The Basics
Historically, people have been smelling plant oils for a long time. They didn’t know the scientific reason; they just knew it was enjoyable to smell pleasant odors. But why?
We can now thank our Olfactory system for this. The nose and the olfactory system are some of the most accurate systems in the body, delivering messages through the limbic system to the brain. Inside the olfactory epithelium are millions of olfactory receptor cells. When inhaling a fragrance, or odorant, the airborne odor molecules travel up through the nostrils to the olfactory epithelium, and then on to the olfactory bulb. Inside the olfactory bulb are receptor cells called Glomeruli- this is the brain's smell center.
According to Scientific American, "Different patterns of glomerular activation are known to generate the sensation of specific odors. Firing one set of glomeruli elicits the perception of pineapples; firing another evokes pickles." The olfactory cortex in the brain receives the information and if its a known scent, identifies the odor. Who knew all of this was going on in our nose?
How Diffusers Work
The word diffuse comes from the Latin word diffus, meaning poured out. The word diffuse, as we use it today, means to spread out over a wide area. Essential Oil diffusers release an aroma and spread it over a wide area, usually a living room or office. When using a diffuser, the oils alter the structure of molecules in the air that create odors, increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Both cold and wet diffusers atomize a micro-fine mist of essential oils into the air, which can remain suspended for several hours. Research shows that the diffusing of oils may:
​
-
Improve emotional and hormonal balance
-
Relieve headaches
-
Stimulate neurotransmitters
-
Help weight management
-
Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity
-
Relax the body, relieve tension and clear the mind
-
Stimulate secretion of endorphins, improve secretion of IgA antibodies that fight Candida
-
Give a general sense of well-being
Why You Should Diffuse Essential Oils
We spend a lot of time indoors. A lot. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors, 87% of their life is inside buildings, then another 6% of their life in automobiles. View the study results here. Put simply you likely spend only 7% of your entire life outdoors or only one half of one day per week outdoors. So 93% of your life is spent breathing in indoor air, but that air could be filled with unhealthy pollutants. The average time spent indoors could be even higher now with a majority of employees working from home due to the recent pandemic.
Indoors air quality is a major health issue in industrialized countries around the world. The same EPA study found that “…concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” Other studies have concluded that the concentration of individual air pollutants that lower indoor air quality in typical buildings can easily be 100 times higher than the level of contaminants in outdoor air.
Your indoor air quality is important. Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is important.
Concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations
On the physical level, essential oils help combat biological contaminants by binding to the airborne molecules of fat that typically carry unpleasant odors. Citrus oils are great air fresheners in offices, schools and public places and very few people object to the smell. Synthetic air fresheners, on the other hand, only mask the undesirable odors. Essential oils also have well-documented antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to further improve indoor air quality. Some powerful and relatively inexpensive "bacteria busters" are cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender and pine oils.
​
Essential Oils for Healthy Home Environments
Essential oils are a practical and cost effective solution to offset many of the detrimental effects of poor indoor air quality. In addition, psychologists report that aromas penetrate deeply into our unconscious and emotional worlds because we react instinctively rather than intellectually to the vast array of scents in our environment. Knowing this, we can enhance our moods as well as our physical health by improving indoor air quality with oils that are wisely chosen and properly diffused.
Aromatherapy for Every Area of Your Home
Different areas of your home can also benefit from specific scents. Relaxing oils like clary sage, bergamot, rose and jasmine work well in the living room. To rouse couch potatoes from their winter lethargy, improve the indoor air quality with stimulating oils like mints and forest blends! For bathrooms and kitchens, the "bacteria busters" mentioned above along with lemon grass and citronella are excellent. In bedrooms, sleep enhancing oils like valerian, chamomile, hyssop and lavender are good choices.
Aromatherapy Diffusers
Essential oils can be diffused through a wide assortment of clay, glass and metal diffusers commonly sold through essential oil and herb companies. Some easy homemade approaches work just as well, like putting nine drops of oil into a pan of boiling water. You can also add four drops of oil to a cup of warm water in a standard spray bottle. (Be careful not to spray the mist on wooden furniture to avoid discoloration.) Or add some drops to your humidifier.
​
​
If you prefer the methods your grandma may have used, create your own perfumed pillows and sachets, potpourris, scented soaps and scented candles. However, make sure you are getting the real thing. Lower quality candles, for example, can emit pollutants such as acetone, benzene and soot, which actually decrease the level of indoor air quality. Some imported candles even have wick cores made of lead. For purity and health, the best options are beeswax or soy candles with natural fiber wicks.
Essential Oils for Every Season
You can also pick your oils in relation to the time of year. In spring and summer, light, refreshing essential oils are the most appropriate for optimal indoor air quality. These include geranium, lavender, lemon and sandalwood. Oils appropriate for autumn and winter would be warming scents such as cypress, benzoin, nutmeg and frankincense.
