Aromatherapy diffuser: discover 5 types and learn how to choose

Aromatherapy is an integrative and natural therapy that uses essential oils to provide balance, well-being, both physical and emotional. One of the ways to enjoy these benefits is by inhaling essential oils through an aromatherapy diffuser.

Fact is, there are many different models available in the market. How to choose? The simplest answer is that it depends on the occasion, the size of the room, how much you want to invest and your personal preferences for choosing your diffuser.

Next, I share with you information and tips.

What is an Aromatherapy Diffuser?

An Aromatherapy diffuser is the equipment or utensil that will transform essential oil, through inhalation, into therapeutic benefits in a correct and safe way, in addition, of course, to perfuming the environment.

Be it electric, candle or a necklace, the diffuser will take the aroma to the olfactory channels, which, in turn, will send the message directly to the limbic system, the part of the nervous system that is responsible for emotions. After that, the brain reacts to the aromatic properties, changing someone’s mood or state of mind.

There are several models of diffusers on the market. They all have a mechanism, which can be humidification, water heating or just using it on a piece of fabric, but they work really well.

A diffuser for Aromatherapy can basically be divided into two types: for personal use, such as a diffuser necklace, or an environment diffuser, which can benefit more people at once. Find out more about the different types below.

5 types of Aromatherapy Diffuser

There are super modern diffusers, such as ultrasonic or LED ones, which include Chromotherapy and Aromatherapy. And there are also those that are more affordable, such as the handmade personal diffuser, but which meet our needs very well.

Next, get to know 5 different types of the most common ones and see tips on how to use each one of them to get the most out of them without harming your health.

1 Personal Diffuser for Aromatherapy

The personal aromatherapy diffuser, also called an aromatherapy diffuser necklace or just an aromatherapy necklace, is the most common and easiest way to get the benefits of essential oils in everyday life. Yes, it is a necklace and can be made of various materials, from the most rustic (such as crochet, wood, ceramics and porcelain) to the most sophisticated (such as crystals, silver and gold). That is, there is an infinity of models to choose from, with different prices, sizes and formats, for all tastes and budgets. In necklaces or personal diffusers, we use pure essential oil, without dilution in carrier bases or water, so care must be taken when using it. Observe the tips for use below and, whenever possible, consult an aromatherapist.

How to use:

Put 1 to 2 drops on cotton or felt, depending on the model you have. Use the personal diffuser on a daily basis, for a maximum of 2 hours a day, enough time for the oil to bring the necessary benefit. There is no need to wear the necklace throughout the day, but rather during periods of the day. Some models may have an opening on the back, which can let the oil come into direct contact with the skin. In these cases, if it’s a citric oil and you expose yourself to the sun, you can burn your skin. If it is a dermocaustic oil, such as cinnamon, which can cause some damage to the skin, leaving redness and burning skin, even if the person does not go out in the sun after contact. So it’s always important to take care of it to make use of it safely.

2 Ultrasonic diffuser for Aromatherapy

The humidifier and aroma diffuser has cold diffusion technology, which does not change the essential oil formula, preserving the therapeutic properties of the oils. The mist produced by the aroma diffuser is made up of water particles and essential oil that also help to humidify the environment. This ultrasonic diffusion adds negative ions to the air, which help to eliminate bacteria, viruses, pollutants and microorganisms that you normally breathe, increasing air quality. The ions generated by ultrasonic diffusion also increase the flow of oxygen in the environment, improving well-being. Some models also have LED lighting, with seven colors, also bringing the benefit of Chromotherapy.

How to use:

Drip up to 10 drops of an essential oil or 5 drops of two different oils, making a synergy. Fill with water, following the instructions on your equipment. The device is very functional and some models turn off by themselves after 2 or 3 hours, when the water level is low. It is a very interesting feature that is worth noting when purchasing one and if you are willing to pay. The coverage area is up to 40m², so observe the size of the environment where you want to use it, so that you feel the benefits. Special tip: from time to time, run a paper towel inside the diffuser to clean it and remove residues of essential oils that sometimes remain in the device. In the video at the end of the article, I explain in detail how to use it safely.

