Ahh winter, it is well and truly upon us. The cold, damp and rainy season can be miserable and gloomy, but it doesn’t have to be! There are many things to look forward to, such as a nice hot dinner after work, binge watching your favourite TV series, knitting, getting through your books (great excuse to stay in bed), and of course, turning on your diffuser!
Diffusers are a great way to get your home smelling great this winter. But aside from just producing a great scent, there are many other benefits of using ultrasonic diffusers during the cold winter months. In this short blog post, we will delve into ways of combating the dry air during the winter period, and how your ultrasonic diffuser can help. Don’t worry if you don’t have a diffuser! We will also go through different alternatives to diffusers and of course a few essential oils that may help get you through the winter season!
Ultrasonic diffusers are a great way to counteract the dry air during the winter season. Naturally, colder air during winter has a lower humidity level compared to warmer air in the summer months; what this means is that it has less moisture content. The dry air affects our bodies in many ways, but it may affect individuals with respiratory conditions (such as asthma and bronchitis) more, as the cold and dry air can irritate our respiratory system and trigger spasms. With that said, it is important to first assess whether you need additional or less moisture in your indoor environment. If your home or office feels a bit damp, or lacks ventilation, then it would be best to avoid diffusers and humidifiers as introducing more moisture into the surrounding area will promote the growth of mould and microorganisms. If you’re a daily user of heaters, heat pumps or fireplaces in winter then you may notice your skin feeling dry, even though the air is warm. In this situation, it will be beneficial to add a bit of moisture in the air. Ultrasonic diffusers are not a must, but they do help in dry environments.
To minimize the irritation to your airways as much as possible, it is important to keep warm and insulate the body in lower temperatures. If you’re outside, a good tip would be to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf as this will help to warm up the air that is breathed into the lungs. It is also better to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth as it allows the air to warm up and get filtered in the nasal cavity during the process. If you’re indoors, keep your environment warm and if you have a humidifier or ultrasonic diffuser around, make sure to make good use of it if your home or office is very dry. Using a humidifier/diffuser with or without essential oils will help to add moisture in the air and soothe the airways, as well as helping with very dry skin. Diffusing oils would be a bonus to purify the air and combat any harmful bacteria.
Don’t have a diffuser? Don’t worry! Here are 3 ways to add moisture into your environment without a humidifier/ ultrasonic diffuser. In no particular order:
- Having plants in your home
- A bowl or two of water around the house - warm areas work best! For those after something more stylish than a bowl of water, try adding water into a nice vase.
- Boiling water will help add moisture into the air, but make sure to keep an eye on the stove!
Some great essential oils for the winter season:
If you do find yourself getting a bit run-down during the winter months, using essential oils in your ultrasonic diffuser can help and accelerate the recovery process. There are plenty of essential oils in the market to use, and it may be overwhelming trying to choose the most suitable ones. It is important to know that most essential oils do have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, hence, most oils will help with flu and colds. Below are some essential oils we personally love to use in our diffuser during the winter season, by no means are these a must. Feel free to experiment with the essential oils you have at home, there are tons of recipes and blends available on the internet, who knows? You might find your new favourite blend!
Peppermint Essential Oil:
Using peppermint oil is a great way to freshen up during winter. Not only does it improve the mood, but it’s minty characteristic will help to clear the nasal passages which is great for any winter ailments.
Lemon Essential Oil:
The light, slightly sweet and zingy lemon essential oil is a frequent aroma in our household. Its uplifting and energizing aroma helps in keeping awake and productivity. Lemon essential oil also makes a great cleaning agent. A small amount of water, a touch of white vinegar and drops of lemon essential oil usually does the trick!
Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender is arguably the most popular essential oil in the world. It’s versatile, smells great and is gentle compared to many other essential oils. It’s famous for relaxation, reducing anxiety and helping with sleep. This all leads to better rest, and who doesn’t need a good night’s rest! Lavender is great in an ultrasonic diffuser, and also for topical application mixed with carrier oils. If you would like to read more about Lavender, head over to our previous blog post.
Please note when using any essential oils:
Keep out of reach of children. Any essential oil may cause skin sensitivity. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician first. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Happy diffusing!
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