Aromatherapy In the Winter
There is typically a higher amount of air pollution in the air than normal during the winter months due to an increase in the burning of wood, coal, and heating oils, and the fact that cold air keeps air pollution closer to the ground. This increased pollution can lead to respiratory problems.
The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties of essential oils, along with the negative ions and oxygenating molecules that are released when essential oils are diffused all help to reduce chemicals, bacteria, and metallic toxins in the air. Several oils recommended for air purification include cypress, eucalyptus, fir, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, lime and rosemary.
​
When you experience all of the physical and psychological benefits of aromatherapy diffusion in your home, you'll be glad you did!
History of the Diffuser
Ancient Egypt
More than 5000 years ago, Ancient Egyptians used oils not only in life but in death. The Ancient Egyptians are credited with creating the first fragrance diffusers in the form of reed diffusers. Egyptians extracted valuable plant essence by placing a natural reed in a jar filled with oils. The reed absorbs the oil at the base, and the oil moves up the reed. At the top, the oil evaporates and diffuses fragrance into the air. Reed diffusers or evaporative diffusers are still used today to diffuse oils and as decorative pieces in homes.
​
Discovered ancient Egyptian burial tombs with the body of a Pharaoh reveal that Egyptians used certain oils not only for the smell but for their antibacterial properties in the mummification process. Myrrh was used to seal the body after the internal organs were removed to prevent the body from decaying. Modern research has concluded that Myrrh contains a bacterial antibiotic that kills cells and causes no resistance developments, meaning bacteria and fungi can’t develop the ability to defeat the antibiotic designed to kill them.
The Medieval Period
Approximately 2,000 years ago, Ibn Sina, a Persian physician regarded as the father of early modern medicine was the first person to use steam distialltion to extract the essence or essential oils from plants. He then used the oil essence for aromatherapeutic treatments on his patients. He called it Ittar, meaning an essential oil derived from botanical sources.
Sina’s Ittar of rose was a fragrant essential oil, typically made from rose petals, and still holds significance in Muslim culture today. He created a two-stage process, first, filling stills made of copper with roses and water. A fire was lit underneath the still and burned for at least one hour. Once heated, the mixture of water and roses would vaporize and exit the still into the condensation chamber in the form of rose oil. The oil would then be bottled and left to age.
The rose has deep symbolism spanning continents, discover more at KathleenKarlsen.com
17th Century Europe
During the Great Plague, some Europeans burned candles made from essential oils and wax, which released the essence of oil in the air and had a purifying effect. Physicians and apothecaries wore masks filled with herbs and spices with high antibacterial properties to protect them from the disease.
Modern Day
Thanks to the work of Sina and others, we as consumers don’t have to go to the trouble of self-distilling our essential oils. Steam distilled essential oils and diffusers are widely available today, and multiple processes are used to diffuse essential oils. The types of diffuser processes are discussed here.
Diffusing Oils For The First Time
Choosing what oils to begin diffusing can be overwhelming. The list of oils you can choose from goes on and on, so we’ve narrowed it down for you in this list. The top five oils we recommend diffusing are Lavender, Orange, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemon. The list below outlines the oil’s specific benefits and key constituents or natural components of the plant.
​
Lavender
Diffuse Lavender to enjoy its signature floral scent and to help create a tranquil environment. Lavender is wonderful to diffuse when feeling stressed. A member of the mint family, Lavender, is native to the Mediterranean and its oil contains cleansing and antioxidant properties. Lavender’s key constituents included: Linalyl acetate, Linalool.
Orange
Orange essential oil, known as liquid sunshine, can be diffused to cleanse the air of any room. Its sweet, uplifting aroma can brighten any room. Diffuse this oil when in need of a bit of sunshine or uplifting. The orange tree is native to Asia but is now grown all over the world. These trees can reach a height of 30 feet. Orange’s key constituents include Limonene, Myrcene.
Lemon
When diffusing lemon oil, a fresh, zesty, citrus aroma is released filled with antioxidants which can help neutralize unpleasant odors. The garbage got left for too long, or cooking fish smelt up the kitchen? Diffuse lemon essential oil. The lemon tree is originally from Asia and wasn’t common in Europe until the 16th century. Key constituents of Lemon include Limonene, Gamma-terpinene, Beta-pinene.
Eucalyptus
Diffusing eucalyptus creates an invigorating aroma that refreshes and stimulates—diffuse eucalyptus to wake up your mind and senses. Eucalyptus can also be diffused for a clearer breathing experience. Give yourself a spa-like experience without leaving your home by diffusing eucalyptus essential oil. The Eucalyptus tree is now commonly grown in China but originated in Australia. Eucalyptus’ key constituents include Eucalyptol, Alpha-pinene, Limonene.
