We think of aromatherapy as various types of essential oils that help to naturally improve our well-being. With some of the most popular options including diffusers and scented candles, we often forget how they can impact indoor air quality as well. They could ultimately have a reverse effect on your health if you’re not careful, especially if you have asthma.

Whether you’re using them in the living room, bathroom or bedroom, their aromas boost relaxation, especially when you’re using lavender or chamomile scents. But not all aromatherapies are good for your home’s air quality. Keep reading to learn more about which types have the least impact on the air you breathe.

Scented Candles

Candles are a classic go-to for aromatherapy because they provide both gentle lighting and soothing scents. Still, because they have a flame, this means there’s combustion, which can introduce soot and carbon monoxide into the air you breathe. Plus, a lot of candles emit microscopic chemical particles as they burn, further harming indoor air quality.

You may even notice blackened marks on or near the walls and ceilings where you have the candles sitting. If you prefer to use scented candles rather than flameless options, make sure to buy ones made from natural soy or beeswax. These types are known for their cleaner-burning properties. You’ll also want to keep the wicks on the candles trimmed short to reduce soot production.

Essential Oil Diffusers

When you use essential oils for relaxation, you don’t have to worry about combustion from a flame. You simply plug the diffuser into an outlet and pour clean water into the reservoir. Next, you add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

If you’re careful with the scents you use, the diffuser shouldn’t have any negative effect on your indoor air quality. This means steering clear of citrus-based oils since they often have a higher amount of naturally occurring VOCs. Most experts say it’s best to use diffusers for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time. If you run them any longer, this increases the odds of overexposure to airborne compounds and respiratory irritation.

Incense

Aromatherapy incense such as resins and wood can provide a moody yet relaxing vibe. While they work fast and can fill a whole room, they burn even more intensely than candles. You’ll want to be especially mindful of the thick smoke that incense produces, especially if you find your eyes watering or notice throat irritation as the heavy smoke particles linger in the air.

Burning a small piece at a time usually provides the best results for avoiding indoor air quality issues. You’ll also want to make sure there’s plenty of fresh outdoor air circulating throughout the room to help disperse the smoke. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to burning only one stick at a time, and no more than three in a day.

There’s No Need to Stop Aromatherapy

If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to use aromatherapy without harming your home’s indoor air quality, the answer is yes. You just have to be strategic with the different techniques you use. Upgrading the house with a whole-home air purifier is a smart move for enjoying cleaner air in every room, regardless of the methods you use for relaxation. If you live in Bensalem, PA or a surrounding area and need air quality services, make your first call to Hughes HVAC.