If you don’t have one already, you’ve surely seen a diffuser in a friend or family member’s home. The small art-like objects– typically made of glass or plastic that you fill with water and a few drops of your favourite smelling essential oils into—are popular and we totally get it. Because when they are turned on, the diffusers break down the water’s molecules into a cool mist (much like a humidifier), that wafts the subtle scent of the essential oils into the room. Some diffusers even emanate light when in use, making them as pretty to look at as they are lovely to breathe in.
So why should you incorporate one into your home? Well, according to the experts at the Vancouver-based natural wellness company Saje, diffusers create a pleasant aroma, are decorative pieces and the essential oils they release can provide you with stimulating, relaxing and other feel-good benefits. “Each Saje diffuser also creates negative ions, which are believed to neutralize pollutant aggressors and enhance wellbeing,” the experts note on the Saje website. Here’s why we think you should add one into your home.
1. They smell great
Who doesn’t enjoy the calming scent of lavender, the clean vibes of lemongrass or perhaps, the breathe-easy aroma of eucalyptus. Guess what, there’s an essential oil for that and you can mist it throughout your home with a diffuser. Companies like Saje offer these types of fragrances and more through their essential oils, which are concentrated plant extracts, as well as with blends of a bunch of different oils which, like perfume, create scents that can mimic the ocean or a rainforest or a wildflower garden. “Think of the way you feel taking a deep breath in the forest, near a waterfall, or at a beach,” explain the experts at Saje. “That boost of happiness, release from stress, and natural surge in energy levels are some of the ‘side effects’ of breathing fresh, clear air. A diffuser is designer to mimic that.”
2. They create the headspace you desire
Essential oils, be it in perfumery, candles or in drops in water in a diffuser, are renowned for tapping into the brain’s olfactory system which is responsible for processing memory and emotion, thanks to its close proximity to the limbic system (a.k.a: the amygdala and hippocampus). So, when this part of our brain recognizes a particular smell it sends that information to the limbic system, which then triggers whatever emotion or memory we have attached to it. Think about the smell of freshly baked cookies or bread. Does it take you back to your childhood and your mom’s cozy kitchen? How about the warm, heady aroma of coconuts and pina coladas? Does it instantly transport you to a previous beach vacation in Maui? Or maybe the scent of pine needles makes you nostalgic for family and Christmas time. “Diffusers and diffuser blends allow you to personalize how you want your home to feel—a space of energy, rest, tranquility, and so on,” affirm the experts at Saje. And that ambiance can help you get into a great and curated emotional headspace.
3. They look good
The same way you choose a light fixture or a piece of art, diffusers can add a complementary ambiance to whichever room you choose to place it in. Some are small and squat and fit perfectly into a nook, many are tall and cylindrical and perforated with holes to allow light to peek through, while others are geometric in shape with a hard lines and edges and available in clay-looking hues. But no matter which style suits you best, know that all can match any décor.
AmongMen recommends trying Saje’s Aroma Light Diffuser and Good Cheer Festive Diffusing Duo, $74.25, available at Saje stores and online at www.saje.ca.
