehand. Fresh flowers and herbs can be finely chopped with a knife or ground in a blender.
- Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients, add essential oils and leave the mixture to infuse overnight.
- Add a few drops of distilled water and stir to create a thick, sticky mixture.
- Roll out the mixture with a rolling pin and cut into 15-20cm long strips (5cm shorter than the length of your bamboo sticks). Then place the bamboo sticks in the middle of the strips, gently roll up into sticks, and roll up tightly so that the mixture evenly coats the bamboo base on all sides.
- Leave to dry in a dry and warm place for 7-10 days.
How to use essential oils to scent every room in your home
Each scent has a unique effect on a person’s physical and emotional well-being, so it’s important to choose the right combination of essential oils for each room in your home:
Entrance hall: welcome your guests with the cozy scent of orange, lemon, rosemary, bergamot, cedar, fir or pine.
Living room: use citrus scents like lemon, mandarin, or grapefruit as well as bergamot and ylang-ylang, to lift your spirits and create a cozy ambiance.
Bedroom: floral aromas of jasmine, lavender, rose, magnolia, sage and geranium have a soothing effect and help with sleep problems.
Kitchen: Mint, rosemary, basil, clove, lemon, orange and ylang-ylang stimulate the appetite and drown out other unpleasant odors.
Office: lemon, ginger and bergamot essential oils encourage concentration and increase productiveness.
Bathroom: pine, fir, spruce and eucalyptus, as well as tea tree will help get rid of unpleasant odors and disinfect the room.
How to diffuse essential oils in the shower?
To diffuse essential oils in the shower, simply place them on a plate or small bowl and then add water. The oil will turn into an aromatic mist that you can enjoy while getting clean. A few drops of any plant-based strong aroma like lavender or peppermint are enough to make your experience more enjoyable with their relaxing properties. Place this onto some cotton balls for storage purposes so they don’t get ruined by accident when not used.
Diffusing takes less than 3 minutes but could last up until 24 hours depending on how close one is standing before exposure (15 feet).
Conclusion
Aroma diffusers are compact, convenient and safe, so they can be used not only at home. A simple device like this will be very appropriate in beauty salons, spas, medical centers, hotels and offices, sports clubs, etc.
Thanks to their functionality and beautiful design, aroma diffusers can become an interesting and useful gift for friends, colleagues or your relatives.
