People often fall in love with the use of essential oils after they first begin to diffuse it. Since most oils are safe to diffuse and provide a subtle scent to the room they are used in, aromatherapeutic use is often their most popular application. It also provides some surprising benefits other than freshening up the environment.
Certain oils and oil blend combinations allow for a plethora of influential sides to help with everything from allergies to energy. The following essential oil diffuser recipes are tried and true scent combos that you can use to help alleviate a wide variety of ailments, as well as provide a more inviting atmosphere.
Table of Contents
Tips for Diffusing Oil
If you are new to oil diffusion, you need to take into consideration a few details before getting started. For starters, even though most oils are considered safe for use, some oils can cause allergic reactions. If you are using a new oil please make sure you do not have any sensitivities to it. You can do this by running a quick skin test on your inner forearm. Apply the oil in a diluted form (mix a drop with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil) and leave on for approximately 10 minutes to see if you have any sensitivities.
- Always use a cool mist diffuser or nebulizer. Heated diffusers and/or humidifiers are not designed to diffuse oils and will not likely do so properly. The following recipes assume an average of 100-150 ml of water used in the diffuser. Adjust the recipe amounts as you feel appropriate.
- Reed diffusers are also a good alternative for use but do not provide as much control as an electronic diffuser or nebulizer. If you choose to use a reed diffuser, use a carrier oil as a base rather than water.
- Always use a pure, unadulterated oils and oil blends in your diffusers. Some oils are sold already diluted in a carrier. Carrier oils are not designed for oil diffusion and can also cause problems with your diffuser as it leaves behind a residue as the water is used up.
- Only diffuse oils at 20 to 30-minute intervals. Although most can be done for longer it is best to limit your exposure and allow the oil to get into your system before determining if you are experiencing the effects it may cause (such as calming, focus, etc). This is also plenty of time to saturate an average size room with scent molecules as most oils can last for at least a few hours, with some even able to linger for days.
Smarty Pants Blend
Looking to improve focus and concentration while at work or when studying? This blend is uplifting and allows you to clear your head and set your mind to what is important. The warm blend of spices and rich rosemary can also help clear your sinuses and ward off headaches.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops peppermint
- 4 drops cinnamon
- 2 drop rosemary
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Focus Blend
The use of doTerra’s specially blended Balance Oil creates a sense of calming and well-being to supports the sharper, woodsy tones of the other ingredients. Created to help balance hormones, Balance combines well with other ingredients to clear your mind and improve your focus.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops frankincense
- 2 drop vetiver
- 4 drops balance
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Stress Away Blend
Melt your stress away after a long day with these warm, spicy, floral tones highlighted in this specialized blend. Designed to calm the mind and ease anxiety, it also provides a wonderful scent to any room it is used within. Try diffusing while soaking in the bathtub, or while enjoying a glass of your favorite wine.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops lavender
- 3 drops clary sage
- 2 drops ylang ylang
- 1 drop marjoram
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Calming Blend
Calm your racing mind and help ease your little ones to bed with the rich florals provided in this blend. Designed to relax both the mind and body, these oils have been used for centuries both as a stand-alone and as the main ingredient to create a sense of peace and relaxation.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops lavender
- 3 drops geranium
- 2 drops roman chamomile
- 2 drops clary sage
- 2 drops ylang ylang
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Energy Blend
When your day seems super long and you still have a lot of work to do try mixing up this energy combination to provide you the burst of focus and strength you need to mentally get through the rest of the day. It also can work as a pre-workout energizer to get you ready to get moving!
