NOTE: This article is about the different types of essential oil diffusers available to us and how to know which kind is best for your family and home. Also, we’ll discuss safety in diffusing essential oils for children, dogs, cats, and other pets.

I've been using essential oils for many years now, and I LOVE them---as long as they are of excellent quality. But did you know I nearly stopped using them when I first learned about essential oils well over 12 years ago? Yep. I did.

You see, there is a LOT of information out there about what is the best way to use essential oils, not to mention the quality of the essential oils themselves. Unfortunately, you just can’t trust a lot of it. You really do need to vet your sources for information.

I’ve seen SO many unsafe practices and recipes/remedies out there on the interwebs, and it’s just shocking how dangerous some of these are. Please be sure you’re getting any and all information on herbs and essential oils from trained clinicians and practitioners. Herbalism is an unregulated practice, and therefore it’s kind of like the Wild Wild West of information.

As a certified level 2 professional aromatherapist with two different governing boards, one federal and one international….as well as having a healthy herbal practice where I work with clients using both herbs and essential oils, I can tell you that there’s a LOT of conflicting information out there.

I'll bet you agree....

Confusion is NOT a good thing. Right? And especially when you are using powerful substances like essential oils, you want to know you are doing it right.

What are Some of the Ways to Use Essential Oils?

There’s topical use (on your skin), usually with roller bottles and body care products. The essential oils are diluted into a carrier oil or lotion of some type.
You can ingest essential oils, however, please do NOT ingest oils without the supervision of a trained aromatherapist in internal use. NEVER drink drops of essential oils in water, as the two just don’t mix. You’re asking for health problems, especially over the long term.
Inhalation. This is the act of breathing in the essential oils. There are many ways to inhale the essential oils, and the most common is diffusion. Other methods include cupping and spritzing the air.

Today, we’re going to specifically discuss diffusers.

Now, all these methods will work well for different reasons. However, one of my favorite ways to use essential oils is in a diffuser. I've been through MANY diffusers in my time, and I'll be honest: They're not all the same. NOT at all.

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FTC and product disclosure: There may be affiliate links scattered throughout this article and if you click through to make any kind of purchase I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Ways to Diffuse Essential Oils

What is diffusing any way?

When you diffuse an essential oil or blend of essential oils, the molecules from the particular oil(s) enter the air. Then you breathe them in, and they work their wonders on your body and mind! It's really as simple as that.

Essentially, the essential oils are diffused into the air around you, and by breathing in the molecules, you get the health benefits! Diffusion is essentially the spreading of small particles into a substance, in this case, the air we breathe.

However, not all methods of diffusion are created equal. Here is a quick rundown of the most common ways to diffuse essential oils:

Natural, or Passive Diffusion:

Passive diffusion just means that you drop a few drops of essential oil on a cloth, tissue, cotton ball, or other porous object and allow the scent to permeate the area, naturally. Using essential oil jewelry falls in this category too.

No heat, agitation, or other force is involved, and the essential oils naturally evaporate into the air. This method generally only works in very small spaces, in my experience, as in---right next to you.

Gentle Heat:

Some methods of diffusion use a gentle heat source. These include using tea lights or the lighter in your vehicle to diffuse drops of essential oils. There are other heated methods, as well, but these two are the most common.

The bad thing about using heat is the molecules may be altered, potentially affecting their effectiveness. You know, heat damages things, and essential oils are no exception.

Ultrasonic Diffusers, or Evaporative Diffusers:

Ultrasonic diffusers are the most popular type of diffuser a lay person can purchase, and they come in all sizes to fit the room it will be housed in.

This type of diffuser uses water as a solvent and provides a cool mist using agitation of the water and essential oil mixture. These work well, as long as you purchase a high quality type. I've purchased inexpensive ones as well as diffusers that cost over $100, and there is definitely a difference in how well the diffuser works---as well as how long it lasts. An ultrasonic diffuser is kind of like a tiny humidifier.

When you inhale the essential oil molecules from this type of diffuser, you are breathing in essential oils that have been mixed into a mist with water vapor.

Although these ultrasonic diffusers are good, there is even one more type I love even more, especially for therapeutic use:

Here is an example of a quality nebulizer. There is NO heat or water involved in this method. A nebulizer is the best way to diffuse essential oils.

Nebulizers:

Nebulizers are the top of the line in diffusers, in my opinion. I've had a total of three over the years, as they generally run in the range of $100 or more.

Nebulizers do not use water or heat to help release the essential molecules into the air. Instead, they work by agitating the drops of essential oils into a super fine mist that is made up ONLY of the essential oil droplets. This creates quite a concentrated scent of essential oil in the room.

I've found that nebulizers cover a much greater area than the other styles, too. In fact, my upstairs is around 900 square feet, and the one I'm currently using is more than enough for the entire area!

