How To Use An Essential Oil Diffuser

by Erin Sweeney August 24, 2020

How To Use An Essential Oil Diffuser

Once you’ve purchased your first few essential oils, you’re likely looking for ways to use them. While opening the bottle for the occasional dose of aromatherapy can be effective, there are better ways to harness essential oils’ most powerful effects, from lifting your mood to soothing your nerves.

A Diffuser permeates space with an essential oils’ aroma. In the process, they transform its ambiance, too. The right blend can make your workspace feel energizing, or your bedroom feel relaxing.

So, how do essential oil diffusers work?

In this short guide, we’ll go over our two kinds of diffusers:

  • Passive diffusers

  • Ultrasonic diffusers

We’ll also provide information on safety and the best blends to get started with.

What Is An Ultrasonic Diffuser?

Using sophisticated technology, ultrasonic diffusers emit a refined mist of pure essential oils. 

How do ultrasonic diffusers work?

If you open your ultrasonic diffuser and look inside the tank, you’ll find an indentation at the bottom. 

  • This indentation is called a plate. Ultrasonic diffusers use plates rather than heat to diffuse oils. 
  • When the diffuser is turned on, it uses ultrasonic vibrations that oscillate the plate at such a rapid rate that it breaks down the essential oils and water into microparticles.
  • These microparticles make up the “mist” that comes out of the diffuser and gets dispersed throughout the air. 

That’s all there is to simple yet effective diffusion. This process maintains the therapeutic benefits of essential oils without the degrading effects of heat.

Ultrasonic diffusers are great for potent aroma output and cover more square-footage than other types of diffusers. 

Ultrasonic Terrazzo Diffuser

Looking for a powerful diffuser with organic lines? The Terrazzo intertwines effective diffusion with a sleek, circular design.

This aromatherapy diffuser not only fits in with a variety of interiors but also transforms your space by delivering powerful, therapeutic essential oils. The natural hand-placed terrazzo stones shimmer in the light and give it its unique texture.

It features:

  • A larger capacity of up to 130 ml

  • Less need for refills

  • The ability to diffuse for 1-8 hours

It works similarly to the Diamond Diffuser. 

If you’re looking to fill a larger, loft-like space with pure essential oil aroma, consider this powerful ultrasonic diffuser.


Ultrasonic Diamond Diffusers

If you’re looking for a striking, effective and modern looking ultrasonic diffuser, the Diamond Diffuser is a wonderful ceramic option. Made of natural materials, it’s small enough for your nightstand and large enough for your living room.

Throw in a few drops of an essential oil or your favorite Synergy Blend to fill your home with wonderful aromas within minutes.

It’s as simple as this:

  1. Remove the outer cover and water-tank cover.

  2. Connect the AC adaptor to the side of the base.

  3. Pour room-temperature water just below the fill line in the water tank. 

  4. Add 10-15 drops of EG’s pure essential oils or Synergy Blends into the water tank. (Note: About 0.1 ml to 0.15 ml per 90 ml water)

  5. Put the water-tank cover and outer cover back on after you’ve filled the water tank to the fill line. (Note: You must use the outer cover while diffusing.)

  6. Plug the power adaptor into an electrical outlet. 

  7. To turn it on, press the fine mist Power button once.

The Button Breakdown 

The Diamond Diffuser is easy to operate, though it comes with multiple settings. To further simplify this diffuser’s straightforward design, we’re here to explain just what its power button does.

  • 1 push: ON and runs continuously; automatic shut-off after 3 hours (1st light on)

  • 2 push: 30 seconds ON/30 seconds OFF; shuts off after 8 hours (2nd light on)

  • 3 push: ON 60 minutes continuously, then shuts off (3rd light on)

  • 4 push: ON 120 minutes continuously, then shuts off (4th light on)

  • 5 push: OFF (All lights off)

Note: All settings have auto shut-off after the water runs out. To turn off the diffuser immediately, hold down the mist Power button.

Passive Diffusers

Simple terra-cotta models might include a hole for a candle and a reservoir for oil and water. To operate, you light the candle, which then heats the oil and water above. Then, particles evaporate and join the ambient air. This form of diffusing essential oils requires only a few drops of your favorite essential oil or essential oil combinations to fill a small room with a relaxing aroma. 

Keep the following in mind when using a passive diffuser such as the Ceramic Bloom Diffuser or a Reed Diffuser:

  • They work best for small areas like bathrooms, and small bedrooms.

  • They are ideal for using where electrical plugs are unavailable. 

  • They tend to require more essential oil, since the oil is not diluted with water like Ultrasonic Diffusers.

  • They are generally more compact in size.

While a passive diffuser is an affordable way to disperse your favorite essential oil, you may be interested in upgrading to an ultrasonic diffuser, which uses more advanced technology to diffuse aromas.

