Diffusion is one of the most prevalent ways to enjoy essential oils and obtain their natural benefits. Asessential oillovers ourselves, we admit to getting carried away with diffusing. We love switching on the diffuser in the morning, noon and night to help alleviate stress, create an aromatic atmosphere, keep germs at bay — you name it.
But is there a time limit you should put on your diffuser? Don’t miss this commonly overlooked essential oil safety tip.
What Can Happen If You Diffuse For A Long Period Of Time?
Leaving an active aroma diffuser on for over an hour continuously is often considered diffusing for too long. Here’s what can happen if you diffuse for longer than an hour.
Habituation
Have you ever used an essential oil continuously, then noticed it didn’t work as well as it once had or that you’ve become nose-blind? It may be that your body has adapted to that oil, rendering it less effective than when you had first used it.
Most people are familiar with the way you can build up a tolerance to alcohol and medications. This is known as habituation, and it can occur if you use the same substance too often.
Luckily, you can avoid habituation, also known as “olfactory fatigue,” by alternating the essential oils you use and by reducing the duration you use them. Along with limiting topical use of essential oils, restricting your diffuser’s “on” setting is another way to prevent your EO tolerance. Try switching up your oils once every 1- 2 months to ensure they work each and every time you use them.
Safety Issues
Along with essential oil habituation, there are safety issues at play when it comes to prolonged essential oil exposure.
- One study showed that after an hour of being exposed to essential oils, volunteers experienced increased heart rates, which researchers concluded could be harmful to heart health. However, the same study revealed 15-60 minutes of inhaling essential oils resulted in deeper relaxation and decreased heart rate.
Overexposure to diffusion can also lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, brain fog and more. Thus, the importance of limiting your diffuser time can’t be understated.
How Long Should I Diffuse?
So how long should you diffuse to get optimum effects? That depends on the people (or pets) you’re diffusing around and what type of diffuser you’re using.
Types Of Essential Oil Diffusers
There are two types of diffusers: active diffusers and passive diffusers.
Active Diffusers
These diffusers use a stimulus such as electricity, ultrasonic vibrations, airflow, etc. to emit essential oils. Active diffusers offer an intense aroma output and therefore should be switched on less frequently, or put on an intermittent diffusion setting. At Edens Garden, the following diffusers are considered active:
Personal Pocket Inhaler
*Note, though it doesn’t require a stimulus to diffuse, the Personal Pocket Inhaler delivers the same amount of aroma intensity as a nebulizing diffuser in a few, short bursts.
Passive Diffusers
A passive essential oil diffuser naturally emits pure essential oil without any help from a stimulus. These diffusers generally offer a less intense aroma output and can be used to diffuse essential oils continuously. Just replace the oil as needed. We offer the following passive diffusers:
Jewelry Diffuser
Diffusing Essential Oils Around Different Individuals
Healthy Adults
Older children and healthy adults may get the most out of their favorite essential oil after 30- 60 minutes of continuous inhalation using an electric diffuser. They can also enjoy continuous diffusion using a passive aromatherapy diffuser.
The Elderly & Those With Compromised Immune Systems
The elderly and those with health problems or compromised immune systems may require less diffusion time to see effective results with essential oils. Try using an active diffuser for up to 30 minutes, or using a passive diffuser continuously.
Children
Young children need considerably less inhalation–only about 15- 30 minutes of active diffusion or continuous passive diffusion.
Babies & Pets
It’s generally not recommended that you use an active diffuser around babies or pets. A baby or pet-safe essential oil can be used in a passive diffuser.
What about topical application?
Diffusion may be the most straightforward approach to usingessential oils, but using them topically can also offer a range of therapeuticbenefits. In order to apply essential oils safely to the skin you'll need to properly dilute them with a carrier oil. To read more about dilute read our Ask An Aromatherapist article," How To Read A Dilution Chart."
As an enthusiast and expert in aromatherapy and essential oils, I've delved deeply into their properties, applications, and safety considerations. My expertise spans various diffusion methods, topical applications, and the effects of prolonged exposure to essential oils. My knowledge is backed by a comprehensive understanding of the chemical compositions of essential oils, their therapeutic benefits, and the impact of aromatics on the human body and well-being.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article about essential oil diffusion:
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Diffusion Methods: Essential oil diffusion is a common method to enjoy their benefits. The article discusses two main types: active and passive diffusers. Active diffusers use stimuli like electricity or ultrasonic vibrations to disperse oils intensely. Examples include the Aromaride Car Diffuser and Diamond Diffuser. Passive diffusers emit oils naturally without external stimuli, providing a less intense aroma, such as the Reed Diffuser or Ceramic Bloom Diffuser.
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Duration of Diffusion: The article emphasizes the potential risks of diffusing essential oils for too long. Prolonged exposure might lead to habituation, where the body becomes accustomed to the oil, reducing its effectiveness over time. Safety issues like increased heart rates, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and more may arise from overexposure. The recommended duration varies for different individuals - from 15-60 minutes for babies and pets to up to an hour for healthy adults and older children.
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Safety Considerations: Safety is paramount when diffusing essential oils. Special attention is given to different groups - healthy adults, the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, children, babies, and pets - each requiring varying diffusion times or specific diffuser types for safety and effectiveness.
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Alternating Oils: To avoid habituation, the article recommends rotating essential oils every 1-2 months and limiting continuous exposure to ensure the oils' efficacy each time they're used.
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Topical Application: While diffusion is a popular method, the article also touches upon topical application. It highlights the importance of diluting essential oils with carrier oils for safe application on the skin and directs readers to a resource for understanding dilution charts.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide to safe and effective essential oil usage through diffusion, considering different individuals' needs and safety precautions for optimal therapeutic benefits.
If you have any specific questions or need further insights into any aspect of essential oils or aromatherapy, feel free to ask!
