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There are some trends that I just won't give up. Using an essential oil diffuser is one of them. In the past few years, I've had many Facebook friends talk about what aromatherapy has done for them. I've heard testimonies that certain essential oils make people feel relaxed, calm, and happy after feeling sick or fatigued.
I know many of us are diffuser users these days, but does anyone remember humidifiers? Yes, like those old school Vicks humidifiers that opened our airways on congested winter days. Humidifiers are perfect for your bedroom and large rooms when you're stuck home with a cold and mucus-filled chest. They increase the humidity of your home by increasing the level of moisture, which treats sinus congestions.
How Does a Humidifier Work?
You might be wondering which gadget should go into your living room. Thankfully, there are all types of humidifiers that have optional aromatherapy trays for a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Some advice I'll give to pet owners is to go with a humidifier with an optional essential oil diffuser.
Now, why is this? Some essential oils aren't entirely safe for pets. Here's a list of essential oils you shouldn't use near pets:
- Wintergreen
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Citrus
- Peppermint
The list goes on and on! Since your four-legged friends should steer clear of many oils, I think your household would best benefit from a humidifier. Pet dander can add some icky mites into your air, causing your chest to have mucus that's hard to break down. Get your humidity level up in your home to prevent dry air and itchy dry skin.
If you live in a dry climate, I highly recommend a humidifier. Anyone live in a region where it's so cold that you feel more thirsty in the wintertime rather than summertime? Ouch! That's sure to cause some health issues to your nasal cavity and throat. Many might try to treat their allergies or cold with a steamy shower, but you'll need to humidify your bedroom so you won't have a restless night.
For people who are sensitive to allergens, you should have a better idea of which gadget you should go with. If you're looking for a natural remedy for health issues outside of congestion, I'd say you should take a look at what an aromatherapy diffuser could do for you.
Benefits of a Humidifier
There are a lot of health benefits that come with using a humidifier, especially if you live in a dry climate. Humidifier uses go beyond simply keeping your home at a more mild relative humidity level, though if that's the main purpose, you need one. They are still great for that. There are loads of other benefits that come from using a humidifier.
Humidifiers can help reduce your risk of catching the flu. The authors of this study found that humidity levels above 40 percent rapidly deactivated influenza virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious.
Adding humidity to the air can get more moisture into the airways, making a cough more productive. A productive cough releases trapped or sticky phlegm and helps to remove some of the build-up.
Increasing the amount of moisture in the air can also reduce snoring. If the air is dry, a person's airways are less likely to be sufficiently lubricated, making snoring worse.
A humidifier can help keep your skin, lips, and hair healthier during the dry winter months. Many types of heating units pump hot, dry air through the house or office, which can make the skin dry, itchy, or flaky. Cold air outside can also dry out the skin. Adding humidity can help prevent these issues!
Benefits of Essential Oils
Best Humidifiers
This 2-in-1 product is fantastic! With a 1.5 gallon design, you'll have enough water to last you through the night for better air. Just fill it up with tap water and let it disperse cool mist into the air. You have the option of using the essential oil tray as well. For $60, that's a steal. With the Silver Clean Protection, your water tank will stay clear of mold.
It has a night light, which is great for kids and grandchildren with allergies!
Pure Enrichment - Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier for Small Rooms
You won't get the chance to try out some essential oils with this one, but it's a wonderful choice for a high-quality and budget-friendly air humidifier. For only $30, you can have moisture and cool mist filling your dry, stuffy room. I'd say not only is this humidifier great in price but also perfect for small spaces. Place it on your nightstand or office desk.
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier, 1 Gallon, Auto Shut-Off, Filter-Free (V745)
You can't forget about Vicks! Oh, Vicks, where would I be without Vicks Vapor rub? The many uses of it have gotten me through so many nights of a stuffed-up nose and congested chest. It's a wonderful warm mist humidifier that's perfect for any room in your home. Breathe better, y'all!
Essential oils have gained popularity for their home remedies. Many people love to use peppermint oil to relieve headaches! Something to think about is all the headache medication you might be taking. Too much of it isn't good for your body at all. When possible, I love to use a natural remedy before taking medicine.
For restless nights, I love diffusing lavender oil. Surely not all of my tension can be treated with water vapor or fine mist of essential oil, but it's worth giving it a shot.
COSTWAY Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
This is the humidifier I have in my home. I love it! Since it can sense the humidity in the air, it'll adjust to the temperature requirements. If you're new to humidifiers, that spec alone will make you feel confident that you're getting the most out of your humidifier. The 360-degree nozzle is impeccable.
Feel free to adjust the mist toward any direction. It comes with a remote and even has an essential oil tray. (Hello, lavender oil!)
How Does a Diffuser Work?
Best Essential Oil Diffusers
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, Ceramic Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser for Aromatherapy
I love this design! It's sleek and nice. It can run up to 7.5. hours on 10 drops of essential oil. If you don't need it on that long, you can opt for the 3-hour setting. If the style is important to you, I'd go with this matte stone diffuser. Get your lavender aroma flowing through your home for a calming environment.
Tip: Turn it on before bed.
PureGuardian SPA210 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser with Touch Controls
At $38.46, you get a pretty good deal. It also has Silver Clean Protection technology to keep from growing mold. If you're a light sleeper, you'll love this. While I don't think diffusers are loud, I can see why a subtle noise would annoy some. PureGuardian's Ultrasonic diffuser is ultra-quiet! Relax to the aroma of your favorite essential oil until you fall sound asleep.
Better Homes & Gardens Tranquil Butterfly Essential Oil Diffuser
Here's your best-in-price essential oil diffuser. Better Homes & Gardens have a diffuser priced at only $23.72. This beautiful design is perfect for kitchen and living room areas. Fill it up with a scent you'll love after cooking a greasy homecooked dinner.
Diffuser vs Humidifier
If pets reside in your home, I'd be very careful about which oils you use. Be sure to double-check before diffusing an oil diffuser. For many, this would sway them towards a humidifier, which I highly recommend if you have pets. If you're pet-free, I would 100% go with an essential oil diffuser.
People who suffer from migraines just can't get enough of essential oils. You don't even have to use them strictly in your diffuser. I love taking lavender baths, and they definitely can soothe sore, achy muscles better than drinking pickle juice! The therapeutic benefits are amazing.
Regardless, you should give one a try. Health is everything, so give your body a chance to live in a home with air that does your overall wellbeing some good.
If you really want to air out your home, consider the Mammoth 7,000mg Ozone Air Purifier.
This post was originally published on January 14, 2020.
