Are Reed Diffusers Safe To Use?
Reed diffusers are fancy room fresheners and are also used for aromatherapy for the multiple health benefits that essential oils have on the mind and body. Reed diffusers look aesthetically pleasing when placed in your home and have many health benefits as well. They are generally safe and can be used by everyone unless they have any known allergies to a specific essential oil.
How Do Reed Diffusers Work?
Reed diffusers are essentially sticks dipped into a container of essential fragrant oil on one end while the other is exposed to the air. As the sticks soak up the oil, it releases tiny droplets of the fragrant oil into the surrounding air making the room smell aromatic and pleasant. There is a wide range of scented essential oils available in the market, and you can choose the one you like best.
The intensity of the fragrance can be controlled. If you want the scent to be stronger,, you can add more reed sticks into the diffuser. The more reed sticks there are, the more intense the scent will be. But, more reed sticks mean that the oil will run out faster.
There is no need to light a flame or supervise after putting in the reed sticks. The reed sticks work on their own without the need for any intervention. However, you are required to flip the reed sticks every 3-4 days to prevent clogging of the reed sticks and accumulation of dust on them, as this can reduce the intensity of the fragrance.
Where Should Reed Diffusers Be Placed?
It is up to you to place reed diffusers wherever you wish but to make the most of your reed diffuser it is best to place it in a location that people pass by often. For instance, your entrance, or the dining table or the hall or corridor so that passers-by can get a whiff of the delicious scent as they cross it.
They should not be placed directly under a fan, near a window, or under the air conditioning as this can disperse the oil faster than it should, and the wind may prevent diffusing the room properly with the fragrance.
Are Reed Diffusers Safe To Use?
Since there is no requirement in a reed diffuser to be lit and there is no open flame, reed diffusers are considered much safer to use than candles. They do not pose a fire risk, and they do not produce soot. Many hotels and restaurants use reed diffusers in place of scented candles for the same reason.
Who Should Avoid Using Reed Diffusers?
Reed diffusers are generally considered safe due to the fact there is no involvement of an open flame or production of soot and other smoke particles. But, reed diffusers should be kept out of reach of small children and babies. This is because they may accidentally put a reed stick in their mouth or drink the essential oil from the container. This can be dangerous and poisonous for small children as essential oils can harm their health.
Since babies have very sensitive skin and their lipid barrier hasn’t fully developed, it is not recommended to put essential oil on their skin. Therefore it is best not to expose babies to reed diffusers.
Pregnant women are advised against applying or ingesting essential oils, but they can gain many calming benefits from inhaling them via a diffuser. Essential oils such as ginger and cardamom are great for helping with nausea and morning sickness. Lavender and rosewood work wonders in helping with insomnia and improving the quality of sleep, while sandalwood, geranium, and lemon fragrances help with uplifting mood and make you feel energized and positive.
People with asthma and other respiratory difficulties should consult a specialist before reed diffusers, as certain scents may trigger an allergic reaction.
Are Reed Diffusers Safer Than Scented Candles?
Here are some ways that reed diffusers are healthier and safer for you than scented candles:
The Level Of Scent Can Be Controlled
If you feel that the scent is too much for you, then you can always reduce its intensity by reducing the number of reed sticks in the oil. The fewer the number of reed sticks, the milder the fragrance in the air. Unfortunately, with a scented candle, it is not possible to control the intensity of the scent.
There Is No Open Flame
Reed diffusers use reed sticks dipped in essential oil on one end and release the fragrance molecules into the air from the other end. There is no need for a flame; therefore, there is no fire risk.
There Is No Production Of Soot
Since there is no flame, there is no smoke, and hence there is no soot production. Often burning candles start to smoke while burning and produce soot, which is not very healthy for inhaling.
The Essential Oil Does Not Burn
As the oil burns in a scented candle, some of its benefits are reduced due to being broken down. This does not happen in reed diffusers; the essential oil molecules remain intact, and you can benefit from them.
Are Reed Diffusers Safe To Have Around Pets?
If you have pets in your home, then it is best to keep reed diffusers as far away from them as possible. Place them high up on a shelf to prevent your pet from reaching them because pets tend to sniff, lick and chew on everything out of curiosity.
Ingesting essential oils or the reed stick by accident can be harmful to your pet, and in case of an accident, you must rush your pet to the vet. Reed diffusers should be kept out of reach of pets
The Final Word
Reed diffusers and scented candles are quite popularly used for their aesthetics and ability to make any space smell fabulous. There is a wide range of fragrances to choose from; they are pretty easily available and simple to use. Reed diffusers are considered safe and can be used by anyone unless they are pregnant or have any known allergies to essential oils.
