Type of Oil Used in Reed Diffusers

Reed Diffuser Oils

• The best oils to use in reed diffusers are essential oils. Essential oils are extracted from plants by distillation or solvent extraction. They are called "essential" oils because they carry the scent, or "essence," of the plant from which they were extracted. The best essential oils contain no additives, such as alcohol, which may pose a health hazard and also dilutes the scent. Essential oils are available in a wide variety of plant-based scents, including popular mainstays such as rose, lavender, sandalwood and lemon.

Cost of Essential Oils

• Essential oils in widely available scents, such as vanilla, are less expensive than rarer scents, but due to essential oils' high scent concentration they are not inexpensive. Expect to pay between $5 and $10 for a 10mL bottle of essential oil, with higher prices for greater quantities of oil. Essential oils are available in health food stores, retailers catering to massage therapists and well-being and from online retailers like Amazon.

Using Essential Oils in Reed Diffusers

• Use only one essential oil per reed diffuser. The reeds will absorb whatever oil they first contact, so once they have absorbed one oil, they will not work for a different scent. If you feel adventurous, consider mixing two or more essential oils to create a unique scent, but be prepared for lots of trial and error. Pour the essential oil into a clean, dry, empty reed diffuser container until it is one-quarter to one-third full. Dip the ends of the reed diffusers in the oil, then flip them so that the dipped ends stick out of the container and the dry ends continue to draw the scent up and out into the room. Use more than one reed diffuser for larger or airier spaces for maximum effect.

Other Uses for Essential Oils

• Essential oils can also be used to treat minor ailments at home. Peppermint oil is reputed to effectively relieve stomach upsets or help with headaches. Gentle, floral scents such as lavender can help relieve tension and stress through aromatherapy. Lavender can also help you fall asleep at night. Essential oils can help brighten your mood and relax you. However, make sure you don't directly inhale essential oils from the bottle, which can overwhelm your senses and cause headaches. Instead, dip an absorbent material, such as a piece of cardstock, into essential oil and take occasional whiffs of the scent in a relaxed setting.