How To Use An Essential Oil Diffuser | Essential Oils | Holistic Health

Essential Oil Diffuser Basics

How to choose a diffuser?

There are several different essential oil diffusers to choose from. Some cover a larger area and have a bigger tank than others. Also some come with a timer and longer time frame for running than others. You want to check the description of the diffuser to make sure that the coverage matches the area you are wanting to diffuse in. For example if you are wanting a diffuser for your living room and it’s bigger are in size, you would want to go with a bigger size diffuser to cover the area being diffused. If you are looking to get a diffuser for a bedroom that is smaller in size, you don’t need as large of a diffuser. You also want to check for a timer and run time. Some diffusers can run several hours without a refill and some only a few hours. Also some diffusers come with a timer that you can set depending on your need. Also check to see if the diffuser is continues mist or intermittent depending on your need. For example an intermittent mist is great if you are looking to diffuse for longer periods of time. Auto shut off function is good to have too so that if the diffuser runs out of water, it will turn turn off automatically and not burn the oils in the tank.

Before purchasing a diffuser ask yourself these questions:

1. What size is the room that you plan to use your essential oil diffuser? This determines the size of the diffuser.

2. How many hours or minutes are you planning on diffusing? Do you need a continues diffusing function or intermittent diffusing function? Check for the hours in the description.

3. Check for auto-shut off so that if the water runs out, the unit will turn off automatically. You don’t want the oils to burn in the diffuser.

My personal favorite diffusers are doTERRA diffusers because they last a very long time and are safe to use. They are great for beginners and are very simple to use. You just fill water to the water mark (a red dot) and add essential oils and turn the unit on. Very easy and simple.

doTERRA Petal Diffuser

I personally use this diffuser in all the bedrooms in the house, including the kids bedrooms. The doTERRA Petal Diffuser is very simple to use and comes with a 2 or 4 hour timer function. This diffuser also comes in the Home Essentials starter kit and the Aroma Diffused Starter kit at discounted pricing.

doTERRA Lumo Diffuser

The doTERRA Lumo diffuser is a great diffuser for a living room or any bigger space. It comes with a 2 or 5 hours continues mist or 10 hours intermittent mist. This diffuser is also included in the Natural Solutions Kit, The Diamond kit and The Emotional Aromatherapy Diffused kit at discounted pricing. It’s also part of the every oil kit which is an amazing way to get started with your own essential oil cabinet while saving over $900!

How To use An Essential Oil Diffuser?

Essential oil diffusers are pretty similar in how they work. Usually you fill the water up to the water line in the tank and add the essential oils. Check the diffuser manual for exact instructions. It’s best to use filtered water if you can to avoid chemicals. The number of essential oil drops needed depends on the size of the area and the time used for diffusing as well as the quality of essential oils used. You only need a few drops if using doTERRA essential oils because of their quality and potency. As a rule of thumb you need about 2-10 drops depending on the size of the diffuser and the area. If you are using oils purchased from the store, they are many times diluted even if the bottle states 100% pure, so you would need to probably use more drops to get the same effect. One thing to also remember is that if you are using essential oils that are not certified therapeutic grade oils with verified quality testing such as doTERRA oils, you can potentially be diffusing essential oils into the air that has been diluted or manufactured with additives and chemicals. This is the reason I personally only use doTERRA essential oils around my family and pets because it’s quality I can count on and I don’t have to worry about my children inhaling chemicals and additives. This is also the reason why I only recommend doTERRA essential oils to my clients.

It’s also best to diffuse shorter periods of time at a time versus longer continuously. You only need 15-30 minutes at a time minutes on and then a break for about the same amount and the diffusing again.

Essential Oil Diffusing and Pets

As a precaution, never lock an animal in a room with a diffuser running. An animal knows naturally to get out of the room if needed. Essential oils not recommended for pets include: Birch, Clove, Oregano, Tea Tree (Melaleuca), Thyme and Wintergreen. Essential oils generally more safe are Frankincences, Helicryrum, Lavender, Lemongrass, Rosemary and Geranium. Also use a lesser amount of essential oils if diffusing with pets around and watch for possible reactions. Do not leave the pet unattended or locked in a room with an essential oil diffuser running. I’ve personally diffused doTERRA essential oils around our dogs and our bunny and we have never had a problem.

Essential Oil Diffusing and Babies

Less is more when diffusing essential oils around babies. Only use a few drops and if diffusing in a bedroom start with 1-2 drops depending on the age of the baby. Only diffuse essential oils that are high quality and quality testing certified such as doTERRA essential oils, around babies to avoid possible toxins and chemicals that are many times added to essential oils sold in stores.