The Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusers

Winter weather has arrived and when the temperature drops we tend to spend more time indoors. I love curling up by the Christmas tree with a warm blanket and a mug of hot cocoa but studies suggest that the air pollution in our homes may be five times worse than the air outside. When you consider how contaminated the environment can be, this finding is quite alarming. I always try to keep my house clean and fresh, especially during the holiday season when I do more entertaining.

Oil diffusers have been around for a long time but they haven’t always been this stylish. Many brands are now recognizing the health benefits of essential oils and creating beautiful units to compliment your decor.

Cold and flu season is a great time to invest in a diffuser because essential oils cleanse the air of bacteria and help boost the immune system. They also help remove allergens, repel insects, promote better sleep, support respiratory health, increase energy and relieve stress.

In my bedroom I’ve created an oasis for beauty sleep with a cool mist humidifier, Himalayan salt lamp and Avon’s Aura Ultrasonic Diffuser ($69.99). Simply fill the water reservoir with a few drops of essential oil and relax as the soothing vapor disinfects the air. The device has an auto-shutoff safety feature and multicolored LED mood lighting that cycles between purple, blue, teal, green, yellow, white, pink and red. 

The diffuser mists for 4 continuous hours or 8 hours intermittently and the lightweight design makes it easy to move around the house. 

At bedtime my favorite oil is Sweet Dreams ($22.00) – a soothing blend of lavender and chamomile. Avon’s plant derived formulas are highly concentrated and 100% pure to enhance your sense of well-being.

When suffering from cold symptoms, allergies or congestion, I use the Zen Blend ($22.00) – a fusion of lavender, sweet fennel, chamomile and peppermint. It helps clear nasal passages, relieve stress and lessen coughing for better breathing. 

During a yoga session the Happiness blend infuses the air with the refreshing scent of grapefruit, lemon and sweet orange. You can even combine your favorite oils to create a customized fragrance! (These products are available at avon.ca).

Arbonne has also formulated a wonderful collection of Rescue and Renew Pure Essential Oils that promote mental acuteness and a calm environment. Focus ($38.00) smells like the inside of a high-end spa - very botanical, earthy and relaxing. It contains basil, rosemary, peppermint, bergamot and lemon to help improve concentration and alertness. I also use this fragrance to diminish cooking odors.

These invigorating oils can also be diluted and used on the body to replenish, moisturize and heal. The Tea Tree blend ($38.00) is great for detoxifying the skin, treating blemishes and preventing breakouts. Like peppermint, it helps relieve stuffiness and eliminate stale odors.

You can also add a few drops to facial scrubs, toners, creams, serums, hair products, foot baths, laundry water, garbage cans, diaper pails and a warm bath. Arbonne is available at arbonne.com and through independent consultants.

I’ve been using the Saje Pocket Pharmacy ($59.00) for years because the oils have a roller-ball applicator for topical use and a dropper at the other end for diffusing.

The small case is convenient for travel and comes with 5 healing blends that treat common ailments including:

*Peppermint Halo - for headache relief.

*Immune - to fight germs and viruses while alleviating cold symptoms.

*Eater’s Digest - soothes stomach discomfort and supports healthy digestive functioning.

*Stress Release - for mild anxiety and nervousness.

*Pain Release – treats muscles aches and stiffness.

The set also comes with a booklet outlining how to use each oil and where to apply them for best results. You can find this collection at Saje boutiques nationwide and online at saje.com.

With the Puressentiel Cordless Ultrasonic Diffuser ($49.99) you can take your favorite scents on-the-go. This lightweight palm-size device can be moved anywhere in your home and it is great for the office, cottage, car and dorm room. I take mine on vacation and use it with the Puressentiel Trip in Sicily Oil ($10.00) infused with revitalizing citrus. The refreshing summery fragrance helps me recover from jet-lag and improves my mood so I can start the day on a positive note.

In the summer, fill the diffuser with lemongrass or peppermint oil and put it on the patio to keep bugs away and prevent mosquito bites.

This small but efficient device has 3 modes, soothing LED light, rechargeable battery and a safety shut-off feature. It functions for up to 40 hours with a 3 hour charge cycle.

During cold and flu season, fill the reservoir with eucalyptus oil and set it on a shelf to help clear the air and improve breathing. Puressentiel is available at pharmacies and ca.puressentiel.com.

Another unique way to enjoy essential oils is with Avon’s Genuine Crystal Necklace ($70.00). The crystal opens to reveal a small felt insert that can be saturated with your favorite blend. As you wear the necklace, the oil is slowly diffused into the air so you can enjoy the aroma therapy benefits all day. For more info read my full review HERE and check out Avon’s new Roll-On Oils.

For more beauty and health tips check out my article on How to Improve Your Beauty Sleep