Using an essential oil diffuser is one of my favorite ways to use essential oils. It is gentle so it is safe for children. There are many ready-made essential oil blends, but sometimes you want to create your own scents. These essential oil recipes are perfect for the winter and fall seasons.
essential oil diffuser recipes
Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to reap the health benefits of essential oils. Unlike when applied topically, you don’t have to dilute it with a carrier oil or worry about skin irritation. Also, some essential oils that are not safe to apply to young children’s skin are safe to diffuse.
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I often diffuse peppermint, lemon, or other essential oils on their own. While these certainly have their benefits, creating your own DIY essential oil diffuser blend is another great option. This way, you can customize the scent and health benefits to suit your needs. Diffusion is also a great way to make a room smell great without using fake air fresheners.
Important safety notes
I’ve seen some recipes online, but there’s little information related to it and tons of recipes for different diffusers. Some essential oils may not be safe for small children or pets. A good rule of thumb is to not confine your pet to a room where it is spreading.
Although we have included child-friendly safety precautions with each recipe, the diffuser should still not be placed too close to the face. It also doesn’t spread around them for long. This information is based on IFRA standards and the safety of Robert Tisserand’s essential oils.
Where to get the best essential oils
There are several good brands out there, and I use several over and over again.My favorite essential oil brands are: phytotherapy and bright blue oil. I also use Mountain Rose Herbs from time to time, but I prefer other brands.
It needs to be grown without pesticides, without added ingredients, and grown in its natural environment. We also look for ethically produced and harvested oils.
If you don’t want to put together a diffuser recipe yourself, Plant Therapy has lots of great ready-made blends. I also like that they label which ones are safe for kids.
How to make a diffuser essential oil recipe
Just like perfumes, essential oil blends usually follow a few guidelines. You want to choose an oil that has both a good scent and a pleasant aroma. Diffused thyme and oregano are effective against illnesses, but may not have the best scent. Other oils such as roman chamomile, rose, and sandalwood are also effective in diffusers, but are more expensive.
Blend recipes also (usually) have base notes, middle notes, and top notes. The base notes are heavy oils like vetiver and cedarwood that linger in the air for a long time. The top notes are light, like lime or lemon essential oils, and evaporate quickly. Middle notes like lavender essential oil fall somewhere in between.
You don’t have to use all three in a blend, but the synergistic effect can give you a really nice scent.
The amount of essential oil you use depends on the type of diffuser. My favorite is a nebulizing diffuser that delivers a concentrated amount quickly and doesn’t have to be on for long. Ultrasonic diffusers use a mist of cold water and are not as powerful. If your room is small, you may need to use less essential oil (about 3-4 drops total in a water-based diffuser).
winter diffuser blend
Certain scents bring back certain memories, like baking molasses cookies around Christmas. On holidays, I like to drink potpourri on the stove or in a diffuser. Many of these recipes also have immune-supporting properties, making them perfect for cold and flu season.
minty fresh
Gives energy, aids memory and breathing. Safe for ages 3 and up (3 drops total) or ages 6 and up (6 drops total) when used responsibly.
woody blend
It smells like a walk in the forest. Calms the emotions and supports the respiratory and immune systems. Target age is 6 months or older.
chai spice
This warming blend reminds me of chai and baking cookies. It’s also great for your immune system. If cloves are omitted, it is suitable for ages 6 months and older.
candy cane
A wonderful blend that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized. It is safe for more than 6 months without wintergreen.
grounding forest blend
Frankincense, vetiver, and cedarwood help calm and stabilize the emotions, while orange helps uplift the spirit. Vetiver can have the opposite effect on some people, so omit it if spreading it makes you irritated or anxious. Target age is 6 months or older.
spicy citrus
Freshen the air with this lively blend. It lifts your mood (great for holiday stress!) and is good for your immune system. Target age is 6 months or older.
See more diffuser essential oil recipes
These blends are not specifically made for the holiday season, but are perfect for any time of the year. I like to diffuse to purify the air before guests arrive.
This way, you can increase the essential oils in your recipe and even use it as a room spray by adding water. I use about 10 drops per ounce of water. Perfect for refreshing your bathroom!
floral citrus
This blend helps relieve stress, fatigue, and anxiety. It helps ground your emotions and refresh your spirit. Patchouli and ylang-ylang are scents that people either love or hate, so you can use either one depending on your preference. Target age is 6 months or older.
spring
Lemon energizes and helps reduce congestion in the head. Lavender is calming and geranium uplifts the emotions. This blend is also great for seasonal allergies and is safe for more than 6 months.
What is your favorite oil to put in your diffuser? Let us know by leaving a comment.