Safety Tips For Your Essential Oil Diffuser

When you’re using an ultrasonic diffuser, take a few steps to ensure your safety.

  1. Always place your diffuser on a stable, level, and dry surface. 

  2. Only use the power adaptor, cover, and base that are packaged with the diffuser. 

  3. Do not pour water directly into the water tank from the tap faucet; it may spill and cause damage. Use the included cup to fill with water. 

  4. Do not cover the diffuser with anything. 

  5. Only use room-temperature water.

  6. Always keep the diffuser out of reach of children and pets. 

  7. If the diffuser malfunctions, unplug immediately and discontinue use.

  8. Never fill the water tank when the diffuser is in use. 

  9. Always hold the diffuser from the base to prevent damage.

What Essential Oils Should Not Be Diffused?

While most essential oils are safe to diffuse, there is the possibility that not all residents and visitors will enjoy essential oils or a diffuser blend. 

The American College of Healthcare Sciences makes the following recommendations:

  • Make sure cats and dogs have the option to leave the room if an aroma bothers them. Thanks to their superior sense of smell, pets may find oils overwhelming.

  • Essential oils can irritate pregnant women as a result of changes in their sense of smell. In addition, it’s best to avoid essential oils during the first trimester. Read more in our guide on pregnancy and essential oils.

  • Ensure there’s proper ventilation in the room where you’re diffusing. For best results, consider diffusing with an open window, or with open doors between rooms.

What Is The Best Essential Oil For A Diffuser?

If you’re wondering where to begin with diffusing, perhaps an essential oil blend can help. The cheat sheet we’ve put together spans a spectrum of moods, from calming aromas to energy-boosting blends.

  • Relaxing and Calming Synergy Blends – Chamomile Lavender, Meditation, and Quiet Time. 

  • Energizing Synergy Blends –  Grapefruit Pink Pepper, Awake & Aware, Good Morning, and Energy Boost. 

  • Empowering Synergy Blends – Fearless, Frankincense Lime, and Shine. 

  • Romantic Synergy Blends – XOXO, Aphrodisiac, and Cocoa Rose. 

  • Restful Sleep Synergy Blends – Sleep Ease, Good Night, and Sleepy Head®. 

  • Stress and Anxiety Relief Synergy Blends – Worry Less, Stress Relief, and Anxiety Ease. 

  • Air-Purifying Essential Oil Blends– Guradian, Fighting Five, Breath of Fresh Air, and Natural Cleaning.


How Long Should You Diffuse Essential Oils?

While your new ultrasonic diffuser can diffuse for up to eight hours, that doesn’t mean you should take full advantage of its powers right away. A constant fine mist in your aroma diffuser may end up overpowering your senses. Remember that everyone is different and although diffusing essential oils for extended periods of time may not affect you, it might not be beneficial for another. 

Start by diffusing for just 30 minutes or an hour. Then, see how long the effect lingers in your particular environment.

Keep in mind that you won’t enjoy your essential oil if you become completely acclimated to its aroma. Our diffusers have the ability to cycle on/off for thirty minutes at a time. One good reason to put your diffuser on an interval like this is that cycled diffusion can inject a new burst of energy every time the diffuser kicks in.

Getting to Know Your New Diffuser

Now that you know how to use a diffuser, as you experiment with different blends, cycles, and durations, you’ll figure out the best way to adopt essential oils into your routine.

Some people find the following practices helpful:

  • Use your essential oils diffuser to fill your workspace with an uplifting blend as you sit down for work.

  • Fill your bedroom with a relaxing, sleep-promoting blend.

  • Use an air-purifying blend in the living room.

If you find yourself wishing you always had your oils with you, consider investing in a car diffuser, personal inhaler, or a diffuser bracelet to take with you on-the-go, too!

Have a question about any of our diffusers and their aromatherapy benefits? Feel free to drop us a line in the comments section. For those that might be wondering where to place their diffuser, this blog has some great ideas.


Sources:

1. “3 common and dangerous essential oil mistakes.” The American College of Healthcare Sciences. https://info.achs.edu/blog/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety

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4 comments

Edens Garden

March 4, 2021 at 11:54 am

Hi Sandra! Try only add 100 ml of water and 10 drops of essential oil. Note, we recommend diffusing 30 minutes before bed rather than all night.

Sandra Huckaby

March 3, 2021 at 12:33 pm

What would be the recommended amount of EO drops for 200ml water to diffuse 3feet from me for insomnia?

Edens Garden

December 10, 2020 at 11:57 am

Hi Chloe! To my knowledge, Malaysia uses a power input of 240V and our electric diffusers use a power input of 100-240V.

Chloe

December 10, 2020 at 9:19 am

Can I use your diffuser (made in the USA ) in Malaysia? Since the voltage and frequency of this two countries are different , does it mean I need to use an adapter?