When the weather turns colder, it’s time to take out and plug in your humidifier. Humidifiers are important when the humidity levels are low since they add moisture to indoor air during winter and fall. According to research, humidity levels need to be around indoor air 30-50 percent indoor air to itchy eyes, throat and nose irritation, and dry skin. Did you know that you can add essential oils to essential oil-specific humidifiers too? The best humidifier essential oils for cool and warm mist ones can be incredibly helpful in alleviating symptoms when you’re sick. What’s more, they even help keep flu and cold at bay.
Unlike regular ones, essential oil humidifiers split both the essential oils and water oils into lots of minuscule particles, spraying them across a room and creating a comfortable and pleasant microclimate. Since essential oils are plant products, the distillation process basically leaves the oil with the essence of the original plant. So, you’ll find aromas such as eucalyptus and lavender, as well as their properties. Other well-known essential oils often used include tea tree, rosemary, etc. To that end, here are the 13 best humidifier essential oils to be used in both a cool and warm mist humidifier.
How To Choose The Best Humidifier Essential Oils?
Doctor’s recommendations
Did you know that essential oil can be put in both a cool and warm mist humidifier? A cool-mist humidifier is better for homes with children and pets, while warm ones are quieter and great for making the atmosphere slightly warmer in the winter. However, the potential risks and potency of essential oils mean that you need to use them with care and not take them internally. Additionally, women who’re breastfeeding or pregnant, children younger than 12, and older adults shouldn’t be using essential oils without a doctor’s recommendation. What’s more, you need to consider if you have pets in the environment, as certain essential oils could be dangerous for pets.
So, if you have any health concerns or are on medications for epilepsy, low immunity, or high blood pressure, then talk to a doctor before using essential oils. Meanwhile, you might also want to speak to a certified aromatherapist for more individualistic treatment plans. Finally, always mix essential oils with a therapeutic-grade carrier oil. This is done so that the mist you breathe isn’t concentrated. Additionally, if you have nut allergies, avoid all oils derived from tree nuts.
Amount of oil for use
Another important factor is knowing how much is the right amount of oil to be put in the humidifier. After all, you can’t be emptying the entire bottle into it! Basically, the amount of oil used in the humidifier will depend on either of the two factors. One is the holding area for the oil that’s usually located near the top. Or, it depends on the size of the water tank.
Skin sensitivities
It’s no surprise that essential oils could potentially aggravate the skin. Hence, you need to avoid using them near sensitive areas such as the mouth, ears, and eyes. Moreover, don’t apply them to skin that’s irritated, inflamed, or broken. Look out for potential skin allergies by performing a patch test prior to using any essential or carrier oil. Firstly, place a small amount of the diluted oil below your ear or on your inner wrist. Wait for 24 hours to see if there’s any irritation that takes place. Additionally, avoid using on any skin areas that could possibly be exposed to the sun within the next 12 hours.
Can I use essential oils with regular humidifiers?
No, you absolutely cannot use essential oils with regular humidifiers. Not only do they shorten the life cycle of the device, but also they make your traditional device very dirty. Instead, you need to invest in aroma humidifiers, which contain special containers for essential oils. Thus, they evaporate sans coming into direct contact with other parts of the appliance. Or, you could opt for an ultrasonic humidifier, which is specifically designed to be essential oil-friendly. The recommended amount of use is around 5 drops of essential oil per every 15 sq. meters of the room.
Edens Garden Patchouli Essential Oil
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The Edens Garden Patchouli Essential Oil is one of the best humidifier essential oils for those who love wooded scents. The oil exudes an almost nostalgic aroma, with the scent of patchouli reminding you of the Woodstock era. However, most enjoy the woodsy and piquant notes of this oil, while yet there are others who absolutely love its antibacterial properties. The pleasantly delightful musky-sweet scent will fill the room with a lovely petrichor-like aroma, while the steam-distilled properties clear the air of any irritant particles. Sourced from India and Sri Lanka, this essential oil is certified by both Ecocert and USDA. Did you know that patchouli is an aphrodisiac too?
Pros:
- Hand-poured and expertly formulated.
- Woodsy and spicy aroma.
- Anti-bacterial properties.
Cons:
- Some users said that the aroma doesn’t last.
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Eden Botanicals Rose Geranium Essential Oil (CU)
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Excellent essential oil for cool mist humidifier is the Eden Botanicals Rose Geranium Essential Oil. This rose geranium essential oil is derived from a geranium plant that has leaves that possess a subtle hint of a rose scent. Some people have found it extremely useful to keep stinging and flying insects at bay. Yet, there are others who’ve found it useful for facial treatment for dry skin when mixed with a carrier oil. This essential oil might not be organic, but it gets kudos for its steam distillation and purity properties. Grown and cultivated from the leaves of South African plants, this essential oil can also promote serenity and tranquillity, remedy skin problems, and encourage emotional balance. Did we mention that you can add it to your bathwater too? Yes!
