What Is The Best Reed Diffuser Out There
Clearly, there are multiple options to pick from to find your best reed diffuser. However, it is more advisable to follow advice and recommendations from friends who are keen on these products. These people will give you all the trending gossip about reed products and help you make an informed choice.
Essential Oils And Allergies
Like any plant product, essential oils can cause allergies.
The main and most immediate health consequence of using essential oils is probably allergy symptoms. You would know if you had an allergic reaction to an essential oil, because it would result in typical symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and congestions. Topical use of essential oils could result in dermatologic allergy symptoms, including redness, hives, itchiness and swelling of the skin.
Dr. Sanjeev Jain, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Columbia Allergy, says that while allergy symptoms depend on the route of administration , it’s not uncommon for people to experience both at the same time.
If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction to an essential oil, stop using the product, Dr. Jain says, and consult your allergist or dermatologist for further evaluation.
“It’s very important to know which extract is triggering a reaction and which extracts are safe for you to continue to use,” he says. “You can be sensitized to multiple allergens at the same time, so it’s important to get appropriately evaluated before continuing with the use of these essential oils or extracts.”
Unfortunately, allergies to essential oils require strict avoidance, Dr. Jain says. If you’re contact-sensitive only, it might be possible to use an essential oil diffuser, if you don’t develop respiratory symptoms. Make sure to carefully handle the oils to avoid contact with your skin.
Is There A Healthy Air Freshener
Aura Cacia Natural Air Freshener
Aura Cacia is another company that is truly committed to product safety as well as sustainability. Their spritzer air freshener is made from essential oils and water and also uses no propellants. You can buy the spray on Amazon for around $7 or get the plug-in room diffuser for $13.
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Reed Diffuser Safety Instructions
Do not light the diffuser reeds
Diffuser reeds passively diffuse the scent into the room, so no flame is needed. Also, this poses a fire risk.
Keep reed diffuser out of the reach of children and pets
Do not place reed diffusers where children and pets can reach or knock them over.
Do not ingest diffuser liquid
The liquid may be harmful if swallowed or if it enters the airways. This product can be dangerous or fatal if swallowed or inhaled.
Use gloves when handling used diffuser oil sticks
Diffuser liquid may cause an allergic skin reaction. This product can be harmful or fatal if absorbed through the skin.
Diffuser liquid may damage some surfaces
Ensure you wipe any residual oil from the bottom of the bottle before placing it on a protected, level surface.
Diffusing Essential Oils For Too Long
When we diffuse essential oils in any room for a long time, our nose receives a constant stream of the same molecules. This leads to olfactory fatigue in the odor receptors. The odor receptors stop sending messages to the brain about this odor and focus on new smells. Though olfactory fatigue is good as it prevents the nervous system from being overloaded, it also means that diffusing continuously does not increase the benefits that you will be receiving from the essential oils.
To avoid olfactory fatigue, use your diffuser for a short period. You should ideally diffuse for 15 minutes at a time. Essential oil overdose symptoms also include headaches and allergic reactions.
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Can Air Freshener Cause Allergic Reaction
Fragrance sensitivities can cause symptoms that do not activate an immune response, like watery eyes, ticklish feelings in the nose, congestion, wheezing, and more. The body is irritated but doesnt feel threatened. Symptoms typically only last a few moments to a few hours.
Allergic reactions, on the other hand, are an immune system response. In this case a persons body identifies an ingredient as a foreign substance that it needs to defend itself against. As a result, a person might experience swelling, inflammation, itchiness, and so forth, as if it is fighting off an infection.
In most cases, people experience fragrance sensitivities more than allergic reactions in response to air fresheners. For there to be an allergic reaction to a fragrance, the body responds to a specific protein ingredient by triggering allergy symptoms that can last for days or even weeks after exposure.
Since allergic reactions are more severe than sensitivities, its even more important to eliminate contact with the substance that is triggering the reaction. Refrain from using air fresheners that cause your body to suffer an immune response.
Causes Of Essential Oils Allergy In Cats
There are two reasons cats are allergic to essential oils. First, they have more delicate skin that is thinner than most mammals. This allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream. Second, cats are unable to metabolize the compounds found in essential oils. This will lead to a toxic buildup within their bodies. This toxic buildup can lead to liver damage.
It is best to avoid using essential oils in your home and you should never put any product containing essential oils directly on your cat. Be sure to read labels carefully and avoid products such as shampoos and cleaning products that have these oils in them.
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Is Your Scent Making You Ill Today’s Obsession With Perfuming Everything From Candles To Bin Liners Could Be To Blame
17:34 EST, 17 September 2012 | Updated:
Nearly a third of people may suffer adverse health effects from being exposed to scents
The smell of fresh air is becoming something of a distant memory, thanks to our increasing use of fragrance. From air fresheners to scented candles, perfumed loo roll and bin liners, in-car scents and even scented socks, we live in a miasma of scent.
