Yahoo Finance Everything you need to know about essential oil diffusers
Not only a relaxing ritual and gratifying way to scent your home, the use of essential oil diffusers can deliver aromatherapeutic benefits to the body and mind. Whether you want a specific oil or blend to uplift and invigorate, or one to set a calming ambience, you can tailor the use of an aromatherapy diffuser to set the scene for your mood.
What are oil diffusers?
“This increasingly popular way to use essential oils disperses tiny molecules of the oil into the air in a fine vapour or mist,” explains Tipper Lewis, aromatherapist for Neal’s Yard Remedies.
Traditionally, oil burners have been used to diffuse oils, but now there are numerous options. “Today, there are several types of diffuser including ultrasonic ones, vaporisers that use a small fan or warm water, electronic aromastones, and reed diffusers. They're often multi-sensory, with mists, lights and timers, so you can opt for either a 30-minute burst or keep them going all day.”
Lewis favours a misting diffuser. "They're perfect to have in your home in the transition to cooler temperatures to help counteract the drying central heating,” but also ideal for spring and summer when used with citrusy scents to create a refreshing environment. The therapeutic hum of bubbling water also conjures up visions of refreshing springs."
Oil diffusers vs candles
While nothing may replace the ritual of burning a beautiful candle, know that when it comes to aromatherapy, synthetic fragrances boast limited benefits.
“Using an aromatherapy diffuser with pure essential oils gives you a fresh and unadulterated fragrance: the aromatherapeutic benefits of the individual essential oils can have a positive impact on body and mind,” Tipper explains. “A scented candle may be made from synthetic fragrances, which offer no benefits beside smell, and the candle itself may be made from petroleum-derived ingredients which, as they melt, release vapours into your space.”
Therefore, when choosing a scented candle for arometherapy benefits, make sure it’s made with pure essential oils and the base is either plant wax or beeswax.
The best essential oil diffusers to buy now
It's near impossible to walk past any Trudon concession and not be swept up in the mesmerising scent. This storied French label has perfected the art of home perfumery by not only delivering scents with impressive throw, but also performs as a beautiful objet on the mantelpiece. Trudon's refillable reed diffuser comes in a luxurious, aluminium-capped navy glass jar. Embrace the warmer days with Reggio, a medley of bright grapefruit and succulent mandarin set to turn your home into a sun-dappled orange grove.
Bring some serenity into the bedroom with Jo Malone London's Lavender & Moonflower diffuser. This limited edition release features lavender in its most elegant form; smooth and comforting without any of the sharpness often found in traditional 'spa-like' lavender scents.
From one of the oldest pharmacies in the world comes this gorgeous range of diffusers inspired by the five continents. Transport yourself to the breezy, sandy beaches of Bora Bora with notes of acacia and white flowers on a calming backdrop of green tea.
This sculptural orchid diffuser by British brand Senti smells just as breathtaking as it looks. You can choose your preferred scent, from plush white flowers to uplifting bergamot and ginger. It's refillable too, so you can keep the ever-blooming orchid for years to come.
Rose fragrances are having a huge moment in the past year. Fill your home with the scent of blooming roses with Floral Street's Lady Emma diffuser, named after 18th century model, Lady Emma Hamilton. The scent is fittingly romantic, featuring velvety Bulgarian roses with a hint of crisp green apples.
Marrying the grounding energy of gemstones with the mood-enhancing benefits of aromatherapy is this charming rose quartz diffuser by local and independent label, Norfolk Natural Living. If you have an existing essential oil you love, simply add a few drops onto the crystals. Or, why not try one of the blends available from the brand's website? If you're having trouble sleeping, place it on your bedside table and keep it topped up with the Deepest Sleep oil to help slow down racing thoughts.
Elevate your working from home ambience with this ultra-luxe diffuser from Guerlain. Notes of succulent green figs will take you straight to the sunny climes of the French Riviera.
It should come as little surprise to hear that Aromatherapy Associates makes one of the most impressive essential oil diffusers around. Minimalist in design, this weighty cream diffuser can be fitted with one of the brand's five classic oil blends, and set to work for 30 minutes, one hour, or three hours before switching itself off. The oil is diffused straight from the bottle without using heat or water, which reduces the faff and ensures your home is filled with the purest, most mind-soothing aroma. Switch from the energising Revive to the calming Forest Therapy after working hours.
Clearly one of the chicest options, this ceramic misting diffuser releases a fine aromatherapy-infused mist and comes with a host of added extras. It doubles as a calming mood light, can be switched on and off via a smartphone app, and even has an auto shut-off feature for peace of mind. Use it with any of the Neal's Yard Remedies pure oils or ready-made blends.
Neom is a go-to for mood-altering aromatherapy scents, and its wellbeing 'pod' is an enduringly popular choice when it comes to scenting your home. A little more tech-based than most, the mains-operated pod can be filled with the brand’s 100 per cent natural essential-oil blends (there’s one to suit every mood), and timed to release the scent for as long as you wish. There’s even a low-level LED night light to enhance the calming mood.
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