Aroma Diffusers: What's In The Mist?

Aromatherapy diffusers, or essential oil diffusers, disperse essential oils into the air in the form of a fine vapour or mist. This process is known as oil diffusion and can be achieved through various methods, such as using heat, ultrasonic waves, or fans. The diffused oil molecules can then be inhaled, offering aromatherapeutic benefits such as stress relief, improved sleep, and enhanced cognitive function. Essential oils are natural extracts from plants, fruits, herbs, trees, and flowers, and are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When diffused, they can help purify the air, improve the aroma of a room, and provide therapeutic effects on both the body and mind.

Essential oils

There are several types of essential oil diffusers, each using a different method to disperse the oil into the air. Here is an overview of the most common types:

Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers are one of the simplest types of diffusers. They consist of a small glass container filled with essential oil and a bundle of thin sticks, usually made from porous wood like rattan or bamboo, that are inserted into the oil. The oil travels up the reeds and evaporates into the air, diffusing the scent. The rate of evaporation is influenced by the temperature of the room, with higher temperatures causing faster evaporation. While reed diffusers are easy to use and require no electricity, they may not be as effective in controlling the intensity of the scent and may not be suitable for large spaces.

Evaporative Diffusers

Evaporative diffusers use a small battery or electric fan to generate a gentle breeze that blows through a pad soaked with essential oil. The air movement causes the oil to evaporate and diffuse into the air. These diffusers offer more control over the diffusion process than reed diffusers but still rely on the principle of evaporation.

Heat Diffusers

Heat diffusers, also known as electric diffusers, use heat to warm a blend of essential oil and water, causing the oil to evaporate and disperse into the room. They can be powered by a naked flame, such as a candle, or an electric heating element. Electric heat diffusers often feature a heating coil inside a waterproof casing and may include timers and thermostats to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. While heat diffusers are effective, they can alter the chemical composition of the oils, and the scent may not last as long due to faster evaporation.

Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers use high pressure and compressed air to turn essential oils into a fine mist. They do not require water or heat, making them a low-maintenance option. The pure essential oil is dispersed into the air, resulting in a more concentrated aroma. However, this also means that the stock of essential oil may deplete more quickly. Nebulizing diffusers are typically more expensive and can be challenging to clean.

Ultrasonic Diffusers

Ultrasonic diffusers use ultrasonic sound waves or vibrations to break down essential oils into tiny particles that are then dispersed as a scented vapour. They usually require a mixture of water and oil, and the vibrations create a fine mist that fills the room. Ultrasonic diffusers are stylish, effective, and ecological, making them a popular choice for aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy

There are several types of diffusers available, each with its own unique mechanism for dispersing essential oils into the air. Here is an overview of some common types of diffusers:

Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers are one of the simplest forms of diffusers. They consist of a small glass container filled with essential oil and a bundle of thin sticks or reeds made from porous materials such as rattan or bamboo. The reeds are inserted into the oil, absorbing it and allowing the oil that has seeped to the top to evaporate, diffusing the fragrance into the air. The rate of evaporation is dependent on the temperature, with higher temperatures causing faster evaporation.

Evaporative Diffusers

Evaporative diffusers work on the same principle as reed diffusers but are more technologically advanced. They contain a small battery or electric fan that generates a gentle breeze inside the diffuser, blowing air through a pad soaked with essential oil. This process accelerates the evaporation of the oil, dispersing it more quickly into the surrounding air.

Heat Diffusers

Heat diffusers are one of the oldest methods of diffusing essential oils, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks. These diffusers use a heat source, such as a candle or an electric heating coil, to warm the essential oil and release its fragrance. However, one drawback of heat diffusers is the lack of temperature control, which can lead to either insufficient heat or overheating that may damage the oil's properties.

Electric Diffusers

Electric diffusers, also known as aromatherapy diffusers, have gained popularity due to their convenience and safety features. They typically contain a heating coil inside a waterproof casing, which can be made of durable plastic or ceramic. The coil temperature is regulated by a thermostat to prevent overheating. Many models also have timers that automatically shut off the heating process after a certain period. Electric diffusers usually require a mixture of essential oil and water, and they diffuse the scent by gently warming the mixture.

Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers use high pressure and air to turn essential oils into a fine mist. They work similarly to aerosol cans but without the use of ozone-damaging CFCs. These diffusers heat the air in the base, causing it to rise under pressure and carry the essential oil through a nozzle, creating an undiluted, concentrated aroma. However, this also means that the stock of essential oil may deplete more quickly.

Ultrasonic Diffusers

Ultrasonic diffusers, including the unique, handcrafted ones from Volant, use ultrasonic sound waves to disperse essential oils. They have a vibrating plate at the base that creates inaudible oscillations, atomizing the oil-impregnated water into a fine vapour that is then released into the atmosphere. Ultrasonic diffusers are known for their stylish design, effectiveness, and ecological benefits, making them a popular choice for aromatherapy at home or in the workplace.

Ultrasonic waves

Ultrasonic or humidifying diffusers use ultrasonic vibrations to break up oil molecules and create a fine mist. To do this, the essential oil must be diluted with water so that the diffuser's electronic frequencies can be used to release the oil into a mist.

Ultrasonic diffusers are similar to cold humidifiers, making them a good choice if you want to add moisture to the air, especially during the cold season. However, it is important to note that they do not cycle through enough water to drastically increase the humidity in your home.

Ultrasonic diffusers are the most common type of diffuser and are great for small spaces. They use less power and require less maintenance than other types of diffusers. They are also more affordable.

Ultrasonic diffusers create a cool mist that gently adds essential oils into the air without using any heat. This is achieved through something called an adiabatic process, which is the technical term for producing mist without the use of heat.

To use an ultrasonic diffuser, simply fill the tank with water, add your chosen essential oil blend, and turn it on. The diffuser will then release a fine mist of essential oil and water into the air, allowing you to easily inhale the plant medicine.

The ceramic disc at the heart of the diffuser vibrates, creating ultrasonic waves that break the oil into microscopic particles. It is important to clean the plastic ultrasonic parts regularly as oils can be corrosive to plastic.

Nebulizers

The benefits of nebulizers include their ability to provide greater therapeutic value than other diffusers, as well as their quietness, safety, and lack of plastic components. They are also aesthetically pleasing and effective, clean, and reliable. Additionally, they do not use heat or water, ensuring that the essential oils are released in their purest form. This makes them safer than other diffusers, eliminating the risks associated with heat or water damage.

However, one disadvantage of nebulizers is that they can be time-consuming to clean, especially after using thicker essential oils. Some thicker oils, such as sandalwood and patchouli, may also clog certain models of nebulizers. Furthermore, they may not be as visually appealing as other diffusers, such as ultrasonic diffusers.

Health benefits

Aromatherapy, or the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit, has been used for centuries. Essential oils are plant extracts, made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain, particularly impacting the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain.

Aroma diffusers disperse essential oils into the air, filling a room with natural fragrance. The following are some of the health benefits associated with using an aroma diffuser:

Emotional Well-being and Stress Relief

Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and clary sage are known for their calming and relaxing properties. Inhaling these oils can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting better sleep.

Improved Cognitive Function

Certain essential oils are believed to have adaptogenic qualities, helping to soothe and uplift the mood. By balancing an imbalanced mood, diffused oils can also improve focus and cognitive function.

Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects

Many essential oils, including peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, sage, rosemary, grapefruit, and thyme, possess antimicrobial properties. Diffusing these oils can help purify the air, reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses, and potentially preventing colds and flu.

Pain Relief

Inhaling essential oils can help relieve pain by entering the bloodstream and internally alleviating headaches, sore joints, and overworked muscles.

Decongestion and Mucus Control

Essential oils with decongesting properties, such as eucalyptus, can help clear airways and provide relief from congestion and mucus buildup.

It is important to note that while aroma diffusers offer these potential health benefits, there is limited scientific research to support all the claimed effects. The impact of essential oils can vary from person to person, and it is always advisable to use them safely, consult a doctor, and not delay seeking medical treatment.

Frequently asked questions