Yet recent reports suggest that perfumed products could affect our health, causing problems including allergies, asthma and migraine, and even interfere with sexual desire.
One leading expert suggests nearly a third of people suffer adverse health effects from being exposed to scents. A major problem is so-called contact allergy where perfumes and scented products trigger eczema and dermatitis when they come into contact with skin.
Molecules in the product trigger an immune response, causing itchiness and even scaly, cracked skin.
About one in 20 is thought to be affected by fragrance allergy though this number may be growing.
Allergies are on the increase, and the amount of perfumed products is also on the rise, says Dr Susannah Baron, consultant dermatologist at Kent & Canterbury hospital, and BMI Chaucer Hospital.
Fragrance allergy can show up as contact dermatitis in the site a perfumed product is applied, or as a flare-up of existing eczema. It can be a real problem.
Earlier this year, the U.S. state of New Hampshire banned workers from wearing scents to protect their co-workers.
Does The Size Space You’re Diffusing In Matter
It’s important to consider the square footage and ceiling height of the space you are scenting, as it can influence the potency of your diffusing experience, Panton says.
While there is no need to open a window while using a diffuser, she does recommend doing so as a way of recirculating the air in your home if a scent is too overbearing.
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Contact Urticaria And Anaphylaxis
Contact urticaria is the same type of allergic reaction that some people get from a bee sting, and it causes a characteristic wheal and flare response . Contact urticaria can either be immunological , or non-immunological . ICU can involve the respiratory system or the gastro-intestinal tract, and it can cause anaphylactic shock, which in turn may be fatal .
Example of contact urticaria
The following are all possible signs of anaphylaxis:
Difficulty breathing
Blood pressure drops alarmingly
Hives, redness, itching, which may be widespread
One case of probable anaphylaxis to cinnamaldehyde has been reported , and there are two known cases, and two probable cases of anaphylaxis to essential oils in our Adverse Reactions Database. None of these were fatal, and these types of reaction are extremely rare with essential oils. You can view the details here, here, here and here.
Do Reed Diffusers Have Side Effects
On a general outlook, reed diffusers are safe, there are very few concerns of safety from the use of reed diffusers, and these are mostly mild allergies. For a very long time, scent oils contained in reed bottles have been used on bodies as deodorants. So, reed diffusers pose no harm to you or your environment. They dont contain carbon toxins nor have any toxic chemicals.
For more information on the safety of reed diffusers have a look at this guide that I wrote.
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Reasons To Choose Wax Melts Over Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers are liquid air fresheners that come in short, narrow-necked bottles with long rattan sticks, which are inserted into the liquids. The rattan sticks have small channels that allow the essential and fragrance oils to travel up the stick and scent the room. Each of these rattan sticks contains about 20 different channels that run the entire length of the reed. The reeds pull the liquid from the bottom to the top in an example of capillary action. Much like straws, these rattan sticks will suck the oil to the top of the reeds, where the scent is then dispersed. Wax melts, on the other hand, are made by mixing fragrance or essential oils with wax and binding them together naturally. The fragrance is released only when the wax melts are paired with a wax melt warmer. The wax warmer usually utilizes a small light bulb or dimly lit candle, which then warms the wax and releases the fragrance oil. Once the wax melts have cooled, you are able to change scents by removing the wax melts from the warmer and replacing the wax with a fresh batch. The wax melts generally come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents, and they may also vary based on type of wax or fragrance oil. Some wax melts are even infused with essential oils, yielding a complete aromatherapy experience!
With Reed Diffusers You Can Adjust The Intensity Of The Fragrance
Another unique feature about reed diffusers is that you can adjust the intensity of the scent or fragrance.
This will happen simply by adding or reducing the number of reeds.
So depending on your mood, you can keep fragrances light or stronger.
There is less adjustability with candles, however of course it will make sense that larger candles and a larger number will give much more fragrance than fewer candles or smaller ones.
The reed diffuser will, however, more likely release a continuous fragrance more steadily during the day, providing you remember to flip the reeds often.
So for the ability to adjust the fragrance levels. Both candles and reed diffusers work equally as well.
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Are Reed Diffusers Toxic
The reeds used for diffusers are not toxic, but both natural and synthetic fragrances do have toxicity concerns.
Some of the chemical ingredients found in synthetic fragrances include benzophenone and styrene, which are carcinogens and phthalates which can disrupt the endocrine system.
Although natural fragrances dont typically contain carcinogens, they do still contain VOCs which can cause nose and throat irritation as well as headaches and fatigue among other symptoms.
