Most essential oil diffusers have built-in timers so they can run at any time of the day without the need for monitoring like a lit candle. According to the Cleveland Clinic, essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically to elevate mood, improve sleep, and reduce nausea and headaches.
Some of the most popular essential oils include lavender, tea tree, frankincense, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, orange, rosemary, bergamot, and cedar oil.
“Diffusing oils in the morning opens up your lungs and encourages deep breathing to energize your brain and body, making it the perfect way to start your day,” says Sarah Panton, founder and CEO of essential oil brand Vitruvi. She recommends that citrus and fresh spruce scents are great for morning aromatherapy. Conversely, diffusing at bedtime is a fun, restful ritual in itself. “Turn your diffuser on an hour before you go to sleep to let the scent waft through your bedroom before you rest,” says Panton. Most diffusers have an automatic power-off timer, so you can program them to turn off after a few hours or stay on all night.
These devices are a great alternative to air fresheners and scented candles because they do not diffuse potentially harmful unknown chemicals into the air and there is no significant fire hazard due to their ultrasonic action. It is also safer to diffuse oils than to ingest them, as they may be too strong to take orally and may cause burns. Putting a drop or two of peppermint in your mouth may be okay, but anything more can irritate your mouth and skin. Make sure to only use pure, naturally derived essential oils in your diffuser to prevent headaches and other health issues. Also, remember to thoroughly clean your oil diffuser after each use. I have found that running water and a capful of white vinegar through the device helps break down stubborn oil residues and allows you to rinse it clean afterwards.
Be mindful of your essential oil diffuser’s surroundings during the first few days. Some users have complained of residue or film on nearby surfaces like walls, carpets, hard floors, couches, and chairs. This is another reason why you should clean your oil diffuser regularly. If you use it a lot, you should clean it more often. Also, keep in mind that if you use thicker oils, they are more likely to leave behind residue.
