Like CBD oil, aromatherapy is another wellness trend we just can’t ignore. Inexpensive diffusers make it easier than ever before to enjoy the uplifting scents of essential oils.
This has led to many people wondering: Can you put CBD oil in a diffuser?
While it is certainly possible to add CBD oil to your scent diffuser, we have to question whether this is the most effective use of CBD oil.
And given the higher price of CBD oil compared to essential oils, it could be that diffusing CBD oil is nothing more than a waste of money.
So, before diffusing your CBD oil, read through this guide to find out
- Can you diffuse CBD oil?
- Are there any benefits to diffusing CBD oil?
- Why diffusing CBD oil can be dangerous!
In this guide:
What is CBD oil?
CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not contain psychoactive properties and does not get the user high.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, to maintain homeostasis and deliver possible benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving sleep.
Read more: Benefits of CBD
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses essential oils and natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.
Some people use aromatherapy to improve sleep and mood or enhance physical health.
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years and was popular in ancient cultures across the world, including China, India and Egypt.
Aromatic compounds have long been added to resins, balms and oils for religious and medical purposes.
It is thought that each scent and compound offers different health and wellness benefits. There are now over 90 types of essential oils to choose from.
Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin with a carrier oil, diffused, atomised, inhaled, or added to skincare.
What is the difference between CBD oil and essential oils?
CBD oil is available in different strengths or concentrations, whereas essential oils do not offer varying levels of potency. Essential oils are instead available in a grading system:
- Grade A essential is a therapeutic essential oil and is produced to the highest standards. This essential oil can be diffused or added to a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin.
- Grade B essential oil is also known as food grade. It might contain synthetic contaminants and should not be applied to the skin.
- Grade C essential oil is used purely for the scent. It is often added to cosmetics such as shampoo to provide a pleasant smell.
There are also differences in the way essential oils are extracted.
CBD oil is extracted from the cannabis plant using a process known as supercritical CO2 extraction. During this process, the cannabinoid compounds are extracted from the plant material using CO2 as a solvent.
Read more: How is CBD extracted?
In contrast, essential oils are extracted from plant matter through steam distillation.
The different extraction methods mean CBD is much more expensive than essential oil.
And finally, the beneficial compounds within essential oils and CBD oil differ.
The beneficial compounds in essential oils are called terpenes. While these are present in CBD oil, they aren’t the star of the show.
Essential oils do not contain any cannabinoids.
CBD Oils vs Essential Oils
Available in different strengths
Extracted using supercritical C02 extraction
More expensive
Contains terpenes & cannabinoids
Available in a grading system
Extracted through a steam distillation process
Less expensive
Contains only terpenes
Can you put CBD oil in a diffuser?
CBD is a cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system. To enjoy the full benefits of CBD, you need to introduce it to your bloodstream or apply it directly to the skin.
So, can you put CBD oil in a diffuser?
Technically, the answer is yes – but diffusing CBD doesn’t offer any benefits.
Adding CBD oil to your scent diffuser is unlikely to yield positive benefits. And since CBD oil does not have a strong scent, you also won’t get to enjoy any aromatic benefits when diffusing CBD oil.
At most, adding CBD oil to a scent diffuser is an expensive waste of oil. But if using a poor-quality CBD oil, could also present a health hazard and a fire hazard.
Is it safe to use CBD oil in a diffuser?
While it might not offer any benefits, it is unlikely to be hazardous to health.
But it’s worth mentioning that this is only if your CBD oil is free from contamination.
Like any essential oil, diffusing CBD oil can be bad for your health if it is contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or other volatile compounds.
This is why it is advised only to use grade A essential oils in your oil diffuser.
In one study, over 200 different compounds were identified in essential oils and plant extracts. This study highlighted the importance of identifying the contaminants, as it’s difficult to know if an essential oil is safe if you don’t know what you are looking for.
Low-quality CBD oil may be contaminated with pesticides or synthetic cannabinoids, which may be added to increase the yield.
It could also have unintentional toxins from unhygienic practices throughout the manufacturing stages.
With solvent extraction, your CBD oil could also be contaminated with leftover solvent, including alcohol. This could be flammable, which could present a hazard when adding it to your diffuser.
We recommend skipping the diffuser and focusing on essential oils that will complement your goals when taking CBD oil, CBD capsules, or topical CBD.
Scent combinations to try instead of diffusing CBD oil
Looking to enhance your CBD routine with a spot of aromatherapy? These scent combinations might help.
Essential oils for relaxation
Perhaps the most popular essential oil to help you unwind and relax is lavender.
Clary sage, chamomile and ylang-ylang are also popular choices to help ease anxiety and create a calming atmosphere.
Essential oils to energise
When you want to get up and go in the morning, choose bright citrus scents like orange, lemon or grapefruit.
Pair this with a woody scent like rosemary or a refreshing scent like peppermint.
Essential oils for cold and flu
If you want to ease congestion and fight off the common cold or flu, try adding eucalyptus, clove or tea tree oil to your diffuser.
These bold and fresh scents will help to fight congestion and can even help to fight fever while cleansing the air.
Essential oils that smell like CBD
If you are thinking about diffusing CBD oil because you enjoy the scent, try these terpene-rich alternatives.
Pine, lavender, cedarwood, Frankincense and patchouli are all earthy and woody fragrances that mimic CBD oil.
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The verdict on diffusing CBD oil
Diffusing smells and essential oils around your home can be a great way to integrate wellness practices into your domestic environment.
Sadly, it isn’t beneficial to diffuse CBD for any significant purpose; it won’t get you high, nor will it deliver therapeutic benefits.
While putting CBD oil in your diffuser isn’t unsafe, we recommend trying out diffusing aromatic essential oils instead.
