Using an essential oil diffuser is one of my favorite ways to use essential oils. It’s gentle and can even be safe for kids. While there are plenty of pre-made essential oil blends, sometimes I like to create my own scents too. These essential oil recipes are great for the winter and fall seasons!
Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes
Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to get the health benefits of essential oils. Unlike applying topically, you don’t have to worry about diluting with a carrier oil or skin irritation. And some essential oils that aren’t safe to apply to young children’s skin are safe to diffuse.
I’ll often diffuse peppermint, lemon, or another essential oil by itself. While these certainly have their own benefits, making your own DIY essential oil diffuser blends is another great option. This way you can customize the scent and the health benefits to your needs. Diffusing is also a great way to make a room smell amazing, without fake air fresheners.
An Important Safety Note
I’ve seen some recipes online that throw out a bunch of different diffuser recipes, without much info to go with it. Some essential oils aren’t safe for little ones, while others aren’t safe for pets. A good rule of thumb is not to have your pet enclosed in the room where you’re diffusing.
I’ve included any safety precautions for kids with each recipe, but the diffuser still shouldn’t be put right next to their face. I also wouldn’t diffuse it near them for an extended period of time. The information comes from IFRA standards and Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety.
Where to Get the Best Essential Oils
There are several good brands out there, but I find myself using a few over and over again. My favorite essential oils brands include Plant Therapy and Vibrant Blue oils. I also use Mountain Rose Herbs sometimes, but I prefer the other brands.
You want something grown without pesticides, has no added ingredients, and is grown in its native environment. I also look for oils that are ethically produced and harvested.
And if you don’t feel like putting together your own diffuser recipes, Plant Therapy has plenty of great pre-made blends. I also like that they label which ones are kid-safe.
How to Create Diffuser Essential Oil Recipes
Just like perfume, essential oil blends usually follow a few guidelines. You want to pick oils that smell good plus smell good together. Diffusing thyme and oregano are great for illness, but they may not smell the best. And other oils, like Roman chamomile, rose, and sandalwood, do work great in the diffuser, but they’re on the pricier side.
Blend recipes also have base, middle, and top notes (usually). Base notes are heavier oils like vetiver and cedarwood that linger longer in the air. Top notes are light and evaporate faster, like lime and lemon essential oils. Middle notes, like lavender essential oil, fall somewhere in between.
You don’t have to use all three in a blend, but the synergy can create something that smells really good.
How much essential oil you use depends on your diffuser type. My favorite is a nebulizing diffuser which quickly pumps out a concentrated amount so it doesn’t need to be on for long. An ultrasonic diffuser uses a cool water mist and isn’t quite as strong. For a smaller room, you’ll need to use less essential oil (about 3-4 drops total in a water-based diffuser).
Winter Diffuser Blends
Certain smells remind us of certain memories, like baking molasses cookies around Christmas. I like to have some potpourri on the stove or the diffuser going over the holidays. Many of these recipes also have immune supporting properties, which is great for cold and flu season.
Minty Fresh
Energizing and helps with memory and breathing. Safe for ages 3 and up (3 drops total) or for ages 6 and up (6 drops total) when used responsibly.
- 1-2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1-2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1-2 drops rosemary essential oil
Woodsy Blend
This smells like a walk through the woods. Helps ground the emotions and supports the respiratory and immune systems. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
- 2 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops juniper essential oil
Chai Spice
This warming blend reminds me of chai or cookies baking. It’s also great for the immune system. Safe for ages 6 months and up if omitting clove.
- 1 drop clove essential oil (omit for young children)
- 1 drop cardamom essential oil
- 2 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
- 1 drop sweet orange essential oil
Candy Cane
Invigorating and a great pick-me-up blend. Safe for ages 6 months and up without the wintergreen.
- 1 drop wintergreen essential oil (omit for use around young children)
- 1 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops spearmint essential oil
Grounding Forest Blend
Frankincense, vetiver, and cedarwood help to calm and ground the emotions, while orange helps uplift the spirits. Vetiver can have the opposite effect for some, so omit it if you find diffusing it makes you antsy or worried. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
- 1-2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 1 drop vetiver essential oil
- 1-2 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1-2 drops cedarwood essential oil
Spicy Citrus
Freshen the air with this lively blend. It helps uplift the spirits (good for any holiday stress!) and it’s good for the immune system. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
- 2 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
- 1-2 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1-2 drops tangerine essential oil
More Diffuser Essential Oil Recipes
These blends aren’t quite as holiday specific, but they’re great for any time of the year. I like diffusing before guests arrive to help clear the air.
You can even increase the essential oils in the recipes, add water, and use them in a room spray, like this one. I use about 10 drops per ounce of water. Great for freshening up bathroom areas!
Floral Citrus
This blend helps relieve stress, fatigue, and anxiety. It helps ground the emotions and refreshes the spirit. Patchouli and ylang ylang are smells you either love or hate, so either one will work here depending on preference. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
- 1 drop patchouli essential oil or ylang ylang essential oil
- 1 drop clary sage essential oil
- 2 drops bergamot essential oil
Springtime
Lemon is energizing and helps thin head congestion. Lavender is calming, and geranium is emotionally uplifting. This blend is also great for seasonal allergies and is safe for 6 months and up.
- 1-2 drops geranium essential oil
- 1-2 drops lavender essential oil
- 1-2 drops lemon essential oil
What are some of your favorite oils to put in the diffuser? Leave a comment and let us know!
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