The Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils

Photo from www.healthierthymes.com

In my last post I briefly mentioned diffusing essential oils as an alternative to store bought air fresheners.  Diffusing essential oils is not only a great way to make your home or office smell wonderful, but there are many healthy benefits to diffusing as well.  According to the Essential Oils Pocket Reference, diffusing essential oils can:

• reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors
• relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind
• help with weight management
• improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity
• stimulate neurotransmitters
• stimulate secretion of endorphins
• stimulate growth hormone productions and receptivity
• improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida
• improve digestive function
• improve hormonal balance
• relieve headaches

According to the Essential Oils Pocket Reference, diffusing oils changes the structure of molecules that create odors (rather than just masking them), increasing oxygen availability, producing negative ions, and releasing natural ozone.  Oils such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, melaleuca (tea tree), eucalyptus, lavender, frankincense, and Young Living blends such as Purification, Melrose, and Thieves are effective in "eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria." 

If you are new to diffusing, start by diffusing 15-20 minutes per day.  As you and your family become used to the oils, you can increase to 1-2 hours per day.  I must confess that there are some evenings when I run my diffuser on a 30 second delay all night!

I have a diffuser at home in my bedroom and one on my desk at school.  When I or my husband are feeling sick we diffuse Thieves, Purification, or lemon essential oils.  If I need help falling asleep or am feeling stressed after a long day I regularly diffuse Peace and Calming--this is a favorite in my classroom as well and I promise I can tell a difference in the excitement and activity level of the children.  At school I like to diffuse lemon, Purification, or Thieves (has been shown to be 99.96% effect in reducing airborne bacteria) at the beginning and end of the day to clean the air and keep us all well.