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June 11, 2025

Happy Herbal Wednesday, Reader!

Do you remember the first essential oil you ever experienced in a diffuser?

For me, it was a blend wafting through a friend's home as I walked in the door. Oh. My. Goodness. Just WOW.

I still remember how instantly calm and mesmerized I felt walking into the room. When I noticed the gentle mist from this little contraption in the corner, I realized THAT little machine was where the scent was coming from.

I was hooked! I wanted THAT in my home! I've never looked back...

These days, diffusing essential oils has become part of the daily wellness routine for many people looking to support better sleep, manage stress, change their mood intentionally, improve health, or simply bring a little peace into their space.

But if you're new to diffusing essential oils, I totally get how it can feel a little overwhelming at first.

Let’s walk through the most common questions I hear about diffusing—what to use, how to do it safely, and how to make the most of your oils.

Top Questions I Get Asked About Diffusing Essential Oils

1. Why should I consider diffusing essential oils?

Did you know that inhaling essential oil is the FASTEST way to obtain the benefits of the constituents in your body and mind?

Not only are the emotional aspects pretty much immediate, but clinical studies have shown that the molecules show up in our bloodstream quickly and can remain for at least 20 minutes...maybe longer.

Diffusing essential oils is one of the easiest ways to enjoy their benefits. When you diffuse, you're making your home smell amazing while tapping into the oils' emotional and physical properties.

For example:

• Lavender, clary sage, and cedarwood can help promote relaxation and better sleep.
• Peppermint, rosemary, and lemon can increase focus and mental clarity.
• Eucalyptus and bay laurel may support clear breathing, especially during allergy or cold season.
• And MANY other wellness supports can be found in diffusion

Plus, certain oils have gentle purifying properties that help freshen stale air naturally. The beauty of diffusing is that you can tailor your blend to what you need in the moment—whether it’s calm, energy, clarity, or something else.

2. What’s the difference between an ultrasonic and a nebulizer diffuser?

There are a few main types of diffusers, but here’s a quick breakdown of the two most popular:

• Ultrasonic Diffusers​
  These are probably what you’ve seen most often. They use water and essential oil to create a fine, cool mist that disperses into the air. They’re budget-friendly, quiet, and also double as a mini humidifier—which can be great in dry environments.
  ​Best for: Everyday home use, gentle diffusion, and people who are new to essential oils.
• Nebulizing Diffusers​
  These don’t use water at all. Instead, they disperse pure essential oil directly into the air using an air pump. The scent is much more intense, and you’ll use more oil than with an ultrasonic diffuser.
  ​Best for: Those who want strong therapeutic effects or who have larger rooms to fill. (I don't recommend using nebulizers around children or pets unless you're trained in aromatherapy.)

Tip: If you’re sensitive to strong smells or want a subtler aroma, start with an ultrasonic model. These are the most affordable and most easy to find.

Another Tip: If you need to "clean" the air, as in for illness (germs) or mold, etc., then I like to vacate the room/house and run my nebulizer for an hour or so.

Find out more in the video below:

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3. How many drops of essential oil should I use in a diffuser?​
This really depends on the size of your diffuser and how strong you like your aroma. Be sure to check with the manufacturer's instructions for your diffuser, but a good starting point is:

• 100 mL reservoir: 5–8 drops
• 200–300 mL: 8–12 drops
• 500+ mL: 12–20 drops

That said, if you're using oils with a stronger scent (like eucalyptus or peppermint), start with fewer drops and build from there. Less is often more with essential oils.

4. Why can’t I smell the oils after a while?

This is actually a totally normal brain response called olfactory fatigue or nose blindness. It's also sometimes called scent stagnation.

When your nose smells the same scent for a while, your brain filters it out so it can pay attention to other new smells. It doesn’t mean your diffuser isn’t working—it’s just your brain tuning it out.

This is why we often fail to recognize how our home smells to others, too. Have you ever been away for awhile, and then when you returned home, you could actually smell what it smells like?

You can "reset" your nose by smelling some coffee or the beans; or taking a little walk outside for a little while. Or just stop running the diffuser and start it up later.

5. Is diffusing essential oils safe? What about VOCs?

Yes, diffusing is generally safe—especially when used thoughtfully. Essential oils release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are naturally occurring plant chemicals that give the oils their aroma.

These aren’t the same as nasty synthetic VOCs found in paint or cleaners, or synthetically made fragrances, which can be irritating or harmful.

The keys are moderation, common sense, and ventilation:

• Diffuse in well-ventilated rooms.
• Stick to short sessions (20–30 minutes at a time).
• Use high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable brands.

And if you or anyone in your home is sensitive (asthma, allergies, etc.), it’s always smart to start slow or consult a healthcare provider or certified aromatherapist.

6. Can diffusing essential oils cause headaches?

It can, especially if the oil is used in high concentrations (as in a nebulizer), diffused for too long, or in a room without good airflow. Some oils are also far more likely to cause discomfort, like:

• heavy florals (rose, ylang ylang, carnation, jasmine, etc.)
• Eucalyptus (and others high in 1-8, cineole)
• Individualized sensitivities (we all are different and therefore react differently to scents)

If this happens to you, turn off the diffuser, get some fresh air, and drink water. And remember—diffusing pure essential oils is typically gentler on the body than synthetic fragrances, which are much more common headache triggers.