Pros:
- Classic and complex floral aroma.
- Remedies skin problems and keeps flying insects at bay.
- Also excellent for creating a calm ambiance.
- Value for money.
Cons:
- Doesn’t keep ticks away from pets.
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Edens Garden Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil (CU)
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Yet another of the best humidifier essential oils is the Edens Garden Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil. There’s something refreshing and calming about the distinctive scent of this eucalyptus essential oil, which greatly helps in eliminating mildew odors. So, if you’re headed on one of the Best US Winter Vacations to a mountain cabin, then it’s perfect for eliminating any mildew odor build-up that could accumulate in a closed space. What’s more, eucalyptus is extremely helpful for relieving nasal congestion and calming down coughs, thus bringing warmth to your chest. The best bit is that this oil can be used in both humidifiers as well as other aromatherapy devices such as diffusers.
Pros:
- Perfect cold remedy.
- Aids in healthy respiration.
- Therapeutic.
Cons:
- Some users might not like the Vicks vaporub-like smell.
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Gya Labs Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil
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Yet another great essential oil for warm mist humidifier is the Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil from Gya Labs. When put in your humidifier, the oil gives off a spiced and warm aroma, gently guiding your mind, body, and soul to serenity. The woody balsamic notes wash away worries and tension, relaxing your body and bringing you calming peace. Moreover, it nourishes and hydrates the skin as well. If that wasn’t enough, the blend of myrrh and frankincense works beautifully for massage therapy too, making it a great oil to be put in a warm mist humidifier. Finally, it’s also a great essential oil to ensure yourself a tranquil and deep sleep.
Pros:
- Perfect for relaxation and massage therapy.
- Relieves tension and stress.
- Great for sleep.
Cons:
- Some users said that the smell is quite lingering.
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Eden Botanicals Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
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There are more reasons than one why the Eden Botanicals Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is amongst the best humidifier essential oils. To begin with, ylang-ylang has a floral scent that’s very light and is perfect for aromatherapy for lessening stress and tension. Moreover, there are users who vouch for ylang ylang’s benefits when it comes to insomnia. This oil is steam-distilled and derived from certified organic flowers. Just like other Eden Botanicals oils, it has a certificate of analysis from both USDA and Ecocert. If that wasn’t enough, ylang ylang is a great aphrodisiac and provides an uptick to your mood, thus proving to be an emotional booster as well.
Pros:
- Value for money.
- Great for sleep and an emotional boost.
- Aphrodisiac.
Cons:
- Cannot be used directly on the skin.
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Eden Botanicals Jasmine Sambac Absolute Essential Oil
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If you’re looking for essential oil for cool mist humidifier, then consider the Eden Botanicals Jasmine Sambac Absolute Essential Oil. Jasmine oil is nothing less than the stuff of legends and is one of the best aphrodisiacs in the world. The lusciously sweet aroma can be smelt in everything from fragrances to popular desserts. Even this solvent-extracted oil exudes an equally sweet scent. Since jasmine is strong, this oil is already diluted to 10 percent and mixed with a base fractioned coconut oil. That’s what makes it easy to use and ensures an affordable price point since jasmine is expensive. While it’s not recommended for aromatherapy, it’s a natural aphrodisiac and has wonderful nourishing skin benefits.
Pros:
- Nourishes the skin.
- Aphrodisiac.
- Already diluted, and thus not strong.
Cons:
- Not recommended for aromatherpay.
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Eden Botanicals German Blue Chamomile Oil
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When it comes to the best humidifier essential oils, there’s no beating the Eden Botanicals German Blue Chamomile Oil. The essential oil gives off a very comforting scent of chamomile, which will easily coax your mind and body into relaxation and eventually slumber. What’s more, the chamomile essential oil has a plethora of benefits for health and goes a long way in especially reducing anxiety. Basically, there are two kinds of chamomile, Roman and German. This German chamomile has a higher concentration of chamazulene, which is an active ingredient that lends chamomile its health advantages. Certified by USDA, this oil is sweet and herbal, and is like stepping out from the cold into a place where warmth washes all over you.
Pros:
- Perfect for inducing warmth and sleep.
- Has a ton of health benefits for skincare and allergies.
- Sweet and herbal scent.
Cons:
- Expensive.
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Healing Solutions Cardamom Essential Oil
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The Healing Solutions Cardamom Essential Oil is yet another ideal essential oil for warm mist humidifier. Each drop of this cardamom essential oil is steam-extracted right from the source and doesn’t have any harmful chemicals or additives. Not only is cardamom oil excellent for aromatherapy, but also it has anti-inflammatory effects that help provide protection from chronic diseases. What’s more, it even has anti-bacterial effects and is a great mood-uplifter for alleviating stress. If that wasn’t enough, this oil even comes with an in-built eyedropper for easy application and pouring without any spillage. Just remember that no matter what you’re using this for, always dilute it with a carrier oil. Finally, it comes in three sizes of 10, 30, and 60 ml for convenience of use.