Ingredients:
- 3 drops rosemary
- 3 drops peppermint
- 3 drops lemon
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Wake Up Blend
Have a long night or struggling through a particularly slow afternoon? This wake-up blend is the perfect solution to help perk up your senses and re-energize you through your work. It also helps lifts your senses and provides the ability to focus on the task at hand.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops wild orange
- 4 drops peppermint
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Happy Blend
When you are feeling down and depressed, or simply just lethargic and tired, try diffusing the following oils to lift your spirits and bring you to a happier place. Perfect for meditation, this happy blend has gentle, sweet florals to calm your mind and allow you to find peace and happiness.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops bergamot
- 2 drops geranium
- 3 drops lavender
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Spiced Cider
Perfect for those cool days as summer slips into fall and fall in winter, these oils bring to mind rich, warm spices and sweet apples. It also is an uplifting blend that can help you feel more focused, and peace, and energized.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops Wild Orange
- 3 drops Cinnamon
- 3 drops Ginger
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Germ Buster
This blend is exactly what you need for when you are ready to help combat seasonal illnesses and colds. It combines a specialized Shield essential oil blend with other oils to purify the air and home surfaces, and aids in supporting a healthier immune system. Multiple companies create a Shield blend that includes oils known for their antibacterial properties.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops Shield
- 2 drops Lemon
- 1 drop Melaleuca (tea tree)
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Headache Relief
Aching head? Help alleviate the worst of your headache symptoms using the following blend to help create a peaceful, calming sensation. This mix also allows for stimulation of the senses through an improvement in blood circulation and clearing of your sinuses.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 drops Marjoram
- 1-2 drops Thyme
- 1-2 drops Rosemary
- 1-2 drops Peppermint
- 1-2 drops Lavender
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Feel Like a Kid Again
When you feel stressed out and life is getting at you, try diffusing this specialized blend of two of the Young Living Company’s favorites to help stimulate and energize your senses. PanAway combines the rich, sharp scents of wintergreen, peppermint, and clove with Stress Away’s sweet lime, vanilla, and lavender to create a peaceful, lighthearted atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops PanAway
- 3 drops Stress Away
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Help! The Kids are Bouncing off the Walls!
Children feeling the effects of cabin fever after a long winter? Or living through the aftermath of a sugar-filled holiday? Try diffusing this calming blend of warm florals to help calm your senses in order to better deal with this challenge. It also helps to refocus your little ones to listen and relax.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Vetiver
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
I Need Some Peace in This House!
When bad vibes infringe upon your living space and create a sense of anxiety and stress, you can help dispel these feelings with this uplifting blend of orange and patchouli. Patchouli, in particular, is popularly used as an antidepressant aide to help you get through the worst of your feelings.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
I Need My Second Wind
Young Living’s Stress Away blend is the foundation of this uplifting and energizing mixture. The sweet, rich tones of stress away from work to alleviate tension while sharp, clean and cool peppermint provides a feeling of focus and spiritual uplifting. Diffuse this when at study or work to stay on track and be productive.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Stress Away
- 3 drops Peppermint
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
What’s That Odor?
Parents and teachers rejoice, this blend can help dissipate those lingering odors you’d rather not know the source of after your children leave the room. Lemongrass oil is great for killing off bacteria, and orange is regularly used as a cleansing agent. Combined you have a rich citrus blend that not only masks the worst of smells but combats it and destroys it altogether.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Lemongrass
- 3 drops Orange
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
I’m in a Funk
Feeling low, unfocused, and struggling with motivation? Frankincense is an ancient oil long associated with a reduction of stress and anxiety. It also helps boost the immune system and when combined with the sweet energizing florals of orange and lavender it provides a calming atmosphere that both the young and old alike can take advantage of.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Orange
- 2 drops Lavender
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Hot Apple Cider
Perfect for year-round diffusion, bring to mind chilly autumnal evenings and cold winter nights with this Hot Apple Cider recipe. Blended with traditional cider spices, the sweet hints of orange and lime make this a popular choice that also aids in providing an energizing and focused atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Cinnamon
- 4 drops Orange
- 2 drops Ginger
- 2 drops Clove
- 2 drops Lime
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
I Want it to Smell Like Christmas
This is the perfect option for those of you who love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree during the holidays but are not keen on the amount of care and cleanup a live tree takes. Diffuse this blend to suggest the spicy richness of a fresh cut evergreen, or at any time you need to freshen the air and bring a sense of energy and focus to your atmosphere.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Idaho Blue Spruce
- 2 drops Idaho Balsam Fir
- 2 drops Pine
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere
Ready to unwind after a long day, but your day isn’t over yet? Minty, clean and refreshing peppermint blended with sweet, tangy lime is not only reminiscent of refreshing beverages but also lifts your mood and helps you refocus to get through the rest of the day. Diffuse this at any time to clear the air and help you think more clearly.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Peppermint
- 3 drops Lime
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Honey, Your Nose is Keeping Me Up!
Somebody in the household has the sniffles or snoring due to congestion? These specialized Young Living blends compliment each other to help provide deep relaxation, a clearing of the head, and support of the immune system. Woodsy Valor provides peace and positiveness, while RC works to combat respiratory illnesses, coughs, and congestion. Lavender allows for a calming of both the mind and body. Together they can help you get the relief you, and your family needs.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Citrus Smile
Freshen any room and bring a smile to your face with this citrus and floral mixture that helps clear the air and provide an uplifting experience. Bright orange, sunny lemon, and spicy bergamot can help you wake up, feel fresh, and find your focus. It is perfect for diffusing in a workspace or first thing in the morning.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Orange
- 2 drops Lemon
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Forest Feeling
Clean, rich fir and spicy orange bergamot are reminiscent of a walk through the woods, crushing needles and fresh vegetation beneath your feet. Diffuse this blend for an uplifting, cleansing experience and to help you find your center for focus so as to help you start your day right. Fir, in particular, is stabilizing in nature and can help with problem-solving.