Here's a bit more about my experiences with nebulizers and what to watch out for:

My first one was an el-cheapo, I have to admit. I just didn't want to spend the money on it, so I found one that didn't cost very much. It got gummed up really fast, and quit working within about two months.

I should have paid attention to the Misty Principle, but I didn't and thus, suffered the consequences. I was disappointed to say the least.

The second nebulizer I tried was a little better, but it vibrated like crazy and was LOUD. Like, it sounded like something you'd find in the "Love" Store, lol---NOT a great thing in your living room, or anywhere else in my opinion. It worked well, but I didn't use it very often because of the noise it put out.

Here’s a video you can watch about diffusers:

This nebulizer is perfect. This is the top of it, and you can see how strong the mist is---and this is PURE essential oil mist--not mixed with water. — **This nebulizer is perfect.** This is the top of it, and you can see how strong the mist is---and this is PURE essential oil mist--not mixed with water.

My Favorite Nebulizer of ALL Time

This last one I purchased recently is WONDERFUL! I cannot tell you how much I love it! I can't believe the quality, and the price was well within expectations too. This beautiful little machine puts out the mist like a champ, is SUPER quiet, and is also lovely.

I think a nebulizer would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in essential oils and wanting to improve their health. (And I believe in giving gifts to yourself, too! :-)

And if you are going to choose a nebulizer, why not choose a pretty one?

Okay---Okay---Tiny stars don't really shoot out of it, but this is how I feel about this incredible diffuser! Can you tell I love nebulizers best?

Get your handy sheet of Fall diffuser recipes! But don’t be fooled! These smell GREAT any time of the year! Click here to have yours sent to you now.

And Just Real Quick: How Do You Know How to Choose a Good Essential Oil Company, Anyway?

Competition in the world of essential oils has become downright fierce in the past few years, as more and more companies jump on the bandwagon. This is both good and bad. The Buyer (you) NEEDS to Beware!

It’s good because more competition will hopefully spur companies on to create better products with sustainability in mind.

On the other hand, it’s also more difficult for the consumer to determine exactly what IS a good company?

There HAD to be companies out there, I just knew, that would provide a high quality product at a decent price point. Right?

If you get my newsletter, you know that I've been doing research on essential oils for a very long time, and I have discovered some companies that fit my criteria for essential oils:

1) NOT an MLM;
2) organic options;
3) Kid Safe lines or at least specified;
4) tested by third party companies with easily available GC/MS reports on the chemistry of the batch; and
5) priced reasonably but NOT “cheap”.
6) IMPORTANT: NOT re-branded oils purchased cheaply “in bulk” by small salesmen. This is currently the most disturbing thing happening in the essential oil world. PLEASE purchase from a well-known reputable company.

Currently (and I will keep updating this article as I discover other great companies), my favorites are Rocky Mountain Oils and Plant Therapy. I happen to be an affiliate for both of them, but I personally purchase their essential oils all the time.

I also love the essential oils from Starwest Botanicals, especially for soap and body products where you have to use a higher quantity than just drops. Another company I enjoy ordering from is Amrita Aromatherapy. They have very high quality oils.

There are other great companies, too. These are just my favorite choices.

The two biggest MLM essential oil companies (I’m sure you’ve heard their names, as they’re massive companies) also have very high quality essential oils, but they are way over-priced in my opinion. Also, I don’t believe they’re truly into sustainability on the level I’d prefer.

Another company I just discovered through my aromatherapy course work is Pompeii Organics. I’m not an affiliate, but they are definitely a good company.

Diffusing Essential Oils Around Children Safely

I’ve heard some people (mainly the sellers of essential oils who aren’t trained) make statements that it’s just fine to diffuse essential oils all night long in their children’s bedrooms, or for hours every day in their homes. Honestly, this is simply not the best advice, and it can cause some serious problems with certain essential oils.

For infants: I prefer using hydrosols. They are extremely gentle, and although they do contain minute traces of essential oils, they are primarily the distilled water left over from the distillation process. These are my first go to for babies under twelve to eighteen months. If you do choose to diffuse in a room where there’s an infant, be extra sure the baby isn’t anywhere near the diffuser. It should never, ever be diffusing near their face. And, diffuse for 30 minutes or less at a time.

Certain essential oils can cause headaches and other kinds of distress, and your very young children aren’t able to verbalize these discomforts. Keep this in mind and err on the side of safety. Be sure to do thorough research on any essential oil or blend you choose to diffuse.

For older children ages two to 10 years, I also suggest short diffuser times…no more than an hour or so at a time. Keep the drops in the diffuser diluted appropriately too, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some diffusers can take more essential oils than others.

For children over the age of 10 years, I generally diffuse as I would with adults. They can tell you if the diffusion blend is not making them feel well, first of all, and they are also more readily able to leave.

