Aroma Diffusers: Enhancing Your Space And Wellbeing

Aromatherapy and essential oils are increasingly popular, with many people swearing by their natural health benefits. Essential oils are plant extracts, made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit, and it has been used for centuries. An aroma diffuser is a device that breaks essential oils down into smaller molecules, dispersing them into the air for a pleasant or calming effect. They are a safe, affordable, and healthy way to fill your home with spa-like scents and can have several health and relaxation benefits.

Safe scent dispersion

However, it's important to note that diffusers are not without their risks. The effect of essential oils varies from person to person, and some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions. It's recommended to test a new oil by dabbing a drop on your wrist and waiting to see if there is any negative reaction before using it in a diffuser. Additionally, diffusers that use water can harbour bacteria, so it's important to clean them regularly.

Another safety consideration is the type of diffuser used. Some types of diffusers, such as those that use an open flame or a water reservoir, may pose additional risks. For example, ultrasonic diffusers that use a water reservoir can be difficult to clean and may encourage the growth of microbes.

It's also important to use high-quality essential oils that are natural and 100% pure. Synthetic oils and chemical fillers can pose a serious health risk when inhaled.

Finally, certain groups of people may be more sensitive to essential oils, including pregnant women, infants, and people with respiratory issues or asthma. It's recommended to consult a doctor before using an essential oil diffuser if you fall into one of these categories.

Mosquito and mould defence

Aroma diffusers can be used to repel mosquitoes and prevent mould.

Mosquito Defence

The ecological cycle of mosquitoes coincides with the summer season, as the temperature and humidity during this time stimulate their reproduction. Humidity plays a key role, as mosquitoes reproduce in stagnant water and require heat to proliferate.

To prevent mosquitoes from entering your home, you can install mosquito nets on windows and frequently empty water residues from the air conditioning system and other nearby containers to avoid water stagnation.

Aroma diffusers can also be used to repel mosquitoes by releasing certain essential oils into the environment. These oils contain molecules such as citral, geraniol, citronellal, or neral, which mask other odors that are attractive to mosquitoes.

The following essential oils are effective in repelling mosquitoes:

• Citronella
• Lemon eucalyptus
• Geranium
• Exotic verbena

Citronella, in particular, has a strong citrusy lemon scent that is responsible for repelling mosquitoes. It also repels clothes moths, flies, and wasps.

Mould Defence

Mould and mildew are not only unsightly but can also be detrimental to your health, causing allergies, sinus infections, and skin irritation.

Essential oils have been proven to be an effective, natural solution to combat mould. The potency of pure essential oils provides a non-toxic method of inhibiting mould growth and exposure.

The following essential oils are effective in combating mould:

• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Lemon
• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary

Dr. Edward Close, a mould remediation consultant, has successfully used essential oil diffusers to eliminate mould in buildings. He recommends diffusing essential oils with a cold air diffuser and placing one diffuser in each room, running continuously for a minimum of 24 hours.

Aroma diffusers can be a useful tool for mosquito and mould defence, providing a natural and non-toxic solution to these common issues.

Stress relief

Aromatherapy is a natural remedy for stress relief. It involves inhaling the scent of essential oils, which are extracted from plants, to promote health and well-being. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with caution, especially if applied directly to the skin.

Lavender

One of the most popular essential oils, lavender is known for its calming effects on the body and mind and its ability to reduce anxiety. Research has shown that participants who inhaled lavender oil performed better in a memory task after being exposed to a stressor. It has also been found to be effective in reducing work-related stress for three to four days.

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is sourced from the peel of a citrus fruit and is widely used in aromatherapy. Research suggests that it may help reduce stress and promote relaxation. A 2017 study found that exposure to bergamot oil improved participants' positive feelings in the waiting room of a mental health treatment centre. However, bergamot can irritate the skin and cause dermatitis, and it can also increase sun sensitivity.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass essential oil is sourced from the lemongrass herb and is believed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms when inhaled or applied to the skin. A 2015 study found that participants exposed to lemongrass oil had an immediate reduction in anxiety and tension and recovered more quickly from an anxiety-inducing situation compared to those who inhaled a control aroma or a placebo.

Neroli

Neroli essential oil has a sweet and spicy aroma and is sometimes used to ease anxiety. While research on its effects is limited, a study found that participants who inhaled neroli oil had lower systolic blood pressure. Inhalation of neroli is used as a sedative in some health centres outside the United States, and it has been found to improve menopausal symptoms and decrease PMS symptoms.

