Using Essential Oils: Drops Needed For Aroma Diffusers

Aromatherapy has been a wellness practice for centuries, with essential oils being used to stimulate olfactory nerves and produce a specific response within the brain. One of the most effective ways to benefit from essential oils is through diffusion, which spreads the scent molecules around your space. The number of drops of essential oil to add to a diffuser depends on the size of the diffuser and the type of oil used. Most experts recommend up to 5 drops per 100ml of water, but the number of drops can vary depending on the volume of the diffuser's tank, your desired level of scent, and the type of oil selected.

How many drops of essential oil to use in an aroma diffuser

When it comes to using essential oils in an aroma diffuser, moderation is key. Using too much oil can result in an overwhelming scent, while using too little may not be enough to scent your space. The recommended amount of essential oil drops depends on the size of the diffuser and the type of oil used.

Most diffusers range in size from 100ml to 500ml. For a 100ml diffuser, it is recommended to use between 3 and 5 drops of essential oil. If you are using a blend of multiple oils, the total number of drops should still fall within this range. For a 200ml diffuser, you can use between 6 and 10 drops, and for a 300ml diffuser, 9 to 12 drops are recommended. A 400ml diffuser can accommodate 12 to 15 drops, while a 500ml diffuser, the largest standard size, can hold up to 15 to 20 drops.

It is important to note that the size of the room you are diffusing in should also be considered. For smaller rooms, such as bathrooms or closets, it is advisable to use fewer drops of essential oil to avoid an overwhelming scent. On the other hand, for larger, more open spaces, you may need to add a drop at a time until you achieve the desired aroma.

The type of essential oil also plays a role in determining the number of drops to use. For example, only one drop of Wintergreen Oil may be sufficient, while you might prefer to use more drops of Lavender Oil. The quality of the oil is another factor; pure essential oils will require fewer drops compared to lower quality or diluted oils. Additionally, some essential oils, such as Ylang Ylang Oil, come in multiple varieties with different potencies, so it is important to research the specific oil you are using.

When creating custom blends, it is recommended to include a base, heart, and top note for the best outcome. The top note, usually a fruity or herby scent like Bergamot or Eucalyptus, is the first scent you notice but fades quickly. The heart note, often a fruity scent like Rose or Chamomile, is noticed next and blends into the base note. Popular base notes include earthy scents like Sandalwood and Frankincense, which linger the longest. As a guideline, add the most drops of your heart note and the least of your base note. For example, in a 200ml diffuser, you might use 3 drops of your top note, 5 drops of your heart note, and 2 drops of your base note. However, this is just a starting point, and you can experiment to find the perfect blend for your preferences.

It is important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, so adding too many drops can lead to negative side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and irritation. Therefore, it is always best to start with a smaller number of drops and increase gradually until you find the right balance for your space and scent preferences.

How to create custom blends for your aroma diffuser

Creating custom blends for your aroma diffuser is a fun and creative process that allows you to experiment with different essential oils and find your favourite combinations. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Determine Your Goal

First, think about the effect you want from your custom blend. Are you seeking therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety or easing pain? Or are you aiming to create a specific environment, such as a calming, uplifting, or relaxing space? Ask yourself what you want to achieve with your blend.

Step 2: Select Your Oils

Choose 2-3 essential oils that align with the goal you determined in step one. If you are new to aromatherapy, it is recommended to use a goal-oriented approach rather than blending solely for perfume qualities. Consider the different types of essential oils and their properties:

• Uplifting essential oils: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, etc.
• Energizing essential oils: Tangerine, White Fir, etc.
• Relaxing essential oils: Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Chamomile, etc.
• Bedtime essential oils: Lavender, etc.
• Immune-supportive oils: Clove, etc.
• Digestive support oils: Fennel, etc.
• Respiratory support essential oils: Eucalyptus, etc.
• Focus essential oils: etc.

Step 3: Make Your Custom Blend

Now, it's time to blend your selected oils together. The amount of each oil you choose will influence the aroma and effect of your blend. Use a small container or the diffuser's measuring cup to mix your oils. It is recommended to use between 4-10 drops total of essential oils for one diffuser use.

Some oils have very strong scents, so start with one or two drops to ensure they don't overpower the blend, unless you intend for a particular oil to be dominant. Oils that should be used sparingly include:

• Wintergreen Oil
• Clove
• Basil
• Black Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon Bark

When blending multiple oils, include a base, heart, and top note for the best outcome. The top note is usually the first scent you notice, but it also fades the quickest. Top notes are often fruity and herby. The heart note or middle note is noticed next and blends into the base note, which is the final earthy scent that lingers the longest. Here are some examples of each:

• Top notes: Bergamot, Eucalyptus, etc.
• Middle notes: Rose, Chamomile, etc.
• Base notes: Sandalwood, Frankincense, etc.