Peppermint
When diffusing peppermint oil, an invigorating aroma is released, which can help create a focused environment. Diffuse peppermint when needing to stay focus or complete a project, or simply to stay awake! The peppermint plant is originally from Europe. Now more than three-quarters of the world’s supply is grown in the United States. 1 pound of the leaves and flowering tops of the peppermint plant are steam distilled to produce a 15 ml bottle of Peppermint essential oil. Peppermint’s key constituents include Menthol, Menthone, Menthofuran,1.8-Cineole (Eucalyptol), Isomenthone, Neomenthol, and Menthyl acetate.
Therapeutic Use of Diffusers
How could molecules of essential oils diffused in a room have benefits? The brain’s limbic area includes the emotional control center, circadian cycles, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, the production of growth hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters. All these functions of the body are responsive to the stimulation of the aromas of pure essential oils. The olfactory system is so closely connected to the limbic system that essential oils have profound physiological and psychological effects. Learn more about healing essential oils here.
Diffusing essential oils in the home or workplace is one of the best ways to purify yourself and the environment with no side effects. The anti-viral, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal properties of various oils, and oxygenating molecules released when diffusing essential oils, help reduce chemicals, bacteria, harmful metals, and other impurities in the air.
​
Stimulation of the olfactory nerves with selected essential oils may offer a powerful and entirely new form of therapy that could be used as an adjunct in preventing many forms of illness. You can simply drop essential oils in your hand and then cupping your hand over the nose for immediate inhalation. This may be a helpful experience in an acute time of need.
​
It is important to note that regular oils on the market today cannot be used for therapeutic diffusing. Independent laboratories must test each oil to ensure that the oils are pure (no petrochemicals or additives) and contain no impurities that would compromise the brain, the body, children, or pets.
Young Living Essential Oils may be beneficial when diffused in polluted areas, in sick rooms, in homes for the elderly, in health spas, in daycare centers, or in a barn. Diffusion can also be used to assist in the sale of a home or create a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere for guests in your home or apartment. Aroma Lamps and candles do not render the therapeutic values of essential oils and may create a toxic compound.
Essential oils can support the bodies charkas or energy centers as well. Learn all about the chakras and the essential oils that help balance them on KathleenKarlsen.com.
How To Choose An Oil Diffuser
Aromatherapy’s popularity has grown in recent years, flooding the market with diffuser options, but which is which? The choice comes down to the process used to diffuse the oils into the air. We’ve summed up the four most common processes used to diffuse essential oils below. We hope it helps you in choosing a diffuser.
Ultrasonic Diffuser
The ultrasonic process dispenses essential oils into the air using ultrasonic waves. No heat is used. Electric frequencies vibrate the plate at the base, creating microscopic particles of oil that are diffused into the air. The plate’s vibration turns drops of essential oil in clean, distilled water into steam or vapor. This diffuser is relatively quiet and is effective at dispersing a very fine mist into the air. This diffuser can also be used as a humidifier in a room because it uses water. Additionally, less essential oil is used because it is diluted with water, so your bottles of oil will last longer. Most ultrasonic diffusers have LED lights, allowing you to create an ambient environment.
Nebulizer Diffuser
The nebulizer process uses no heat and water; instead, it works using pressurized air and oil. Many people like them because the oils are not diluted by water, releasing the most concentrated oil vapor. Because of this, the process uses more oil, and it can emit a strong aroma in a large area over a short time. The nebulizer diffuser creates a fine mist by blowing a stream of air over a tube. The air creates a vacuum effect that pulls the oil to the surface of the tube. It’s generally recommended to clean the glass reservoir once a week.
Heat Diffuser
This diffuser process generally uses the flame from a candle to heat the essential oil. The heat source is placed underneath a small bowl where the essential oil drops are placed, and the flame slowly heats the oils until the oil is hot enough to begin evaporating. These diffusers are some of the least expensive on the market; however, heating oils at high temperatures can change their chemical composition and reduce their aromatherapeutic properties.
Evaporative/Passive Diffuser
The evaporative process requires no power, and no visible mist is released. Because of its porous properties, Terra cotta can absorb oils and release the oil when heated by the sun. Reed diffusers use this process. Reed diffusers require little maintenance but are best for smaller spaces because the scent has nothing to move around a room.
Guidelines for Diffusing Essential Oils
Check the viscosity or thickness of essential oils before diffusing. A thick oil such as Myrrh may plug up your diffuser. Start by diffusing oils for three to four minutes for babies or a delicate person. As the person becomes accustomed to the oils, diffusion may be increased to 15 to 20 minutes a day. Eventually, the diffuser can be used for two to three hours or more.
​
Single oils, multiple oils, or blends can be used. If you place a diffuser on a piece of furniture, protect the area immediately below the diffuser. Concentrated oils could affect the finish of fine wood furniture. If you do not have a diffuser, you can add several drops of essential oils to a food-grade or glass spray bottle with approximately one cup of purified water and shake before spraying lightly in a room or your car.
