Using essentials oils in your humidifier can help keep your home or office smelling fresh and fragrant all the time. Depending on which oil or blend you choose to use, the benefits will vary. They may include an increase in concentration and focus, a feeling of relaxation and calm, and even potential benefits to health. A healthy environment promotes not just physical, but mental well-being. Using a humidifier can help keep the moisture levels in your home balanced, while the addition of oils may offer additional advantages. Using the best essential oils for humidifier use is a relatively new trend and one that comes with a lot of questions. The main ones being:
Can You Put Essential Oils in a Humidifier?
To definitively answer this question, it's important to first differentiate the difference between a diffuser and a humidifier. A diffuser is a device that diffuses essential oils into the air. There are a variety of different types of diffusers, but they all combine oils with water, then mist them out. Humidifiers, on the other hand, are meant to balance moisture levels. Many humidifiers are made of plastic, which can break down with the regular use of essential oils. However, recently more and more are coming onto the market designed for dual-use. If you are going to use your humidifier for diffusing, make sure you choose one that is compatible.
The Best Essential Oils for Humidifier Use: All of the Benefits
Essential oils are natural oils that contain the characteristics of the plant they were extracted from. These oils contain the original properties of the plant. On top of that, essential oils offer other properties that may offer many benefits in terms of health and well-being. Certain oils are reputed to create a calming effect or even contribute to mental clarity, while others have a long history in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines. Using essential oils in a humidifier will help to fragrance a room, keeping it smelling fresh while also adding moisture to the air. The following is a list of what we believe to be the best essential oils for humidifier use:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most famous oils around, and one of the best essential oils for humidifier use. The scent of lavender is notorious for being a calming agent, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety while improving mood. Using lavender oil for humidifier purposes may also help with inconsistent sleeping patterns, helping those who suffer from insomnia.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
This essential oil comes from the Australian tea tree shrub, sometimes referred to as the Melaleuca. Tea tree essential oil is one of the best essential oils for humidifier use, due to its air-purifying properties. Tea tree contains antifungal and antibacterial components, meaning it can help combat bad bacteria in the air. This is in addition to offering a fresh, outdoorsy fragrance. Many people swear by using tea tree oil to help with cough and congestion and put it in a humidifier while sleeping.
3. Rose Essential Oil
The scent of roses brings to mind romance or maybe American Beauty, depending on your film preferences. Either way, it’s likely you know and appreciate the heady fragrance of roses. After all, there’s a reason why there’s a saying about stopping to smell them! However, rose oil may be able to offer more than just a sweet scent. Studies indicate that the use of rose oil may be able to decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of anxiety.
4. Sandalwood Essential Oil
One of the most popular ingredients for making cosmetic soap is sandalwood. It is also one of the best essential oils for humidifier use, promoting good spiritual health. Anecdotal evidence indicates that sandalwood may be able to help strengthen mental clarity, improve mood, and reduce symptoms of anxiety. This is on top of sandalwood oil’s sweet woodsy aroma, which is the perfect addition to any blend.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
Put peppermint oil in humidifier and prepare yourself for a sudden burst of energy! Peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils for humidifier and diffuser use. Peppermint oil has long been used to help treat nausea, headaches, and other ailments. Using peppermint in your humidifier may also help improve symptoms of cold or flu. This is due to the presence of menthol. It also offers up a bright, minty scent that will keep any room smelling fresh and clean.
6. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil is also one of the best essential oils for humidifier use, due to its antibacterial properties. That, and its reputed ability to offer relief for respiratory ailments. Eucalyptol, one of the main components in eucalyptus oil, is a common ingredient in many OTC medications for cough and cold symptoms. Additionally, this oil may mask your scent from mosquitoes, working as a natural repellent.
7. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass is one of the most popular essential oils to use with a humidifier or diffuser. A favorite of many soap and candlemakers, the exotic fragrance of lemongrass cheers up any room with its bright, citrusy scent. Furthermore, it is also well-known for being able to help repel mosquitos and other pesky insects. If you’ve been wondering if you can use essential oils in a humidifier and are itching to give it a try, we suggest lemongrass as a definite must-have for your new collection!
8. Marjoram Essential Oil
Marjoram is famous for being a delicious herb, but its essential oil offers up a spicy, fragrant aroma that’s perfect for scenting a room. Marjoram is often confused with its cousin oregano, as both are native to the Mediterranean and popular in cooking. Of the two oils, marjoram is the best essential oil for humidifier use if you are looking for a milder fragrance. This is because it's not as strong as oregano. Studies also indicate that marjoram aromatherapy may benefit those suffering from anxiety who aren’t responding to other treatments.
9. Patchouli Essential oil
Patchouli essential oil offers a trademark scent that is sweet and spicy with a hint of woodsmoke. It is a very common additive in fragrances of cosmetics, bath products, perfumes, and more. Back in the sixties patchouli was associated with the hippie movement, with many people using patchouli oil to help improve mood and reduce the effects of stress triggers. Between its antibacterial properties and spicy scent, we believe patchouli oil earns its place on our list of the best essential oils for humidifier use.
10. Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil comes from the bergamot fruit, which belongs to the citrus family. Bergamot is most well-known for being a key ingredient in Earl Grey tea, a favorite of many. Its aroma is sweet and complex—a perfect mixture of citrus and spice. In addition to its amazing fragrance, studies show that using bergamot essential oil for aromatherapy may help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
The Best Essential Oils for Humidifier Use & Your Pets
A lot of people write to us wanting to know whether or not they can put essential oils in a humidifier around their dog or cat. The answer is, no, you should not use essential oils in a humidifier around pets, as the droplets can land on their coat. Your pet will then lick it off, inadvertently ingesting the oil. Many essential oils are toxic to animals when ingested, particularly cats, so you want to keep this from happening. If you wish to diffuse oils with pets in the house it is best to use a passive diffuser and ensure it is out of their reach.
Precautions: Best Essential Oils for Humidifier Use
It is important to ensure you are using a humidifier or diffuser that is meant to work in tandem with essential oils. This will prevent your humidifier from becoming clogged up with oils or breaking down. You also must make sure that your humidifier isn’t using heat mechanisms, as heat can change the chemical composition of the oils, which can alter scent and take away any potential benefits.
Final Words
Whether you choose to use an essential-oil compatible humidifier or a simple diffuser, our list of the best essential oils for humidifier use can help you on your way to a fresher, healthier environment. Always make sure you thoroughly read the directions of your device and regularly clean it to prevent any mold build-up as this can be hazardous.
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