7. Does the brand of oil I use really matter?

Yes, it really does. Essential oils aren’t regulated, so the quality can vary widely from one brand to another. Some companies add fillers, synthetic fragrances, or cheaper substitutes, even if the label says “pure.”

To find a good oil, look for:

• The botanical name (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia for true lavender)
• Transparency about sourcing
• GC/MS testing (this shows what’s actually in the oil)
• No synthetic additives or “fragrance oil” blends
• Do not purchase them from big box stores and NEVER third party labels (like the "everything or anything" store with their own mysterious brand of essential oil---small businesses tend to be in this category). Purchase from legitimate aromatherapy companies that specialize in education, sustainability, knowing the farmers and distillers personally, etc.

You can find my personally vetted list of where I purchase my own essential oils for clients and family about halfway down this page.

8. How often should I clean my diffuser?

A clean diffuser works better and lasts longer. As a general rule:

• Clean it once a week, especially if you use it daily.
• Rinse it out after each use, especially when switching oils or blends.
• More viscous oils like patchouli, vetiver, myrrh, and sandalwood—tend to stick to the surfaces, so you might need to clean more often.

Check your diffuser’s manual for the best cleaning method, but usually it just involves water, a bit of vinegar or isopropyl alcohol, and a soft cloth.

9. Is it safe to diffuse around kids?

Yes, but with a few important precautions:

• Always diffuse in a large, well-ventilated room.
• Keep oils and diffusers out of reach.
• Use fewer drops— young children are more sensitive than adults.
• Avoid placing a diffuser right next to a baby or toddler.
• Never diffuse continuously all day around kids—short intervals are best. I suggest 20 minutes on and an hour or so off.

Essential oils to avoid around small children:

Ages will vary, depending on the essential oil and the reason for use. But in general, do a little research on these specific ones: Anise, Birch, Cassia, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary (1,8 cineole CT), Sage, Verbena, Wintergreen, Ylang Ylang.

As always, when in doubt—check with your pediatrician or a certified aromatherapist.

10. Can I diffuse around pets?

You can, and I have diffused around my own animals for decades.

Just keep in mind that animals—especially cats, dogs, and smaller mammals—are way more sensitive to smells than we are. Cats in particular don’t metabolize some compounds in essential oils very well, due to their liver’s enzyme pathways.

A few general tips:

• Diffuse in a large, open space with good airflow.
• Don’t lock pets in the room—let them come and go freely.
• Use fewer drops and shorter diffusion times.
• Avoid applying essential oils topically to pets unless working with a trained holistic vet or aromatherapist trained in use with animals.
• Allow them to "self-medicate." You can find out more in my Animal Herbalism and Aromatherapy Workshop, which comes with a text guide, too. (It's one of the many extra FREE bonuses inside the Confident Herbalist Tribe.)

Oils to avoid around cats (especially in large amounts):​
Tea tree, cinnamon bark, thyme, oregano, clove, basil, laurus nobilis, and wintergreen.

If your pet ever acts odd while you're diffusing (sneezing, drooling, hiding), turn it off right away and air out the space.

Blending Oils Like a Pro

If you’re ready to start making your own blends, here’s a little secret: it’s easier than you think. Blending is part science and part art—you’re combining oils to enhance both aroma and therapeutic effect.

A few beginner-friendly combos:

• Relaxation: Tangerine, Lavender, Chamomile
• Energy boost: Peppermint, Grapefruit, Rosemary
• Focus: Basil, Rosemary, Peppermint (or Spearmint)
• Grounding: Patchouli, Frankincense, Orange

I’ve created a printable Essential Oil Blending Guide to help you get started creating! (Use the same email you're signed up for this note with to avoid getting duplicates, and be sure to forward this note to a friend who may enjoy my emails!).

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Homestead and Apothecary Update:

We're still deep in the move!

If you're new here, you may not know, but we've moved our homestead and our herb farm and the apothecary to be on the same property in a new town close by!

Yesterday, I finished clearing out the apothecary down in Orofino. Here at the new house in the office area, I'm right now wading around nearly 100 boxes of herbs and tinctures. The classroom area is filled with even more boxes.

I have no idea how I've accumulated all these wonderful herby and aromatic things, but it's painfully obvious that "My name is Heidi, and I have an "Herb Problem." 😂

That's ok.... I'm just plugging away, and hopefully all will be in order by end of the month. That's the goal!

We're getting ready to open another group of Ditch the Drugstore and Family Herbalist Certification students in July, so if you've been waiting, a new group is finally coming up!

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Enjoy the summer! It's here! And if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoy the restful late fall.....

Either way, consider diffusing some essential oils on the daily! You won't be sorry.

Hugs, Health, and Herbs,

Heidi

P.S. I would be so grateful if you were to forward this note along to a friend so they can enjoy my FREE essential oil blending guide, too!

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This note is proudly sponsored by:

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