Ingredients:
- 3 drops White Fir
- 3 drops Bergamot
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Lemongrass & Basil
Strongly antibacterial, supportive of stress, and a reliever of respiratory issues, the combination of lemongrass and basil is a strong blend to diffuse for a healthier atmosphere. It also smells amazing and is perfect for diffusion when both your mind and body need a bit of a boost or somebody is fighting off an illness or common cold.
Ingredients:
- 2 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- 1 drop Basil essential oil
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Joy & Grapefruit
Young Living’s specialized Joy blend is designed to be uplifting, energizing, and a happy mix of citrus and sweet florals. As a stand-alone, it is amazing and clearing the air and bringing peace to a room. When mixed with grapefruit, you know have a double hit that addresses headaches, mental fatigue, and depression. This diffuser blend is especially helpful for hangovers- whether caused by sickness, medication, or overindulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 drop Joy essential oil
- 1 drop Grapefruit essential oil
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Blend #1
Heady jasmine and sweet citrus are tempered by warm and spicy cinnamon to create a feeling of focus and energizing strength. Use this blend to help clear the air and allow you to attack your tasks with vigor.
Ingredients:
- 1 drop Jasmine
- 5 drops Lime
- 3 drops Sweet Orange
- 1 drop Cinnamon
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Blend #6
Revive with clean, crisp evergreens and calm your mind with peaceful lavender in this blend that provides a soothing experience. Designed to help cleanse the air, it also helps provide focus, can ease tension, and works to repel flying insects. Use this all summer for a bug-free experience, and all winter to keep you healthy and relaxed.
Ingredients:
- 5 drops Spruce
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Lavender
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Blend #11
Boost your memory and concentration with the cooling effects of spearmint oil, and support your focus, mind, and energy with lavender and sweet orange. This is an awesome study blend that is also high in antioxidants to support your immune system during times of high stress.
Ingredients:
- 5 drops Spearmint
- 5 drops Lavender
- 9 drops Sweet Orange
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Blend #12
Warm, rich tones define this blend designed to support you both mentally and physically. Relaxing, mentally stabilizing, and anti-depressing, this mix perfect for regular use to cleanse your environment and provide a supportive place to live.
Ingredients:
- 5 drops Sandalwood
- 1 drop Rose
- 2 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Pine
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Blend #17
Strong sandalwood tones blended with neroli is specific to your physical health, particularly if you have been feeling under the weather. Respiratory ailments and infections are combated through a healthier atmosphere when this mix is diffused due to the strong properties sandalwood provides. Neroli is slightly sweet and spicy and provides support to anxiety and heart concerns to allow your body to heal.
Ingredients:
- 9 drops Sandalwood
- 1 drop Neroli
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
True Love Diffuser Blend
Looking to get in the mood and bring a little more romance into your life? ylang-ylang has long been claimed as a desirable oil and when paired with hot spices, such as cinnamon and ginger you definitely can create a new atmosphere. The blend is also highly supportive of your immune system and cleanses the air.
Ingredients:
- 2 Drops Ylang Ylang
- 2 Drops Cinnamon
- 2 Drops Ginger
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Immune Boosting Diffuser Blend
Combat germs with this highly antioxidant blend that is warmly stimulating to both your mind and body. Clear your head, gain focus, combat illness and clean the air with these powerful oils.
Ingredients:
- 3 Drops Rosemary
- 2 Drops Cinnamon
- 2 Drops Clove
- 1 Drop Eucalyptus
Directions:
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water line and drop your oil on the surface. Diffuse up to 3 times a day at 20 – 30 minute intervals.
Conclusion
Whether you are an old pro at essential oil diffusion or atre brand new, mixing and matching oil blends for diffusion purposes is always a topic worth paying attention to. There are so many variations and scents you can combine that you will most definitely learn something new.
Just be sure to take care with any new oils to ascertain you have no sensitivities to them, and only diffuse for 20-30 minutes at a time to help get both the scent and the oil attributes into the room for your use.
If you have any favorite blends, please let us know below! And, as always, please share!
