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6 min read

2024-10-18

Aromatic Ambiance – A Guide to Diffusing Essential Oils

Written By: Robin Lander

Adding essential oils to a diffuser is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Diffusers release a steady stream of aroma into your environment, giving you the opportunity to create an instant sense of peacefulness, a refreshing of the senses, or an energizing atmosphere. We have many different essential oils to choose from, each offering exciting possibilities for creating a custom ambiance that suits your mood. Let’s explore some of the most popular essential oils for using in a diffuser.

Peaceful Aromas for a Tranquil Atmosphere

Whether you’re ready to kick back and relax, meditate, or drift off to sleep, these aromas can encourage a restful environment:

Bergamot - Organic

Cedarwood, Atlas - Organic

Cedarwood, Himalayan

Chamomile Roman, Italy

Clary Sage - Organic

Frankincense, Somalia

Grapefruit, Pink

Lavender, Wild

Lavender, France - Organic

Mandarin, Red

Neroli, Morocco - Organic

Orange, Sweet Organic

Palo Santo

Ylang Ylang, Complete - Organic

Enlivening Aromas to Energize the Room

Studying for an exam, cleaning the house, or having a party, these elevating aromas can help revive and invigorate your space:

Basil, Sweet ct Linalol

Cypress Leaf, White

Cardamom - Organic

Eucalyptus, Narrow Leaf - Organic

Fir, Balsam- Organic

Geranium, Africa

Lemon Organic

Pepper, Black

Peppermint, India - Organic

Pine, Scotch - Organic

Rosemary CT Cineole Organic

Spearmint - Organic

Clarifying Aromas to Refresh the Senses

The aroma of pungent spices, herbaceous leaves, and coniferous trees are welcome during seasonal changes:

Coriander Seed - Organic

Cypress Leaf - Organic

Eucalyptus, Narrow Leaf

Fragonia

Frankincense Frereana - Organic

Fir, Balsam - Organic 

Ginger, Fresh - Organic

Hinoki Wood

Hyssop Decumbens

Lavender, High Elevation

Orange, Blood

Peppermint, France - Organic

Ravintsara - Organic

Spruce, Black - Organic

Deodorizing Aromas to help Freshen the Air              

These robust, cleansing aromas can help clear the energy and lend a fresh perspective:

Clove Bud - Organic

Eucalyptus, Blue Gum

Juniper Berry - Organic

Lavender, Bulgaria - Organic

Laurel Leaf - Organic

Lemongrass - Organic

Lime - Expressed

Litsea Cubeba - Organic

Orange - Wild

Tea Tree - Organic

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

White Sage

Ylang Ylang III - Organic

How Do I Formulate a Pleasing Diffuser Blend?

Try combining 3-4 different essential oils in your diffuser to create your own aromatic blend. Start with a particular essential oil aroma that piques your interest, then take a look at the Blends Well With section near the bottom of the product page to find inspiration of what to blend it with. Here is an example of a peaceful blend:

Inner Peace Diffuser Blend:

8 drops Pink Grapefruit

4 drops Frankincense Somalia

3 drops Clary Sage - Organic

Some Aromas are Not Suitable for Diffusion

One important thing to be aware of is that not all aromatic materials are suitable for diffusion. Many essential oils are too thick to be used in a diffuser, particularly resinous oils, absolutes and some CO2s, and they may clog the delicate parts of your diffuser. Our article About Aromatic Diffusers can help you determine which aromas are suitable to use in a diffuser.

If an essential oil or aromatic blend has been diluted into a fixed carrier oil, it should not be added to a diffuser. Carrier oils are not volatile, meaning they will not disperse into the air, and they will prevent essential oils from dispersing as well. Check the ingredients of your product or blend to make sure it does not contain any fixed carrier oils such as Jojoba Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Most viscous (thick) Essential Oils such Vetiver or Sandalwood may be diffused if pre-diluted first with thinner essential oils such as citrus or needle oils. To diffuse thicker oils, first thin them with a ratio of approximately one drop of the thick oil to three drops thinner oil(s) before diffusing.

How Often Should I Diffuse?

In general, diffusing in 30-60 minute intervals 1-3 times a day is considered sufficient. It’s best to have periods of fresh air between intervals. When using a diffuser at night before bed, many people find that 30-60 minutes of diffusion is a good length of time.

What Safety Precautions Should I be Aware of?

Always use caution when diffusing essential oils around children and pets, particularly cats and birds that typically do not tolerate essential oils. Not all essential oils are safe to diffuse around young children. Always make sure there is access to fresh air and check all cautions and contraindications of aromatic materials before use. Please see the Safety Considerations on the individual product pages for more information. If you have any medical conditions or are on medication, please consult with your physician before using or diffusing essential oils.

What Kind of Diffuser should I use?

The most common diffuser type is an ultrasonic diffuser that quietly diffuses aromas through a fine water mist. These can be purchased from most department stores, health food stores, and online. Another type is a glass nebulizing diffuser. To help you decide which diffuser type might be best for you, you can read more About Aromatic Diffusers here.

More Questions About Diffusing Essential Oils?

Contact us and we are happy to help.

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