The question of how long to diffuse essential oils is not a simple one, because not only does it have to do with your safety, animal’s safety, and the size of your room, but also with the environment.
Although it can be confusing and rather stressful trying to figure out how long you should keep it on for, when to turn it off, and how to know if you have had too much inhalation, we have compiled a list of factors that tie into the question of “how much time is too much?”
What Does Your Environment Look Like?
This question is potentially the most important to consider before using a diffuser. The environment matters because health-wise, you want to know whether you have a well-ventilated area and not a fully enclosed space.
This matters because you do not want the essential oil to diffuse then build up without an exit route for the diffused oil. Aside from this, it is also important to see what pets you have in the room.
Certain oils can be harmful to different animals. Whether it's a bunny, a dog, a cat, a miniature pig, or any other animal, it is important to keep yourself well versed in what is harmful to them, what you need to avoid, and how much exposure to diffused oils they can be exposed to.
Pets are definitely not the only ones that need precautions. There can be different interactions between medications and essential oils, so always make sure the people around you or in your direct environment can also be exposed to the oils. People who have different medical problems pertaining to the lungs (such as asthma) can have issues as well, so make sure you are aware of your environment and its inhabitants.
What Medical Conditions Do You Have?
Another question you have to ask yourself in order to know how much time you typically can have it on is whether you have any medical illnesses or conditions that can be negatively affected by the oils.
You not only have to know your allergies, but also know your medication interactions, if any, and know the negative side effects of the oils, if any. If you have lung damage or lung issues, you should always talk to your doctor about the oils you plan on using and try to figure out what you can use.
What Are You Using the Oils For?
One of the ways to make sure you are not using it for too long is to know what oils you are using and for what. If you are using it in order to help you fall asleep, you can start thirty minutes up to an hour before you plan on sleeping, depending on the environment, and then make sure to turn it off before you fall asleep.
If you are using them in order to get more energy before work, you can have them running from 30 to 45 minutes while you change and get ready for work, within the room you are in. That way, you get the needed result in time for work, using the Energizer Blend, but do not leave it for too long before, and do not overwhelm yourself with the smell.
If you are using it for immunity boost, or to help you heal from a cold, you could use it from 30 to 60 minutes intervals throughout the day, in order to help you with any cold or virus you may have.
If you are using it to purify the air, though, you do want to keep it for one hour; make sure the area is well ventilated, so that the hour for which it is on, you do not overwhelm your senses.
What Diffuser Are You Using?
The diffuser in use is important as well, especially considering the fact that some of them hold more liquid as well as diffuse more by square feet. When taking into account time, you also need to take into account the specifics of the diffuser. If you are using the Bubbly Home Essential oil diffuser, for example, and your current environment is under the listed 500 square feet, you want to keep it on for a shorter amount of time. We would recommend around 30 minutes every few hours if needed more than once. And if needed just once between 30 to 40 minutes.
If you are using a smaller diffuser, like the wood top diffuser, and you are in a bigger space, then maybe you would want to keep it on the full hour instead. When diffusing, you need to take into account the space and the diffuser type, in order to see what would be safest for your lung health and general wellbeing.
The General Timeline
The general timeline pattern that has been revealed throughout the questions is 30 minutes up to an hour while taking all the other listed factors into consideration. For this reason, it is impossible to have a set time of when you should stop, because it does vary from person to person.
Not every person can have the same timeline. Yet, the general rule of thumb as directed by some health professionals is between 30 minutes to an hour.
That being said, that does not mean only that much time per day, but rather per session. You would be able to do 30 minutes around eight in the morning, then start your day.
After maybe four hours, at 12, you could do another 40, or so forth. As long as they are in intervals, in a well-ventilated area, with no other dangers for you, your pet, or your family, it is within your judgment and experience. You are aware of how much you can withstand. But still, attempt to stay within the general timeline for your safety!
Answered Questions and Final Concerns
Now that the questions are answered, the timeline is given, and the advice has settled, we just wish to remind you that you must always follow all directions of the diffuser, the oils, and your doctor. It is important to remember to keep yourself safe!
Make sure to experiment with the sents until you find the right one for you! And if you do not feel ready for diffusers just yet, you can always try our roll-on essential oils that are already diluted and prepared to glide right on your skin.
Sources:
Are Essential Oils Safe? 13 FAQs on Ingestion, Pregnancy, Pets, More | Healthline