Diffusing essential oils can be done in a variety of ways by using burners, sprays and electric aromatherapy diffusers depending on the desired result - for example whether to perfume a compact area, a large room or for therapeutic reasons.  If you suffer from asthma or have any severe allergies you should consult your GP before using a diffuser. 

If you are diffusing essential oils for therapeutic reasons, we recommend using electric nebuliser (or electric aromatherapy diffuser), which don’t heat the essential oils. Instead, they diffuse a fine mist into the air using a dry air jet which means that the essential oils’ molecular properties remain intact and their molecules remain in suspension for several hours.   

Depending on the essential oils used, an electric aromatherapy diffuser can help to create a relaxing and stimulating atmosphere with a natural perfume.  

The rule for good diffusion is to initiate about one hour’s diffusion a day, broken down into 4 x 15 minute bursts every few of hours which help to ensure that the air quality and ambience remain stable. 

Essential oils which can affect the skin or respiratory system should never be diffused.  If in doubt, only use our specially blended Diffusing Oils with your diffuser. 

If using an electric nebuliser (or electric aromatherapy diffuser), it should be serviced regularly (about once a week) using our Diffuser Cleanser Oil.   

You should only fill your electric aromatherapy diffuser phial to the line below the air inlet. If you over fill the phial you may damage your diffuser.

Different Diffusing Techniques

Electric Nebulising Diffusers

An electric nebulising diffuser is a device that has a motor housing and a glass nebuliser or phial. Drops of essential oil are placed into an opening near the base of the glass phial. When the diffuser is turned on, the essential oil is drawn towards the top of the nebuliser, where a small stream of air atomises the essential oil which is then expelled from the top of the electric nebuliser.  When diffusing for therapeutic benefits, electric aromatherapy diffusers are regarded to be superior to other methods, such as using steam or lamp rings, because they do not heat the essential oils thus altering the essential oils’ molecular make-up.  Rather, the essential oil remains intact and hence lasts much longer meaning that the therapeutic benefits are increased.    The fine mist of essential oils which is expelled from a electric aromatherapy diffuser is easily absorbed through inhalation. This is of particular benefit if you are looking to help alleviate bronchial, sinus or lung conditions. Some essential oils are also known to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which, when diffused using a electric nebulising diffuser, can help to eliminate viral microbes in a room.  In addition, many essential oils are known to be mood enhancing and can help you relax, feel calm, feel more positive and much more.

Bulb or Lamp Rings

A bulb or lamp ring is a terracotta ring that sits directly on a light bulb. It has a grooved lip that holds the essential oil. The heat from a light bulb heats the essential oil which then gently diffuses it into the room. Bulb or lamp ring work best in small areas and are an excellent means of diffusing essential oil aromas to create a beautifully scented area.

Terracotta Perfume Burners or Candle Diffusers

Terracotta perfume burners t hese generally look like small terracotta pots which may or may not be glazed but they can also be metal as well. They have an opening below which houses a tea light and a concave ‘tray’ top or bowl into which the essential oil is poured.  The heat from the tea light slowly diffuses the oil.  Perfume burners work best in smaller rooms or areas and are great for diffusing essential oil aromas to create a beautifully scented area.

Provencal Wooden Diffusers

These wooden diffusers are natural and ecologically-friendly diffusers which work particularly well in compact areas such as linen cupboards, guest cloakrooms or cars. The stick is usually topped by a wooden ball which is placed inside a bottle of essential oil. The wooden diffuser works by absorbing the essential oil into the ball which then slowly diffuses the essential oil.  Click the image to discover our provencal wooden diffusers

Other Diffusing Techniques

Clay Pot Diffusers

These pots look like miniature pots and contain an opening for adding essential oils which is generally stopped using a cork. The essential oils permeate the clay and then slowly diffuse out into the room. The intensity of the aroma depends on how much essential oil is added to the clay pot.

Tissue, Cotton Wool or Fabric Diffusion

Place 3 or 4 drops of essential oil on a tissue, cotton, wool ball or other absorbent fabric (if you don’t mind it getting stained) and carry it with you (place it near you). As you move around you will notice the aroma in the vicinity of the fabric.

Steam Diffusion

This method is often used for therapeutic purposes and can be effective in helping to alleviate bronchial, sinus and lung conditions although the heat used will alter essential oils’ molecular properties and hence steam diffusion isn’t as effective as using an electric nebuliser. Pour a litre of boiling water into a bowl and add 5-10 drops of essential oil to the water, depending on the intensity required.  Then cover your head and the bowl with a towel or cloth, close your eyes and breathe as normal for approximately 15 minutes. 

Steam diffusion can also be used to perfume a room. Use the same method as described above but obviously don’t cover the bowl with a towel.  Diffusion is immediate but not very long lasting.

Fan Diffusers

Fan diffusers powered units are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and as a result can be used for small or large areas but some can be noisy.  They work by using a fan to blow the essential oils into the air. Drops of essential oils are placed on a disposable absorbent pad or in a tray which in turn is placed into the unit and then turned on. The fan blows air across the pad which carries the aroma throughout the room.  

Electric Heat Diffusers

These are similar to fan diffusers, but heat the oils before fanning the aroma into a room.