How Long Should Essential Oils Be Diffused?
Aromatherapy is one of the best methods to tap into natural wellness and healing. As more people look into nature for optimal health, there is a need for accurate information in this respect. Aromatherapy is best delivered through diffusing. A diffuser is used to release tiny molecules of essential oil into the air. This makes inhalation possible and you can enjoy the merits of these potent oils. How long should you diffuse essential oil? This is an important question to ask if you want to get the most out of aromatherapy. First, it is good to note that there are all manner of diffusers that work differently. How diffusers work can alter the quality and quantity of oil that is diffused. In this regard, you want to use a diffuser that enables you to enjoy high quality aromatherapy.
Best Diffuser for Aromatherapy
As alluded to above, choosing the right diffuser is the first step to fully optimizing your essential oil experience. A nebulizing diffuser is the best kind in the market. This diffuser does not use heat or water and does not alter the quality of oil. Through fluid pressure dynamics, it releases high quality pure oil molecules into the air. This diffuser does not contain any plastic and is therefore not toxic. It is quiet and uses a very little amount of electricity. Also, it comes with control functionality so that you can determine the quantity of oil you want to diffuse and for how long. Therefore, before considering the length of time you want to diffuse, you must have an optimal diffuser.
How Long Should You Diffuse?
Many aromatherapists agree that doing it 30 minutes at a time is enough. However, not all people are of the same mind. Some people actually diffuse all day. Too much of anything is certainly not good. To this end, you want to diffuse in moderation as well. The best way to diffuse is intermittently. This means that you can diffuse for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. The benefit of doing this is to ward away essential oil sensitivity. This reaction means that you are no longer able to enjoy the oil benefits as before. Another problem that presents when you diffuse for too long is scent fatigue. Your nose becomes blind and you are no longer able to appreciate or enjoy the aroma any more.
Some people choose to diffuse very low levels of oil for a longer time. Every person is different and they may have their preferences. Take time to discover what works for you because nothing is cast in stone. Once you find the right length to meet your needs, you are able to customize your experience. Keep in mind that essential oils and blends are different. Some are too strong while others are subtle. Therefore, you may diffuse some longer than others.
What are the top Benefits of Diffusing?
There are many reasons why diffusing is done. You could be looking to deodorize a room with your favorite fresh scent. Scenting your space creates a positive vibe and wards away bad odor. Another good reason for diffusing is to clean or disinfect the air. Microbes such as bacteria and viruses can wreak havoc and cause disease. Cleaning air frequently through diffusion will keep you and your family protected naturally. One of the leading reasons for diffusing in the modern day is to relieve stress and anxiety. Calming your mind and body is key to living a healthy life. You can also diffuse to promote energy and focus, boost your immunity, support your respiratory system; among many others.
The Most Common Mistakes Made When Diffusing
Avoiding common mistakes when diffusing ensures that you enjoy top notch aromatherapy. Below is a quick look at some of the common errors to avoid.
1. Diffusing For Too Long
Diffusing for too long is a common mistake people make. When your nose is exposed to the same odor for a long time, receptors therein will suffer olfactory adaptation also known as olfactory fatigue. As a result, this lingering odor information reaches the brain and stops the process. This halting of odor processing helps the nervous system cope. It also allows for the detection of new smells if any. Studies have found that diffusing for too long doesn’t come with any added benefits; if anything, it stresses out your system. The best way to diffuse therefore is intermittently; where you give breaks to your nose. This way, you can optimize essential oil usage to avoid wastage.
2. Diffusing Too Much Essential Oil
Many people believe that using more oil in a diffuser will have a better aroma impact. However, this is not true at all. Every person has a threshold in which they perceive scent. Once your nose has inhaled to its capacity, it won’t matter how strong the scent is. Therefore, there is no need to overload your diffuser. Anything from 5 to 6 drops of oil is enough to diffuse at a time. Other factors like the room size also come into play when you’re deciding on the amount to diffuse. The rule of thumb is to follow manufacturer guidelines on how much and how to use the oil. Because essential oils are highly potent by nature, less is always more.
3. Not Taking Precaution When Diffusing Near Pregnant Women and Babies
Expectant women and babies can benefit from mild aromatherapy; anything more can be harmful. This means that only small doses of oils should be used to diffuse. 2 to 3 drops for about 10 minutes are safe. Also, not all oils are gentle enough to use during pregnancy and for infants. For example, avoid oils like rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus oils. Also, do not forget to have proper ventilation when diffusing.
There are many things you can do better when it comes to diffusing. This is the only sure way to harness the power of aromatherapy. If you are in doubt, always consult a professional or read resources that shed more light on this. When essential oils are not used properly or optimally, they can compromise your health and wellness.