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So you have your favourite essential oils and you’re ready to relax and enjoy their wonderful aromas, the only problem is you don’t have a diffuser. Maybe yours is broken, lost or you didn’t own one in the first place. If you’ve found yourself in this situation do not worry, we’re here to help. Throughout the ages people have been enjoying aromatherapy oils using a number of different methods. So if you’re in need of a diffuser-free way of using essential oils, read on.

Though it may seem daunting, it is quite easy to improvise a diffuser for your essential oils. You can enjoy their scents by simply customising a few household items. Here are 10 ways you can enjoy essential oils without a diffuser.

Spray Bottle.

One of the fastest and easiest ways to enjoy essential oils without a diffuser is to use a spray bottle. This can be any old spray bottle you have lying around, just ensure that it is clean and hasn’t been previously used to spray harsh chemicals like weed killer in the garden. Mix some drops of your favourite oil (20-40 drops) with water and you’re good to go. To add a luxurious touch you can use a glass spray bottle and use distilled water instead of regular water. If distilled water isn’t available, filtered water works great as well.

The following essential oils can be used for the following uses:

DIY Facial Steamer.

A DIY facial steamer using essential oils can be a wonderful addition to your wellbeing regime. An essential oil facial steam can do more than just hydrate your skin and cleanse your pores; it can also soften your skin, act as an astringent, help heal skin lesions, and remove dirt or makeup from clogged pores. You’ll also enjoy the added benefit of aromatherapy from the essential oils.

Creating your own DIY steamer is simple, all you need is a pot of boiling water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Here’s a step by step guide for setting it up.

Step 1. Wash your face. 

Step 2. Add boiling water to a large bowl, position it somewhere where you’ll be able to sit comfortably and be able to lean over the bowl. 

Step 3. Create a tent over your head, shoulders, and bowl with a bath towel. Be careful not to get too close as the hot steam may burn.

Step 4. Add essential oils to the hot water and enjoy the vapour as they evaporate. Start with 2-4 drops and add more to taste.

Step 5. Enjoy the face steaming benefits for about 5-15 minutes.

There are many types of essential oil you can use for your facial steamer, here are some popular choices and their benefits:

Lavender – stress relief, pain relief and helps with sleep
Rosemary – improves brain function, helps inflammation and good for sensitive skin
Eucalyptus – clears congestion, relives pain and anti-viral
Tea Tree – treats acne, anti-fungal and antiseptic
Orange – unblocks pores, reduce anxiety and kills bacteria
Frankincense – aids sleep, improves asthma and lifts mood
Peppermint – anti-inflammatory, lifts mood and eases headaches

Bracelet / Necklace.

Pendants made of terracotta can be an effective alternative to diffusers. The clay absorbs the essential oil, which then slowly diffuses into the air. Whenever you wish to enjoy the scents and benefits of your essential oils you can bring your pendant to your face so you can freely smell it.

Pillow

An easy way to reap the benefits of using essential oils is to simply put a few drops on the underside of your pillowcase. Essential oils like Lavender offer fantastic benefits to help you sleep better. Some of the benefits include – lowering heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and anxiety. Essential oil drops on a pillow make a perfect way to get a good night’s sleep.

In The Bath

After a long day, fill your bathtub with warm water and add in a few drops of your favourite oil. Let the scent fill the air as you relax your muscles and clear your mind. The oil will also help to moisturise your skin.

Hand / Wrist & Bottle

All you really need is a bottle of your favourite oil and your good self to enjoy the benefits of some aromatherapy. Just open the bottle, bring it close to your face, and take a deep breath. If you are happy that the oil is safe to put on your skin, apply some to your wrist (like you would perfume). Alternatively you can put a few drops into your hands, bring them to your face and take a deep relaxing breath in. 

Cotton Wool Ball

Cotton wall balls soaked in your favourite essential oil make for the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy on the go. Tuck one into your pocket or under your pillow to enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

Tissue

Another simple alternative to using a cotton wall ball is to use a piece of tissue. Like your cotton wall ball it can be carried on your person, left close by if you’re at work or put next to or under your pillow at night.

On The Stove

If you desire the effects of a diffuser to scent a living space, one of the best ways to improvise one is using a stove. All you need is a heat source (the stove) and a bowl or basin of water. Warm some water in a pot or pan so it begins to steam, but not fully boil. Next add drops of essential oil until your living space is filled with aroma. The post can be moved into another area if need be, just be careful and make sure you place it on a heat proof surface!.

Tumble Dryer Balls

If you want to use essential oils to scent your clothing why not give woollen tumble dryer balls a try? Just add 4-6 drops on your tumble dryer ball and dry your clothes as normal. As the water vapour from your clothes begins to steam, the essential oils will be mixed around the tumble dryer imparting their scent onto your clothing.

If you’re ready to try some of the ideas in this article check out our fabulous range of pure organic essential oils. There are many flavours to choose from and they are perfect for aromatherapy.