When I taught elementary school, I loved diffusing my essential oils because they kept my children well. In fact, my students rarely got sick, even if there was a major cold or flu running rampant through the rest of the school.

What I did was diffuse in the early morning before the kids entered the classroom. Then again at recess, while they were out of the classroom I would diffuse again for around 20 minutes.

Finally, after school, while I was wrapping things up from the day and preparing for the next day, I’d diffuse again. I should also mention I kept the desks and the room scrupulously clean daily with my natural homemade cleaning spray. Once a week, I’d clean again with a homemade spray that contained a minimum 60% alcohol, which sanitizes according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

You can watch a video for that spray here, and yes, I’ve used it on my hands as a hand sanitizer too.

I never once had any complaints from students, other teachers, or parents. In fact, they actually appreciated the extra effort to keep my kids well, and many started following the same practices.

What About Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets? How to Diffuse Safely

Is diffusing essential oils bad for cats?

I get this question often, and it’s a valid concern. There’s a LOT of scary information out there right now about diffusing around pets, especially cats. The word is that cats lack an enzyme in their liver that helps them process certain toxins.

Although this is true, you can still diffuse around your cats and definitely other larger pets if you keep a few things in mind.

First, for cats, avoid potentially toxic oils or very strong oils. Also avoid essential oils containing high levels of limonene (which includes the citrus oils).

However, with this said, I’ve diffused essential oils around my own cats for years and not had a problem. And, I have some older cats, too. What I do is be sure to leave a window cracked for air flow if I can. I also make sure they can leave the room where the diffuser is going as needed.

One other safety consideration when diffusing around pets and animals is the time you’re diffusing the oils. I never let my diffuser run for literally hours. Now, if it’s a gentle blend (lavender, frankincense, and other very safe essential oils), then you can run your diffuser longer. But I generally diffuse for 30 minutes to an hour or two, maximum. Then I might do it one to three more times during the day, depending on my intention (scenting my home, cleansing the air, or for therapeutic reasons).

Finally, keep an eye on your cats. Problems with essential oil diffusion are rare, but they can happen. If your cat isn’t acting “normal” for your cat, then consider turning off the diffuser and turning on a fan and opening the windows, just in case.

But again, I do diffuse around my cats, and I know many other aromatherapists who do, too.

Dogs and Essential Oil Diffusers:

For diffusing around dogs, which have a more similar system to ours, I consider their size. Are they small? Then adjust accordingly. Are they very large? Treat them more like you would a human. And as with cats, keep an eye on them. Again, I’ve never once had any issues diffusing essential oils around my dogs, either.

For horses and other large animals, the same rules apply. Consider their size and how much fresh air they have access to. They should be able to avoid the diffusion if they want and need to.

One book I really like about using essential oils with animals is by Melissa Shelton, DVM. She’s a holistic veterinarian, and has written a very complete Animal Desk Reference for using essential oils safely with animals, along with suggestions for a variety of health concerns.

Final Thoughts on Diffusing Plus Choosing, and Using Essential Oils

Back to diffusers: If you are just getting into essential oils, I don't blame you for going for the ultrasonic style diffuser first. That is what most people do, as they are the most common and easy to find, plus they are less expensive than nebulizers.

However, if you are serious about using essential oils for your health, I highly recommend a nebulizer, especially for therapeutic use. And after the experiences I've had, I'd further recommend a nebulizer of high quality.

With these things said, however, for scenting your home, cleaning the air, and generally for setting a mood, ultrasonics are my favorite and the suggestion I’d say.

And if you are interested in furthering your use and knowledge about natural health alternatives, essential oils definitely deserve your attention. Aromatherapy is basically a subset of herbalism, although most herbalists don’t have a background in essential oil usage. Conversely, aromatherapists don’t really have a background in using herbs.

But….I believe strongly in the power of using these therapies together (herbs AND essential oils), concurrently, for excellent synergy.

Hopefully, this article was helpful for you. I know when I first started using essential oils, I was so frustrated I almost gave up because I just didn't have enough accurate information. I also started out with some really poor quality diffusers, to the point I thought they didn’t even work!

At least, I hope this gives you a place to begin your essential oil journey.

You might also enjoy these related articles and/or videos!

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How to Formulate Your Own Herbal Teas (Video): Making Your Own Custom Tea Blends

And here’s the article that explains formulating custom herbal teas, along with a handy PDF download.

And there are literally hundreds more on my website and YouTube channel!

Do you have any questions or comments? I'd love to know what you think! Leave your thoughts in the comments section, and I'll be replying!

Hugs, Health, & Self-Reliance,

Heidi

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Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor. No statement is meant to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease or illness. These statements haven’t been evaluated by the FDA.

Diffusing Essential Oils Guide