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 Nothing can make you feel quite as ‘put together’ as enjoying a beautiful fresh scent floating through your home on a bright morning, and that alone is reason enough to make use of an essential oil diffuser.

But the benefits don’t stop there, and for centuries the powerful plants used to make the concentrated oils have been utilised by the Egyptians, Romans, and in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, for a whole host of different uses - from aromatherapy, spiritual practices, and their medicinal properties.

But how do the therapeutic benefits of essential oils translate in our modern world?

1.Promotes restful sleep

If you’re struggling to drift into a deep sleep despite feeling utterly exhausted, you’re far from alone..

An estimated 50 to 60 percent of the world’s population suffer from insomnia, with many turning to essential oils to help them enjoy a restful night’s sleep, and with good reason.

Numerous scientific studies have proven that Lavender is one of the best essential oils for sleep, particularly when diffused within steam, works as a natural sedative and is an effective treatment for mild insomnia.

Lavender has been shown to interact with the neurotransmitter GABA to reduce the activity levels of our nervous system, this helps to ease feelings of restlessness or anxiety before sleep.

The best essential oils for sleep include: Lavender, patchouli, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tangerine, Rosewood, or our 1001 Nights and Relax blends.

2.Boost your mood

If you’ve just got back from a stressful day at work and you’re desperately trying to rid yourself of a foul mood before spending the evening with friends or your family, switch on that diffuser!

Within just a few minutes the scents of Tangerine, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, or our Happiness or Harmony blends, will bring you back into the room and to the present moment - putting aside the day’s anxieties.

Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, or Peppermint can also help to rid you of a tension headache, if your long day has left you worse for wear.

Our Floral Beauty blend contains Lavandin, the sister flower to Lavender, which offers the same soothing effects with a sweeter scent.

3.Breathe with ease 

You may find yourself taking a sigh of relief after switching on your diffuser, as essential oils including Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemon, and our Fresh Breeze blend, all offer respiratory benefits.

A study conducted on 12 athletes over ten days found that exposure to Peppermint oil improved their respiratory rate, and was seen to relax their airways’ bronchial smooth muscles.

If you’re feeling under the weather Eucalyptus essential oil, which contains Eucalyptol, is commonly used in vapour rubs to ease breathing as it has non-inflammatory properties. (You should not inhale the vapour from a diffuser directly, instead let the oils in the steam dissipate around the room.)

4.Ease your nausea

If you’re suffering with a bout of nausea, whether it’s anxiety or illness induced, diffusing Lavender or Peppermint oil can be a great way to ease the symptoms. 

If your nausea is caused by physical pain or anxiety Lavender can help to diminish the nervous system’s reaction, however be sure to seek medical assistance to address the cause of your nausea.

Our Happiness blend will also offer a welcome distraction from feelings of nausea, whilst relieving the distress that can come with it.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should consult with your doctor before using alternative therapies.

5.Boost your immune system

If you’re hoping to avoid catching a virus that somebody else in your household is suffering from, using an essential oils diffuser can be a great way to help cleanse the air by killing airborne viruses.

Eucalyptus oil has been proven to have antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, including MRSA, as well as fungi such as Candida. 

Tea tree oil is also a ​​natural disinfectant and has been proven to inactivate airborne Influenza particles.

6.Curb your appetite

If you’re prone to overeating or snacking due to boredom, putting a little peppermint oil in your diffuser can help to curb your appetite.

A study found that sniffing Peppermint oil every two hours for a week helped participants to consume  2,700 fewer calories - the oil is believed to activate part of the brain’s hypothalamus that controls satiety.

Instead of heading for the snack cupboard, why not treat yourself to a delicious aroma from our selection, Pine Tree or our Winter fairytale blend may bring back nostalgic and warm Christmas memories, whilst the deep tones of Bergamot offer a cleansing effect to help you deal with emotional triggers, including grief.

7. Safer than burning incense or candles 

As well as posing a fire risk if left unattended, candles have been found to contribute to air pollution in the home - as well as those annoying soot marks.

One study found that using candles and traditional aerosol gas air fresheners in enclosed spaces was almost as damaging as the effects of passive cigarette smoking.

Most scented candles are made from paraffin, which releases many of the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds as diesel when burnt - diffusers only release steam and natural essential oils, offering respiratory benefits rather than harmful side effects.

8. Safely repel insects

Instead of using toxic insect repellants which are also harmful to human health, you can keep those pesky mosquitos at bay by diffusing oils including Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender, and Cinnamon.

9. Helps to focus the mind

Whether you’ve got a pile of work or dishes to get through, or you’re struggling to find your get-up-and-go for the day’s activities, switching on your diffuser can help to focus your mind on the tasks at hand.

The scent awakens your senses, reminding you to take a moment to enjoy the smaller things in the present moment. Try our Morning Daisy or Magic Love blend to put that pep back in your step.

10. Prevents skin sensitivities

Whilst for most people it is safe to use several drops of most essential oils directly on your wrists, this is not true for people who suffer skin sensitivities such as dermatitis. Essential oils are extremely concentrated - for example it takes up to 3lbs of Lavender plants to produce 15ml of essential oil.

Diffusing just a few drops of essential oils with steam is the best way to get the most out of your product, enjoying all the benefits of essential oils, whilst avoiding any potential reactions.