Aromatherapy Diffusion Methods

The following three diffusion methods can be used with essential oils and items that you probably already have at home: an electric fan and paper tissues, unscented candles and steam.

While you could save money using these methods, they are not as effective as real aromatherapy diffusers.

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Fan and Tissue Method

All you need for this one is an electric fan, a tissue, and 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil. Add a few drops of oil to different spots on the tissue, attach the scented tissue to the fan (while it’s NOT running!), and turn it on.

One way to disperse essential oil in a room: tissue and fan
  • Pros: This is one of the most inexpensive diffusion methods if you already have a fan at home. You can easily change the essential oil without worrying about left-over scent from a previous oil. Simply get a new tissue!
  • Cons: The aroma only gets dispersed in the direction in which the fan is blowing. The fan will cause the essential oil to evaporate quickly.

Candle Method

Once again, you probably have the items needed for this one: an UNSCENTED candle, and 1 or 2 drops of your favorite essential oil. Let your unscented candle burn until a significant amount of wax has melted.

Blow out the candle and add one or two drops of oil to the wax. DO NOT put the oil on the wick. Allow the wax to solidify again. Light up your scented candle.

Note: Essential oils are flammable and you should be careful when following this dispersion method.

  • Pros: Inexpensive method if you already have an unscented candle. The heat created by the flame of the candle will quickly disperse the essential oil in the room.
  • Cons: This method can be dangerous if you are not careful while relighting the candle. The essential oil gets heated and its constituents may be altered, reducing the effectiveness of the oil.

Steam Method

Once again, you probably have the items needed for this one: a cup, some water, a microwave oven, and 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Heat up a cup of water in the microwave and add a few drops of your essential oil. Place the heated cup in the room where you want the aroma to disperse. If you don’t have a microwave, you could use a pot and a stove to heat up the water.

  • Pros: This also is one of the most inexpensive diffusion methods if you already have a microwave or stove at home. You can easily change the essential oil without worrying about left-over scent from a previous oil. Simply clean your cup and use fresh water. Also, the heated water will quickly disperse the aroma of your essential oil in the room.
  • Cons: The essential oil gets heated and its constituents may be altered, reducing the effectiveness of the oil. The oil will also evaporate quickly.