3 Electric diffuser for Aromatherapy

Electric gray mosquito fumigator on gray background

The electric diffuser is very similar to the ultrasonic one, but it is a ceramic or porcelain socket plug, and makes the environment more welcoming with the benefits of essential oils.

It is the most practical of the room diffusers! They consume little energy, are cheap and compact. The electric air freshener has a system that keeps the temperature constant, but consumes little energy. There is no danger of overheating, as it works through controlled heating, which allows the diffusion of aroma by heat, promoting evaporation promoted by electricity. It maintains a constant temperature, is bivolt and has an adaptable plug, that is, it is difficult to have any difficulty in having one of these at home.

How to use:

Just add 5 to 10 drops of your essential oil to the electric diffuser and preferably mix with a little water. This will prevent the oil from burning quickly. Then plug the device into an outlet and you’re done. He usually aromatizes a 30m² environment for about four hours. Then just unplug it. By the way, avoid leaving it in the socket without essential oil, because it ends up spoiling. One caution is important: do not wash the diffuser with abrasive materials. To clean the device, use a paper towel or damp cloth on the turned off device.

4 Candle aroma diffuser

Hand of therapist pours drops of essential oil to ceramic diffuser in spa salon

Much like the electric diffuser, the aromatherapy candle diffuser, also known as a candle rechaud, has similar characteristics, with the main difference being that it does not need electricity.

It is usually made from clay or ceramics. The candle diffuser aromatizes the environment through the evaporation of the essential oil heated by the candle that is in its base. This type is best suited for small environments. It also serves very well as a decoration item for your home or office, as they make the environments more cozy, since, in addition to the aroma, there is the candle flame, which contributes to a relaxing climate.

How to use:

First, place a few drops of essential oil in the top space of the diffuser and dilute it with a little water, following the recommendations according to the capacity of the product. The water will help the oil not to burn and evaporate too quickly. Underneath, there is a space to light a candle, which heats up and releases the aroma. As it is sailable, leave the diffuser in higher places, away from children, animals and even plants. Also, take care not to forget to extinguish the candle after use, so as not to cause accidents or fires.

5 Air freshener

The room aromatizer, room spray or home spray, as it is known, must be done by an aromatherapist or by yourself if you have knowledge of Aromatherapy. It is necessary with a prescription to have the therapeutic effects in a safe way.

How to use:

It will depend a lot on the type of environment flavoring you chose. If it’s a spray, it can be sprayed in environments or around the body, in the car and wherever you feel you can spray. It can be used 2 to 3 times a day, it is practical because you can carry it with you in your bag on a daily basis.

Diffuser: which one is best for me?

In Aromatherapy, the diffuser is the vehicle that will allow the benefits of essential oils to reach a person. It is difficult to say which is the best or most effective, as all of these that we have mentioned meet the objectives of Aromatherapy in a safe way.

I’ll give you some tips:

If you like accessories like necklaces, the personal diffuser or Aromatherapy necklace can be a good choice, as you don’t need to carry anything else in your bag – it’s already there with you, around your neck and providing the desired effects. At home, an electric, candle, spray or ultrasonic diffuser can be a differential when the environment is tense and people are stressed and anxious. So does the model. If you can’t invest a lot, the cheapest are spray air fresheners. If you are looking for an aroma diffuser for small environments that at the same time bring more peace of mind, bet on the candle diffuser. Now, if you really like essential oils and are willing to invest a little more, buy the necklace for everyday use and one of the ones for your home. Highlighting that the most practical, compact and fast diffuser is the electric one.

Regardless of your choice, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, try to consult an aromatherapist to choose essential oils or synergies for you or your family according to your moment, respecting the individuality of each one.