Yuzu

Yuzu essential oil is sourced from the Japanese citrus fruit and is believed to promote relaxation by suppressing the body's fight-or-flight response. A small study found that ten minutes of yuzu scent inhalation decreased indicators of stress and negative emotional stress. Another study showed that yuzu oil decreased anxiety levels in mothers caring for sick children at a paediatric clinic.

Orange

Breathing in the sweet aroma of orange essential oil may help alleviate anxiety. A study found that participants who inhaled sweet orange oil did not experience increased anxiety or tension during an anxiety-inducing situation, unlike those who inhaled a control aroma or a placebo. Another study found that bitter orange oil reduced anxiety during a simulated public speaking event.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang essential oil is believed to have stress-reducing properties. A small 2012 study found that breathing in the scent of an aromatherapy blend containing ylang ylang led to decreased blood pressure and stress-hormone levels. While ylang ylang can be relaxing, it may impair memory and lengthen processing speed, so it is not recommended to use it before an exam.

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil has a sweet, woody scent and is sometimes used to unwind and ease stress. While research on its stress-relieving effects is limited, it is possible that using this oil in combination with relaxing oils like lavender, rose, and orange may help calm you down.

Improved cognitive function

Aromatherapy and essential oils have been linked to improved cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Regular exposure to multiple scents or olfactory enrichment has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities.

In one study, nightly aromatherapy with essential oils such as lavender and rose boosted word recall by 226% and improved the functioning of a key brain pathway that plays a role in learning and memory. The study concluded that olfactory enrichment may be a low-cost approach to reducing neurological impairment in older adults.

Another study found that aromatherapy improved cognitive dysfunction in mice by reducing the levels of amyloid beta and tau phosphorylation in the brain. The mice exposed to aromatic essential oils exhibited improved spatial working memory and motor function compared to the control group.

Essential oils have adaptogenic qualities, which can help to soothe and uplift the mood, leading to improved focus and cognitive function. With prolonged use, essential oils can help repair the underlying causes responsible for hindering cognitive function.

Relaxation

Aromatherapy diffusers are great for relaxation. They can help soothe anxiety and create an atmosphere of tranquility, emitting spa-like scents throughout your space.

Aromatherapy or aroma diffusers are devices that break essential oils into smaller molecules, dispersing them into the air. This creates a pleasant or calming effect, depending on the oil used. The end result is that the air in a room is filled with tiny, breathable particles of beneficial essential oils, giving the room a calmer, more pleasant-smelling ambiance.

• Help you breathe easier: Many essential oils have medicinal or therapeutic uses, like eucalyptus for colds and respiratory issues.
• Reduce blood pressure: Essential oils with a calming effect can help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive people.
• Aid digestion and soothe muscle aches: Basil oil, for example, can help with digestion and sore muscles.
• Increase energy and improve focus: Try a blend of bergamot and cardamom for an energy boost, or to help with mental clarification.
• Promote relaxation: For a calming blend, use geranium, frankincense, and mandarin essential oils. Geranium is balancing and calming, frankincense will deepen and slow your breath, and mandarin will add a gentle, sweet aroma.

• Some diffusers that use water can harbour bacteria, so ensure you clean your diffuser regularly.
• Avoid using essential oil diffusers if you are pregnant, or an infant under 2 years old.
• If you are asthmatic, consult a doctor before using an essential oil diffuser.
• Always test a new oil by dabbing a drop on your wrist first, to ensure you don't have a negative reaction.
• Avoid low-quality, synthetic oils and only use natural, 100% pure essential oils.

• Nebulizing diffusers: These use pressurised air to diffuse a mist of oil and don't require water or heat.
• Ultrasonic or humidifying diffusers: Ultrasonic vibrations break up oil molecules to create a fine mist. You need to dilute the essential oil with water for these diffusers.
• Evaporative diffusers: A small fan helps turn the oil into a gas, but the oil can lose some of its potency.
• Heat or electric diffusers: These use heat, usually electric, to turn the oil into gas. As there's no fan, these diffusers are silent.

• ASAKUKI 500ml Premium Essential Oil Diffuser with Remote Control
• InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser with 7 LED Lights and 2 Mist Modes
• Glade Aromatherapy Diffuser with Lavender & Sandalwood
• ASAKUKI 300ml Essential Oil Diffuser with 7 LED Colour Changing Light

Frequently asked questions