Pros:
- Comes in three sizes.
- Great for aromatherapy and anti-inflammatory experience.
- Features an in-built eye-dropper.
Cons:
- Some users found the aroma a tad too strong.
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Eden Botanicals Bergamot Essential Oil
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Amongst the best humidifier essential oils are the Eden Botanicals Bergamot Essential Oil. Derived from the rinds of a fruit that’s a cross between a lemon and orange, the distinctive and entrancing aroma of the oil enhances colognes, massage oils, and body lotions too. Bergamot has a ton of benefits, starting with the fact that it helps reduce stress. What’s more, it also has compounds that go a long way in alleviating inflammation and pain. Besides the above, Bergamot has sleep-inducing properties that help overcome jet lag and fight lack of sleep and airport anxiety. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also a natural disinfectant and makes for a good hand sanitizer. Since it’s a citrus oil, avoid going out in the sunshine for a few hours.
Pros:
- Relives stress.
- Has sleep-0inducing properties for relaxation.
- Makes for a good hand sanitizer.
Cons:
- Could cause the skin to become photosensitive.
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Eden Botanicals Organic Lavender Essential Oil (CU)
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The Eden Botanicals Organic Lavender Essential Oil is not only a great essential oil for cool mist humidifier but also amongst the Best Essential Oils for Travel. The lavender essential oil has a relaxing and soothing scent and is often used in aromatherapy for relieving stress. What’s more, its sleep-inducing properties are a blessing for fighting airport or airplane anxiety. If that wasn’t enough, lavender oil also mitigates the effects of eczema, inflammation, sunburn, and acne, as well as helps with nosebleeds and motion sickness. Above all, it is an extremely soothing massage oil when mixed with a carrier oil. This steam-distilled essential oil is derived from an organically grown and certified lavender from France.
Pros:
- Has sleep-inducing properties.
- Great for fighting skin conditions, motion sickness, and nosebleeds.
- Comes in a two-pack version too.
Cons:
- Some users said that they smelled a musty smell.
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Eden Botanicals Tea Tree Oil (CU)
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Now, who doesn’t love tea tree oil, and that too the Tea Tree Oil from Eden Botanicals? One of the best humidifier essential oils, tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. So, it’s great for a humidifier for someone who wants to control dandruff, eliminate head lice, and indulge in wound care. In fact, tea tree oil in diluted form in the humidifier can even be used on the skin for minor fungal infections, and improve hair quality as well. The fresh aroma also creates a warm ambiance and soothes your dry skin, especially during dry winters. Did you know that tea tree oil helps repel certain insects and centipedes too? So, if you have indoor plants and are having an insect problem, then this could be your solution.
Pros:
- Fights skin conditions and soothes dry skin.
- Great antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Fresh aroma.
Cons:
- Some said that the stopper of the bottle is too tight.
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Plant Therapy Juniper Berry Essential Oil (404)
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Take a load off and find your inner zen with the Plant Therapy Juniper Berry Essential Oil, an excellent essential oil for warm mist humidifier in your home. Juniper Berry is said to be fabulous for improve your well-being by boosting your mood. Its calming properties even alleviate nervous tension and help ease anxiety. In fact, you can even use it during meditation or at night for a natural good night’s sleep. Exuding a woody conifer scent, this one gives the ambiance of the outdoors while you comfortably sit indoors. When properly diluted, it can even ease skin flare-ups, acne, and cellulite even. Finally, it has even proven to ease joint and muscle pain!
Pros:
- Has a nice wooded scent.
- Can ease skin flare-ups and joint pain.
- Alleviates anxiety and nervous tension.
Cons:
- Some users felt that the smell was too strong.
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Eden Botanicals Peppermint Essential Oil
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Topping the list of best humidifier essential oils is the Eden Botanicals Peppermint Essential Oil. Besides having a delightful scent that reminds many of the winter holidays, peppermint oil has a host of health benefits, right from improving irritable bowel syndrome to bettering athletic performance. What’s more, the oil is said to energize the body and mind thanks to its cooling menthol scent. Thus, it leads to greater clarity and alertness, helping clear the fogginess that usually comes with jet lag. Besides this, the clarifying effect also helps in controlling digestion, and the oil even helps alleviate bad moods and is a stress buster. We recommend using this with a carrier oil since it comes in a concentrated version.
Pros:
- Comes in many sized packs.
- Clears fogginess and alerts the mind.
- Stress buster and mood uplifter.
Cons:
- None, really.
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