Why diffuse oils?

​Ok, I know I am always harping on about my wonderful aromatherapy! But the truth is, the benefits are so vast.  Aromatherapy is, in a nutshell, the study of essential oils - which are the oils derived and extracted from plants, which all contain individual healing properties for various health and wellbeing issues and each has an amazing scent or aroma.  Mixing oils together creates wonderfully aromatic blends which can then be used.  Probably my favourite way of using essential oils is my wonderful, trusty and well-used diffuser.  It's SO easy!
 
What is a diffuser I hear you ask??  Well it’s an electronic device, which has a chamber in the top where you pour a little water and then add a few drops of your chosen essential oils or blends.  

• It can be used all around the house (I have one in nearly every room!!) 
• It acts as a humidifier – ideal for counterbalancing the dry heat we get from centrally heated homes.  Also ideal for stuffy noses, dry coughs or respiratory problems. 
• It can help to destroy mould micro-organisms in the air. 
• It's safer than a candle – no naked flame or heating element, also has an automatic switch off – perfect to have on in the bedroom whilst you drift off to sleep. 
• Some models have mood lighting or a night light mode – great for creating a calm, peaceful ambiance in the lounge or with the night glow in the bedroom for the children. 
• Unlike a candle, you can change the oils every day for different aromas or therapeutic properties. 
• You can put it on in the bedroom for an hour before you go up to bed so the room is deeply relaxing.

 
Using the diffuser in different rooms can provide the right oils for the job in hand...
Here's some examples:

• Kitchen – cleansing lemongrass, grapefruit and basil
• Study or office – stimulating focus - peppermint, thyme, clove
• Lounge – relaxing frankincense, orange, patchouli
• Bedroom – sleep inducing lavender, vetiver, mandarin

 
 
Other benefits of essential oils
 
Supports immune system – ideal at this time of year when our resistance is starting to lower.
 
Lifts mood – many oils are known to be uplifting helping us to feel brighter.
 
Decongestant – Some essential oils contain properties which help open our airways and encourage expectoration which helps us breathe easier.  Ideal for coughs, colds and snuffles.
 
Stress reduction – Essential oils are well known to help with stress, anxiety and relaxation.
Sleep – a big problem for many.  Lack of sleep can be responsible for much exhaustion, irritability, illness and stress.  Essential oils can play a huge part in getting on top of this issue.
 
Hormone balancing – great for people of a certain age.
 
Headache relieving – need I say more?
 
Focussing – when you need to get on with that homework or presentation, these oils can help to stimulate the part of the brain requiring focus.
 
Never put undiluted essential oils directly onto the skin as their potency can cause skin irritation or sensitivity – but straight into the diffuser water is perfectly safe.
 
Wherever possible use organic essential oils, but more importantly, be sure to NEVER USE SYNTHETIC FRANGRANCE OILS! These oils are chemically derived not plant based.  They contain harsh chemicals and can cause irritation even on inhalation.
 
So smelling the most beautiful of exotic aromas in the comfort of your own home AND knowing that it is good for your health into the bargain…..what's not to like?
 
Happy diffusing, enjoy !!