Open the cap of your essential oil bottle and simply take a deep breath to enjoy its most notable characteristic: it has an aroma! The aromatic chemistry found in the distilled form of plants, flowers, fruits, and spices is processed by our most powerful sense…our sense of smell.
Our sense of smell is phenomenal; allow me to share some intriguing concepts:
- The nose can distinguish more than one trillion scents, according to new research; far more discriminating than previously thought. (Source: nih.gov)
- As evidenced by our own experiences, smells can trigger memories, quickly transporting us to relive a past emotional encounter. Most people I have asked affirm that they have at least one significant smell memory.
- “Over the last decade or so, scientists have discovered that odor receptors are not solely confined to the nose, but found throughout the body — in the liver, the heart, the kidneys, and even sperm — where they play a pivotal role in a host of physiological functions.” ~Smell Turns Up in Unexpected Places, NY Times October 13, 2014.
Imagine the possibilities of these concepts the next time your reach for your essential oils. How can we increase our own potential by using essential oils aromatically?
Why Diffuse Essential Oils?
Diffusing essential oils is a quick and easy way to enjoy the health benefits of essential oils! Here are my top three reasons to diffuse essential oils in your home, car, or workplace.
- They cleanse the air in the room!
Diffusing essential oils is a natural way to remove unpleasant odors, rather than just masking them. And with less risk than other choices! Yes, there are lots of options for “air fresheners” available in stores but these synthetic solutions include undesirable side effects. “Despite their popularity, there are concerns that these products increase indoor air pollution and pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure.” ~Air Fresheners: Are They Safe?, poison.org/articles
“According to Anne Steinemann, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Melbourne who has extensively studied the health impacts of fragranced household products, one-quarter of the ingredients in air fresheners are classified as toxic or hazardous.” (Source: Considerable.com) YIKES!!
- They minimize the effects of seasonal and environmental threats!
When seasonal threats occur, respiratory discomfort often accompanies them. Diffusing essential oils helps to promote clear breathing, healthy respiratory function, and are also cleansing for the body systems.*
- They uplift the mood!
One of the most well-researched benefits of essential oils is their ability to influence our moods and emotions. Numerous human clinical trials have validated their ability to improve mood, reduce feelings of anxiousness and stress, and create a relaxing environment.
Selecting a Diffuser
There are different types of diffusers that create distinct experiences for you. To create the fine mist, they can use water and electronic frequencies (ultrasonic), high or low powered streams of air (nebulizing or fan). There are options for colored lights, mist level, continuous and/or intermittent mist settings, and length of mist time. Simply select the one that meets the needs of the room in which it will be located.
There are many factors which will determine which diffuser and/or essential oil to choose and how many drops to add to your diffuser:
How big is the room? How close are you to the diffuser? Do you want to set it and forget it or frequently change it up? Do you prefer a strong or light aroma? Is it in a high-traffic area? Are you alone in the room or with other people? Do you prefer decorative or functional (or both)? Great answers to these questions start with the clarity of the goal you seek.
Essential Oil Blend for Kitchen
My kitchen and foyer have lofty ceilings, and often welcome many guests throughout the week. The kitchen is also the heart of my home and seems to draw people in to partake in the family-oriented activities going on there. In these high traffic rooms, a powerful diffuser with a long run time of 6-8 hours or more is an excellent choice.
- Diffusing goal: Cleanse the air, uplift the mood, create a warm/inviting atmosphere
- Favorite Essential Oils to diffuse: 3 drops each of Green Mandarin and Grapefruit essential oils, sometimes with a drop or two of Cassia essential oil to create the warmth I seek.
Essential Oil Blend for Bedroom
My bedroom is a private space to unwind after a long day, and is often used for prayer, reflection, and sleep! The ideal diffuser for this room is quiet, low/no lights, and an intermittent and low setting for misting that will last the entire night.
- Diffusing goal: Comfort and calm emotions, promote restful sleep environment, foster a peaceful and intimate feeling
- Favorite Essential Oils to diffuse: Combine wood oils (Frankincense, Vetiver, and/or Cedarwood) with flower oils (Roman Chamomile, Lavender, and/or Rose) to blanket the air with peace and serenity.
Essential Oil Blend for Living Room
This room lives up to its namesake: It is for Living!! This is where it all happens…outside the kitchen, of course! Gathering to watch a movie together, play a game, or simply read a book. Having a versatile diffuser that is both decorative and functional is optimal.
- Diffusing goal: Playful, versatile, create a connection with family and friends
- Favorite Essential Oils to diffuse: Equal amounts of Peppermint and Wild Orange essential oils are uplifting and create a burst of energy and happiness.
Essential Oil Blend for Office
Right now, many of us are working from home and it is important to create an environment that promotes productivity, creativity and gives us the ability to concentrate on the task at hand.
- Diffusing goal: Promote focus, creativity, reduce distractions
- Favorite Essential Oils to diffuse: Combine one drop of each Peppermint, Frankincense, Lemon, Cypress, Sandalwood, and Melissa essential oils to discover your personal expression of creativity.
Best Practices for Diffusing Essential Oils
Clean your diffuser periodically to maximize the misting potential and extend the life of your device. Check the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning and usage tips. Make sure you are using distilled water if recommended.
Using a diffuser is simple and creates many health benefits. However, just like a gym membership, we must use it to enjoy the benefits! Simply having one in the room does not add any value, so make it easy to get your diffuser going every day. Keep the oils you love and a container of water near your diffuser. This makes it simple to fill and refill as needed.
Essential oils are safe, therapeutically effective, and very affordable. However, not all essential oils are created equal! Be an educated consumer and use only certified pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils for your family! Make sure the chemistry you need is in the bottle at your fingertips!
Terri Pace
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Terri Pace is a certified Holistic Health Coach. She is an educator, sharing her experiences and knowledge on the use of simple natural solutions to support the structure and functions of the body for optimal health and wellness. Terri invites you to contact her for a FREE private, personal wellness consultation and to get samples of essential oils which can support your specific wellness goals: simply.natural@optimum.net You can also find short webinar recordings on different health topics on her Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/simplynatural
