Diffusing: What it is and how to do it

Written By Michele Diacontonas

One of the many ways we can use essential oils is through diffusing. What you might not know, is there are different diffusers, and different ways to use them! I’m going to break it down for you so you can enjoy this delivery method, and really understand how it can help you :) 

The most common way people diffuse is with an ultrasonic diffuser. These diffusers are what you would probably think of when you think of diffusing, and are very commonly found. You can get them from your local store, Amazon, or your favorite essential oil company. They consist of a reservoir that you would put water into, and then a few drops of essential oils. Once turned on, the mist will flow out, giving you not only the aroma of the essential oils you’ve chosen, but also adding moisture into the air. If you aren’t a fan of the water, there is a waterless diffuser that has you place the essential oil bottle directly into it, and it disperses into the air. I personally use the ultrasonic diffusers, and really like them! Depending on what size diffuser you use, will determine how big of an area you will be able to smell the aroma as well, so be cautious of that when choosing one.

I love using diffusers during the day for an energy boost, while I’m cleaning, and for times when I really want to focus on something. At night it is great for helping our bodies get ready for sleep. If the kiddos are sick, I will also diffuse essential oils that will help them breathe a little easier while their bodies are trying to fight off whatever they have. 

When using an ultrasonic diffuser, it is recommended to diffuse at intermittent settings, such as 15 minutes on/15 minutes off or 15 minutes on/30 minutes off for 1-3 hours. This allows your body to get a break and not become sensitized to the essential oils used. For bedtime, you can diffuse an hour before going into the room, and then turn it off for the night. You’ll still get the benefits of the essential oils to help relax, but then it is off while you are sleeping, allowing your body a break.

Another option for diffusing is called passive diffusing. This is something that is not talked about often, but is a great option when you want to get the benefits of essential oils without having it in a large space, or you are wanting a more gentle aroma. Passive diffusion is when you put the essential oils on an item that will allow natural airflow to bring the aroma up. Things that you can use are reed diffusers, lava rocks, wooden beads, unfinished ceramic, and even cotton balls. Many essential oil companies sell passive diffusers as well. I recently just purchased Plant Therapy’s Lava Rock diffuser and have it in my bathroom. I love that it is a subtle way to add a nice scent into the small area. Plus it isn’t overpowering, which decreases the chance of someone having an adverse reaction to them.  

Passive diffusing is also great for when you alone want to use essential oils, especially ones that might not be safe for kids and pets. For example, if you wanted to use Eucalyptus to help clear your airways, you could put a few drops on a diffuser necklace and be able to get the benefits without disturbing anyone else.

Other ways to passive diffuse:

  • Adding a few drops to a cotton round or another passive diffuser and putting on your nightstand. This allows you to have some relaxation before going to sleep, but not bother your partner if they don’t like the aroma of certain essential oils. 

  • Putting a few drops on some wooded beads and hanging in your car. This gives a fresh scent to the car, without it being overpowering.

  • Adding a few drops to a cotton ball and throwing it in the bottom of your trash can. Not only does it help with unpleasant odors, but it can deter pests and animals when outside as well. 

There are some safety concerns when it comes to diffusing. As always, you want to check for any adverse reactions you, someone else, or your pets might have to certain oils being diffused. Heavy breathing or itchy and watery eyes would be an indication that your body is having a reaction. Shutting off the diffuser and getting some fresh air should alleviate these symptoms. 

Safety with pets is something else to be cautious about. Ultrasonic diffusing should not be used around small caged animals, as they have no way to escape if they start having a reaction. With pets such as dogs and cats, make sure that if you are using an ultrasonic diffuser around them, they have a way to escape to another room if they don’t like the aroma or start having reactions. There are some oils that are not recommended to diffuse around your pets. If you still wish to use these oils, use a passive diffuser instead, as it will be safer for your fur babies. 

Speaking of babies, there are some essential oils that should not be diffused or used with kids. One of my favorite quick resources for looking up essential oil safety is Plant Therapy’s website. You can search for specific oils that you plan to use and they have listed under each oil if it is pregnancy safe, nursing safe, Kidsafe, and pup and pony safe. I use their website often to double check that the essential oils I’m using are safe for whatever I might be doing. 

Here’s a list of some of my favorite diffusers, which all happen to be from Plant Therapy. This isn’t a sponsored post, I just truly enjoy their products and their safety information they provide! Each of the ultrasonic diffusers have intermittent settings pre-programmed, which is why I love them so much! 

*Disclaimer: I do have a Plant Therapy affiliate link if you would like to shop and support me! This program just gives me a small portion back, at no extra cost to you! :)

Diffusing is a great way to get benefits of essential oils, and I hope this guide helps answer any questions you may have about it. If you have any other questions though, please reach out and I will help you more!

Michele Diacontonas
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