Plus, both natural and synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions due to the chemicals that they contain, especially with prolonged exposure to the fragrances through the air.
Reed Diffusers Are More High Maintenance
The rattan reeds that are included in reed diffusers have to be flipped periodically. This is so the wet ends of the rattan reeds that have been soaked with fragrance oil can become exposed to the air and help the fragrance release its scent. Unfortunately, this can mean that there may be times where the scent dissipates from your reed diffuser and you are not even aware of it. One Instagrammer even noted that she was so disappointed with a reed diffuser because she set up her reed diffuser in her bathroom for when she had guests over, and she was horrified to see that diffuser had stopped working without her even noticinghow embarrassing! On top of that common issue, some reed diffuser experts even note that you may have to put a reed diffuser near a window in order to help spread the fragrance farther. On the other hand, wax melts do not need as much assistance as reed diffusers in order to spread the scent! Wax melts, cubes, or tarts merely need to be placed in the warmer and they will instantly start releasing scent. This is because the fragrance oil is mixed into the wax and is released when warmed. The fragrance oil from the wax melts will be delivered consistently and continuously with no extra flip or maintenance! For this reason, we recommend choosing wax melts over reed diffusers if you are looking for a more low-maintenance, flame-free candle alternative.
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Is There Evidence That Essential Oils Help Asthma
While individuals and companies claim essential oils may help a variety of conditions, there is no evidence that essential oils can help asthma. In reality, breathing in the particles released by the oils, or any strong fragrance , may trigger bronchoconstriction .
Essential oils are highly concentrated and emit strong odors due to volatile organic compounds , including terpenes, toluene, and benzene, when diffused in the air. Terpenes are associated with increased shortness of breath, especially in the evenings bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and peak expiratory flow variability in patients with or without asthma. There have been anecdotal claims of respiratory issues for people with or without asthma due to airborne irritants from a variety of diffused essential oils.
VOCs within the diffused oils can affect indoor air quality causing a similar pollutant effect as air fresheners, scented candles, and incense. Poor indoor air quality can worsen existing respiratory symptoms from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. In addition, some essential oils are harmful to inhale or can irritate the skin. Use on young children may cause severe irritation or could be poisonous if ingested.
Final Thoughts On The Dangers Of Essential Oil Diffusers
Diffusing is one of the safest ways of using essential oils. However, we must always follow the safety guidelines when using essential oil diffusers to ensure the best experience for everyone in your home, including children and pets.
Always use intermittent exposure while diffusing essential oils. When in doubt, consult a health care provider who knows essential oils.
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Debunking Dangerous Myths About Essential Oils
Ive recently encountered a number of blog posts, often written by individual distributors working for larger essential oil companies, which spread two myths about essential oils I find particularly dangerous.
The first myth is that pure and unadulterated essential oils dont expire and can last for centuries.
The second myth is that unadulterated essential oils do not cause allergic reactions.
Both of these beliefs can have damaging consequences and can be debunked with a deeper understanding of the properties of essential oils and their constituents.
Lets take a closer look.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Choosing Reed Diffusers
These products are a safe and energy-efficient method of adding a pleasant fragrance to almost any location. No batteries or electricity are required to power them. Unlike candles, incense, or even plug-in options, there are significantly lower risks of overheating or potential fires, as no heat source is needed to activate the scent. Reed diffusers are a great option for college dorms and the workplace, as they are safe and effective without creating a fire hazard when stored in a safe location. They do not require monitoring or extinguishing and can be used at all times, even when no one is home.
Because there is no need to light a match or monitor a flame, reed diffusers can easily be stored on high shelves, out of the reach of curious children or furry friends. As a result, there is less of a chance of a beloved pet or family member breaking the item, spilling its contents, or ingesting the oils when kept in a safe location. This makes it a safe option for families and pet owners.
Reed diffusers can be very effective in scenting your home. However, they are often less powerful than other methods. For those with sensitivities to strong smells, a reed diffuser can provide a gentler option.
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How Does An Aromatherapy Scented Candle Work
- The aroma and other properties of essential oils are released in a candle mainly by the heat.
- When you light the wick of an aromatherapy scented candle, the heat from the flame melts the wax.
- More of the essential oils will be diffused as the wax continues to melt.
- In this respect, larger candles will create a greater pool of wax and will diffuse more fragrance, creating a more intense sensory experience than smaller candles.
Are Reed Diffusers As Good As Scented Candles
Absolutely! Reed diffusers can even be said to be better than scented candles. They dont need to be lighted up, thus canceling out the risk of a fire outbreak. More still, on a large scale, reed diffusers are better, as they spread long-lasting smells. Whereas, the same cant be said for scented candles.
Lastly, theres a reduced risk of spreading carbon toxins when using reed diffusers compared to the flames of scented candles.
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