How Long Should Essential Oils Be Diffused

How Long Should Essential Oils Be Diffused? 

ByOrganic Aromas

Last Updated on February 2, 2022 by Organic Aromas

Aromatherapy is one of the best methods to tap into natural wellness and healing. As more people look into nature for optimal health, there is a need for accurate information in this respect. Aromatherapy is best delivered through diffusing. A diffuser is used to release tiny molecules of essential oil into the air. This makes inhalation possible and you can enjoy the merits of these potent oils. How long should you diffuse essential oil? This is an important question to ask if you want to get the most out of aromatherapy. First, it is good to note that there are all manner of diffusers that work differently. How diffusers work can alter the quality and quantity of oil that is diffused. In this regard, you want to use a diffuser that enables you to enjoy high quality aromatherapy.

Best Diffuser for Aromatherapy

As alluded to above, choosing the right diffuser is the first step to fully optimizing your essential oil experience. A nebulizing diffuser is the best kind in the market. This diffuser does not use heat or water and does not alter the quality of oil. Through fluid pressure dynamics, it releases high quality pure oil molecules into the air. This diffuser does not contain any plastic and is therefore not toxic. It is quiet and uses a very little amount of electricity. Also, it comes with control functionality so that you can determine the quantity of oil you want to diffuse and for how long. Therefore, before considering the length of time you want to diffuse, you must have an optimal diffuser.

How Long Should You Diffuse?

Many aromatherapists agree that doing it 30 minutes at a time is enough. However, not all people are of the same mind. Some people actually diffuse all day. Too much of anything is certainly not good. To this end, you want to diffuse in moderation as well. The best way to diffuse is intermittently. This means that you can diffuse for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. The benefit of doing this is to ward away essential oil sensitivity. This reaction means that you are no longer able to enjoy the oil benefits as before. Another problem that presents when you diffuse for too long is scent fatigue. Your nose becomes blind and you are no longer able to appreciate or enjoy the aroma any more.

Some people choose to diffuse very low levels of oil for a longer time. Every person is different and they may have their preferences. Take time to discover what works for you because nothing is cast in stone. Once you find the right length to meet your needs, you are able to customize your experience. Keep in mind that essential oils and blends are different. Some are too strong while others are subtle. Therefore, you may diffuse some longer than others.

What are the top Benefits of Diffusing?

There are many reasons why diffusing is done. You could be looking to deodorize a room with your favorite fresh scent. Scenting your space creates a positive vibe and wards away bad odor. Another good reason for diffusing is to clean or disinfect the air. Microbes such as bacteria and viruses can wreak havoc and cause disease. Cleaning air frequently through diffusion will keep you and your family protected naturally. One of the leading reasons for diffusing in the modern day is to relieve stress and anxiety. Calming your mind and body is key to living a healthy life. You can also diffuse to promote energy and focus, boost your immunity, support your respiratory system; among many others.

How Long Should Essential Oils Be Diffused?

The Most Common Mistakes Made When Diffusing

Avoiding common mistakes when diffusing ensures that you enjoy top notch aromatherapy. Below is a quick look at some of the common errors to avoid.

1. Diffusing For Too Long

Diffusing for too long is a common mistake people make. When your nose is exposed to the same odor for a long time, receptors therein will suffer olfactory adaptation also known as olfactory fatigue. As a result, this lingering odor information reaches the brain and stops the process. This halting of odor processing helps the nervous system cope. It also allows for the detection of new smells if any. Studies have found that diffusing for too long doesn’t come with any added benefits; if anything, it stresses out your system. The best way to diffuse therefore is intermittently; where you give breaks to your nose. This way, you can optimize essential oil usage to avoid wastage.

2. Diffusing Too Much Essential Oil

Many people believe that using more oil in a diffuser will have a better aroma impact. However, this is not true at all. Every person has a threshold in which they perceive scent. Once your nose has inhaled to its capacity, it won’t matter how strong the scent is. Therefore, there is no need to overload your diffuser. Anything from 5 to 6 drops of oil is enough to diffuse at a time. Other factors like the room size also come into play when you’re deciding on the amount to diffuse. The rule of thumb is to follow manufacturer guidelines on how much and how to use the oil. Because essential oils are highly potent by nature, less is always more.

