If you’re no stranger to natural living, you’ve probably already read a recommendation or two about using essential oil diffusers to improve your health, increase your energy, or to help you sleep better.
The fact is, these handy little devices are great for all of those things and more.
While the list of possible uses for a diffuser is quite extensive, we’ve narrowed it down to (what we consider to be) the top 10 reasons to own an essential oil diffuser and use it every day.
Want to try an essential oil diffuser but not sure which one to try? Read our review of five of the most popular diffusers available here: What Is The Best Essential Oil Diffuser? 5 Of The Best Reviewed
Spoiler Alert: This AromaFuse Diffuser from Plant Therapy was our top pick after thorough testing.
1. Relaxation and Sleep
One of the best and most well-known uses for essential oils is their ability to help you unwind at the end of a hard day.
While there are several other methods for getting your soothing oils from the bottle into your blood stream where they start to work their magic, the diffuser is by far the easiest and longest-lasting of them all. Keep one at the office to help you relax on your lunch break.
Have a diffuser ready to go with the push of a button when you get home from work in the evening. Set one on the bedside table to help your mind and body relax so you can sleep better at night.
Recommended oils: chamomile, lavender, clary sage
Related Reading: How To Use Essential Oils For Improving Your Sleep
2. Mood Elevating
Just as a diffuser can help you to de-stress, they can also be used to create an energizing mood.
This is not only great for when you’re feeling sad or depressed. You can use your diffuser to inspire high spirits during the holidays, to set a positive atmosphere for business meetings and social gatherings, to help you get moving on a slow morning, or even to create a romantic atmosphere for that special someone in your life.
Recommended oils: sweet orange, jasmine, rose, scotch pine, sandalwood, vanilla
3. Ward Off Illness
Using a diffuser in your home or office is a great way to keep cold, flu, and other nasty illnesses at bay that works on three levels.
First, many essential oils are powerfully anti-microbial and when introduced into the air in vapor form, the organic compounds within the oils come into direct contact with airborne pathogens before they can invade your body.
Second, essential oils can also be used to boost the immune system. Last but not least, some diffusers also double as humidifiers which will help to keep your airways moist and healthy so you are less susceptible to any microbes that do make it into your body.
Recommended oils: tea tree, sage, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, thyme
4. Helps You Breathe Easier
Essential oils are great for reducing inflammation and congestion in clogged airways to help you breathe more easily.
If you are prone to allergies or other breathing disorders, try diffusing essential oils in the room (or rooms) of your home where you spend the most time.
Just remember to keep a box of tissues handy as your nose and sinuses begin to open so you can also avoid that mad dash to the bathroom!
Recommended oils: peppermint, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus
Want more tips on how to naturally improve air quality so you can breathe better and be healthier? Our wildly popular 10 Reasons To Have A Himalayan Salt Lamp In Every Room Of Your Home is an absolute must-read!
5. Pain Relief
While most people will tell you to apply essential oils directly to the body for pain relief (diluted in a carrier oil, of course!), you can also use a diffuser to extend their effects.
This method is an excellent way to combat persistent pain such as that caused by headaches, sore joints, and overworked muscles.
Recommended oils: ginger, chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, clary sage, rosemary, bergamot
Also, be sure to check out these 14 Effective Natural Remedies To Relieve Joint Pain to learn more about using natural home-remedies in lieu of chemical-laden pain meds!
6. Improve Cognitive Function
Using essential oils in a diffuser is a highly-effective way to super-charge your brain cells.
Again, this effect works on multiple levels. First, many essential oils have adaptogenic qualities – meaning that they are soothing when you’re stressed, but they can also give you a pick-me-up when you’re feeling down or sluggish.
By leveling out your mood, the oils in the air will help you to focus. Also, there are several essential oils which are known for their powerful ability to balance the body’s hormones.
With regular use, these oils can actually help to heal the underlying causes responsible for hampering cognitive function.
Recommended oils: peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, pine
7. Safer Alternative to Candles & Incense
If you have pets or small children, burning candles or incense can be a potentially hazardous practice.
With an essential oil diffuser, you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy – and to much greater effect – without the risk of burns, wax spills, or other accidents.
Recommended oils: any
8. Repel Insects
Whether your problem is mosquitoes, house flies, fruit flies or moths, you can use essential oils in your diffuser to deter these critters from entering your home.
Recommended oils: clove, lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood
9. Keeps You Cool
(While it might make you appear more eco-savvy to your friends and family, that’s not the kind of ‘cool’ we’re referring to.)
In the heat of the summer months, running the air conditioner all day and all night is a surefire way to send your electric bill through the roof.
Instead, try diffusing your favorite crisp, cooling minty essential oils in the rooms where you spend the most time to help you beat the heat.
Recommended oils: peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint, wintergreen
10. Saves Money
So far we’ve covered the top nine reasons that owning a diffuser is an investment in your health and well-being, but it’s more than just that.
With all of the versatile uses for essential oil diffusers around the home which ultimately lead to less doctor visits, lower electric bills, fewer cups of coffee and better productivity; you will soon discover that this handy little device is a money-saver as well!
Recommended oils: all
Where Do I Buy An Essential Oil Diffuser?
If you don’t already own an essential oil diffuser, then buying one can be a minefield.
In recent years, hundreds of new designs and styles with lots of different functions have been brought to the market from dozens of brands. Picking the best can be tricky.
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you when we tested five of the most popular essential oil diffusers on the market.
In the above post, Natural Living Ideas writer, Susan, gets to grips with five of the most popular diffusers on the market, reveals the pros and cons of each and picks her top choice.
See if you agree with her here.
And if you’d rather just skip to our top pick – this AromaFuse diffuser from Plant Therapy was our favorite.
Need To Stock Up On Essential Oils?
When purchasing essential oils, it is imperative to choose 100% pure oils free of additives and adulterants.
Our favorite supplier is Plant Therapy Essential Oils who offer a huge range of high quality, 100% pure oils at affordable prices.
You can shop Plant Therapy Essential Oils at their Amazon store here.
Can’t get enough of that essential oil goodness?
While you’re waiting for the postman to deliver your new diffuser, brush up on your EO know-how with these 50 Aromatic Essential Oil Recipes You’ve Got To Try In Your Diffuser!