For a 200ml blend, you might add 3 drops of your top note, 5 drops of your middle note, and 2 drops of your base note. However, feel free to experiment and adjust the ratios to your preference.

Additional Tips:

• The size of your diffuser and the type of oil you use will impact the number of drops you need. Most diffusers hold between 100ml and 500ml of water. A good rule of thumb is to use 5 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water.
• The quality of the oil matters. If you are using 100% pure essential oil, you will need fewer drops than a lower quality or diluted oil.
• When blending multiple oils, start slowly and add just a few drops of each oil at a time.
• You can create custom blends by combining different oils or mimicking the notes of your favourite perfumes.
• Diffusers typically run for 1-6 hours, and the aroma will accumulate in the area. Therefore, you may not want to use a strong concentration for a long period.
• It is essential to clean your aroma diffuser regularly to maintain its efficiency and prolong its life.

The size of your aroma diffuser

For a more subtle fragrance or for use in a small space, you can use 3 drops of essential oil for a 100ml diffuser. This means that for a 500ml diffuser, you would use around 15 drops of essential oil. It's important to consider the size of the room where you'll be using the diffuser and adjust the number of drops accordingly.

In addition to the size of the diffuser, the type of oil you use also plays a role. Some oils, like Wintergreen Oil, only require a single drop, while others, like Lavender Oil, you may want to use more drops. The quality of the oil is also a factor, with pure essential oils requiring fewer drops than diluted or lower-quality oils.

When blending multiple oils, it's recommended to include a base, heart, and top note for the best outcome. The top note is usually the first scent you notice, but it fades quickly, while the middle note blends into the base note, which is the final scent that lingers. Experiment with different oils and adjust the number of drops to find the perfect balance for your aroma diffuser.

How long should you leave your aroma diffuser on for?

The length of time you should leave your aroma diffuser on for depends on several factors, including the type of oil being used, the size of the room, and the strength of the diffuser.

Most experts recommend diffusing for 30 minutes at a time, with intermittent diffusion being much more effective and safer than continuous diffusion. This means allowing for 30-60 minutes off in between diffusing. However, some diffusers are built to run all day, and some essential oils can be diffused for longer at low levels of output, such as lemon and peppermint. More intense oils, like eucalyptus, should be diffused for 20-30 minutes per session. If you are using a new oil, it is recommended to introduce it slowly by diffusing at a low quantity for a short amount of time in a well-ventilated space.

It is important to note that diffusing essential oils for too long can increase the chances of having a sensitivity reaction to the oil, and constant diffusion is a waste of essential oils as they do not provide any additional benefit after a certain point.

Can you leave your aroma diffuser on overnight?

The number of drops of essential oil you should add to your aroma diffuser depends on a few factors. These include the size of the diffuser's tank, the strength of the scent you want to achieve, and the size of the room. Diffusers typically come with tanks ranging from 100ml to 500ml. A good rule of thumb is to use five drops per 100ml, so a 500ml diffuser can handle up to 25 drops. However, if you're using a strong blend in a small space, you may want to reduce the number of drops to avoid an overwhelming fragrance.

Now, can you leave your aroma diffuser on overnight? The answer is yes, but with some precautions. While there are safety concerns, as long as you use a high-quality diffuser and essential oils, there is likely no problem with sleeping with your diffuser on. To eliminate the risk of “overexposure” to essential oils, you can purchase a diffuser with an "auto shutoff" feature or simply turn off the diffuser after scenting your bedroom for about 30 minutes before bedtime. Another important consideration is the type of diffuser. Cold-air diffusers are safer than heat-powered electric diffusers or essential oil burners, which can be a fire hazard.

It's worth noting that leaving a diffuser on overnight may be unnecessary, as the scent from essential oils can last longer than you intend. Additionally, some essential oils can be too strong and may cause headaches or dizziness. Throat, lung, and blood pressure problems have also been associated with the overuse of essential oils. Therefore, it's recommended to use high-quality, pure essential oils and be mindful of the number of drops and the size of the space you're scenting.

In summary, you can leave your aroma diffuser on overnight, but it's important to take the necessary precautions for safety and to avoid an overpowering fragrance. Experiment with different blends, follow safety guidelines, and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy as you drift off to sleep.

Frequently asked questions