3. Not Taking Precaution When Diffusing Near Pregnant Women and Babies

Expectant women and babies can benefit from mild aromatherapy; anything more can be harmful. This means that only small doses of oils should be used to diffuse. 2 to 3 drops for about 10 minutes are safe. Also, not all oils are gentle enough to use during pregnancy and for infants. For example, avoid oils like rosemary, tea tree and eucalyptus oils. Also, do not forget to have proper ventilation when diffusing.

There are many things you can do better when it comes to diffusing. This is the only sure way to harness the power of aromatherapy. If you are in doubt, always consult a professional or read resources that shed more light on this. When essential oils are not used properly or optimally, they can compromise your health and wellness.

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How Long Should Essential Oils Be Diffused?

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255 Comments

  1. my personal preference is to just turn off my diffuser when the scent is where I want it. Its nice cuz that way you can dial it in. the place is always super fragrant!

  19. That’s good to know because I am one of those who keeps my diffuser on longer than 30 minutes to an hour at a time, so I will keep an eye on that now

  26. Thank you for this great article on the ins and outs of aromatherapy – it’s been something I’ve been interested in but had no idea how to start.

  48. After 30, 45 minutes I have noticed I get a little “nose blind” anyway, so I shut off my diffuser for awhile. I guess my intuition must have been helping me out

  54. I had to pin this for the benefits and side effects of using oils in a diffuser. I have fallen asleep a lot while leaving things on! Also it’s not good for pregnant women either. I’m pretty sure the benefits out weigh the side effects!

  57. Many diffusers offer an “intermittent” setting, which is one minute on, one minute off, for example. Would that affect the length of time you should be diffusing for?

  112. Never really thought about there being a time limit on burning a Diffuser ……. I like enjoying them longer than a hour though !!

  115. Thanks for writing this extremely informative blog post about how long a person should diffuse an essential oil for. I really enjoyed reading it and if I ever use essential oils in the future will follow the steps in the post to make sure they’re properly being diffused.

  172. I love the design and I love natural scents since I get headaches alot I am sure these be awesome since its all natural without those annoying chemicals

    1. Thank you for teaching me some things I wasn’t aware of!
      I guess I’m diffusing my oils for too long. Also, I’m probably using too much oil.
      I’m really excited about trying a nebulizer! I love the idea of pure scent.

  189. I have a couple diffusers and a lot of scented oils. I still am learning about all of these scents. These articles have helped me! That’s why I pin as much articles about this subject as I can. I have always thought you can overdue or over use anything, if you use it a lot! I have always thought that too much of the same scents make me nauseous! That’s not the results that thee oils want to create! So don’t over due anything! Thank you for sharing this important information ℹ️ 😍

  190. i learned something….thanks….usually i change my warmer weekly…..i put in 3 melts on mon wed and fri….i have never used a diffuser….but would love to try one.:)

  192. I know I would diffuse all day, if I didn’t now know 30 minutes is enough. I also don’t have a diffuser yet, so I appreciate the basic tips.

  233. I love essential oils. I am of the thinking that less is more. I usually have the diffuser going for 45-60 minutes. I diffuse a different oil each afternoon depending on my mood. Today it’s pine oil, sending me back to the coniferous forest out cottage was set in. Tonight I’ll diffuse a sleepy time blend.

  248. Thank you for such an honest and informative article. Yes, too much of a good thing might be harmful. With OA’s essential oils, and your awesome diffusers, a few drops can fill a whole room with aroma. Also to take into consideration are the effects of diffusing around pets. Some oils are toxic to pets. Thanks for always “looking out for us” by giving us helpful information that is in our best interest.

  252. Great article, do nebulizing diffusers work with all essential oils or are there some carrier oils and scents that can’t be processed by them? And if so, what diffuser do you reccomend for diffusing the oils that a nebulizing diffuser can’t diffuse?

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