The What and the Why of Diffusers




The Wonderful World of Diffusers 

My first introduction to essential oils was at a friend’s house. She had a diffuser running in her living room and I was drawn to it. I wish I could tell you what was in it, but I can’t. That detail escapes me. Instead, what was most impactful at that time, was the device itself and knowing there is a better way to clean the air and fill my home with pleasant smells. I had already ditched scented candles, room fresheners and plug-ins, and it was a joyful discovery to learn of this thing called a diffuser.  My world just got brighter!

What is a diffuser? 

Quite simply, it’s a wonderful tool that will bring calm, clarity, comfort and joy all in one. I have one in almost every room of my home. Diffusing has become  a part of my bedtime routine. It runs when I need to wake-up, calm down, or simply focus. It helps cleans the air and my cells. Diffusers have become a bright presence in my home and I couldn’t be happier about it. Could I live without my daily aromatherapy? Sure. But, do I want to? No. Whenever I am without it, I miss the benefits it brings.


Before I go on and explain the different kinds of diffusers and how they work, I want to stress the importance of what goes in a diffuser. Just as a hammer, or any tool for that matter, is only as effective as the one using it, so it is with a diffuser and the oils you diffuse. A hammer won’t drive a nail into the wall if not hit with the right strength and precision. So it is with a diffuser. The therapy it brings can only be a good as the oils that are being "driven" into it. Quality matters. Keep that in mind as you read. 


Types of Diffusers


  1. The ultrasonic or humidifying diffuser  This is the type of diffuser Young Living makes. It disperses tiny essential oil molecules and water into the air using an ultrasonic plate. The plate vibrates and the molecules rise and create a fine mist in the air. This is a great choice for the dry, colder season when you want more moisture in the air.  Find these diffuser here Ultrasonic Diffusers


  1. Nebulizing Diffuser  The nebulizing  diffuser works by pressurized air. A vacuum pulls the oil to the surface of a distribution tube, resulting in a burst of aroma into the air. Nebulizing diffusers don't require water or heat, which makes them low maintenance.


  1. Evaporating Diffusers A diffuser that evaporates essential oils uses a small fan to turn them into gas, which evaporates quickly in the air. The oil is placed on an absorbent pad or wick and the wind from the fan causes the evaporation process in a controlled manner. As the oil evaporates, it does lose some of its potency, so this diffuser is best for the quick, not long lasting aromatherapy. 


  1. Heat or Electric Diffusers  Instead of using a fan to turn oil into gas, this diffuser uses heat to cause the essential oil to evaporate. As with most things, heat changes the chemical properties of essential oils and may make them either more or less intense, so I don’t recommend using this kind of diffuser. It affects the authenticity of an oil and you miss out on all of the therapeutic benefits.


Why Diffuse? 

The sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses, with over one thousand receptors. According to Young Living founder, D. Gary Young, “When a fragrance is inhaled, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they are trapped by olfactory membranes well protected by the lining of the nose. Each odor molecule fits like a little puzzle piece into specific receptor cells lining the membrane. Each one of these hundreds of millions of nerve cells triggers electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb and the gustatory center (where taste is perceived) and the amygdala (where emotional memories are stored). Because of this, essential oils can have profound psychological  and physiological effects. Anxiety, fear, anger and joy all emanate from this region. That is why an aroma can evoke memories and emotions even before we are aware.” 

Fastest Delivery System

Although there are three effective ways to benefit from using essential oils, diffusing is the fastest delivery system.  An essential oil in a diffuser reaches the limbic lobe of your brain in three seconds. Talk about immediate relief!  It travels through your nose, to the olfactory receptors, straight past the blood brain barrier.  When you apply an oil topically, it takes 26 seconds (still amazingly fast) to enter the bloodstream and work its way through the circulatory system. A Vitality oil ingested in a vegetable capsule takes 20 minutes to be absorbed. It has to work  its way through your digestive system and get broken down in the gut. All that being said, the method you use depends on your need.


Another Important Why
It just takes one walk through the cleaning aisle at a place like Walmart to know creating nice smelling homes and eliminating unwanted odors is popular.  We all like the nice smells. Unfortunately, these nice smells don't like us. The synthetic aromas found in plug-ins, candle, air fresheners and even body care products are wreaking havoc on our bodies, causing things like headaches, building up toxins and messing with our hormones. By diffusing pure essential oils instead, you are ditching the harmful chemicals AND replacing them with the chemicals that support your body.  The real thing, without anything added or taken away, is going to accomplish your goal of a cleaner home with the bonus of a healthier you.  Why I ditched candles

Remember,   the quality of the oils you put into your diffuser matters. Cheap oils, the ones sold in grocery stores or random places online are not authentic. They are likely infused with synthetic or toxic ingredients. Knowing the speed at which oils enter your brain, do you really want those oils entering your body and passing the blood brain barrier? I don’t.  Instead, find Seed to Seal oils here:  Seed To Seal Quality Oils   

Need ideas of what to diffuse: I’ve got you covered. Contact me and let me know you want diffuser recipes ideas!contact me


Evening calm and strong

Ingredients
  • 4 drops Thieves
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Frankincense essential oil

Instructions

-Fill your diffuser with water to the fill line. 

-Add the essential oils. Feel free to adjust the drops to your liking. I love the combination of these three oils, but to be honest, there is no "right" recipe. The joy of diffusing means you get to play and make your own favorite blends! You may decide to go heavier on the lavender or frankincense. By all means, do!

-Follow the diffuser instruction manual to turn on and enjoy!

-I like to use this blend at bedtime. It runs while I sleep, covering me with it's relaxing, immune boosting properties!




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