What is An Essential Oil Diffuser?

There are many ways to use essential oils and reap their benefits. One of the most common methods is through diffusion. But did you know there are so many methods of diffusing essential oils? And just what is an essential oil diffuser, anyway? We’ve got the basics on these common questions and more.

The A, B, C’s of Diffusing Essential Oils

Here are the main things you need to know about diffusing essential oils.

What is an essential oil diffuser?

An essential oil diffuser fills a room with the fragrance of essential oils and their natural benefits.  

What does a diffuser do?

Just a small drop of an essential oil has the power to heal and uplift naturally. An essential oil diffuser takes that one drop and maximizes those benefits to us.

Essentially, the diffusion process takes the oil and disperses its fragrance into a room. It also breaks the essential oils into minuscule particles that are easy to inhale. When using top quality essential oils, this makes it fast and easy to reap their many benefits on the mind, body, and soul.

How does a diffuser work?

Depending on the type of diffuser, the way it works can depend. Some diffusers use cool air, other use low levels of heat, others a fan. Some use water, others don’t.

We dove into this topic in a separate post. You can check that out here: Types of Diffusers

How many drops of essential oil do you put in a diffuser?

Usually, 3-5 drops should do it! Some diffusers are larger than others, though, so be sure to consult your instructions before using.

How long should a diffuser run?

It’s a common misconception that you should always be running your diffuser. Running 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour at a time should do the trick. Most diffusers will come with an automatic shut-off for this purpose.

Is an essential oil diffuser safe?

Yes! The process of diffusion is safe for breaking down and dispersing essential oils. It’s one of the most common and favored methods of using essential oils, because it’s economical and simple to use over and over again.

What’s the difference between an essential oil diffuser vs. humidifier?

Some think you can use a humidifier instead of a diffuser, but these certainly are not the same thing. Here are a few reasons why you don’t want to waste your essential oils in a humidifier:

  1. Your essential oils will become altered and damaged by the heat of a warm humidifier.
  2. Essential oils can clog and break cold mist humidifiers. In general, oils will most likely damage the plastic of any humidifier over time.
  3. Humidifiers won’t break down the particles like a diffuser will. You won’t be getting all the real benefits the oils could be offering.

What’s the difference between an essential oil burner vs. a diffuser?

An essential oil burner could be a great way to diffuse your oils. You add in few drops of your favorite essential oil to the water on top, light the tealight at the bottom, and you’re in business.

If you’re planning a relaxing night in, or an intimate dinner or gathering, essential oil burners could be a great option for creating the mood! However, we recommend diffusers when children or pets are around, just because of the open flame.

Why diffuse essential oils?

One of the main reasons why people choose to diffuse their essential oils, opposed to inhaling the scent out of the bottle, ingesting it, or applying it topically, is because you’re able to fill up a large space with lovely aromas with just a few drops. Essentially, you enjoy all the benefits while getting the most bang for your buck.

Diffusing essential oils is the best way to unwind after a long day while promoting health and wellness benefits (like calmness, focus, sleep, etc.).


Have a question about essential oils? Drop your comments below! 

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