30 Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes

Not sure what essential oils to use for your diffuser? Check out my list of 30 essential oil diffuser recipes that you can use day or night.

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Diffuser on a desk with essential oils and a woman with a laptop working

When you smell a scent or an aroma, the smell hits the limbic system of your brain, which controls your memories and emotions. So that freshly-baked cookie probably makes you feel good about the times you baked cookies with grandma when you were little. Isn’t that amazing? Read on to find out the awesome benefits of aromatherapy as well as 30 wonderful essential oil diffuser recipes!

How Essential Oils Work Aromatically

Well, aromatherapy (or smelling essential oils) can do the same thing. They can help to support your mood and emotions. Think about how you feel when you smell a fresh-cut lemon or how about Lavender from the garden? Maybe energized from the lemon and relaxed with the lavender? Well, it’s no surprise. Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic essences of those plants. That’s why smelling them is a really effective way of using essential oils. This is called aromatic use. Be sure to check out How to Support Emotions with Essential Oils.

One of my favorite ways to aromatically use essential oils is with my diffuser, which uses just water and essential oil and disperses the scents into the air. There’s no chemicals, no fillers, nothing. It’s different from a humidifier as it doesn’t heat up the essential oils – plus, humidifiers are not made to hold essential oils.

Why Use a Diffuser Instead of Candles or Air Fresheners

A diffuser is a unique household must-have that can replace those plug-in air fresheners – which contain chemical ingredients that have been linked to a number of serious health issues – together with scented candles – which are far from “natural”. When you see the term ‘fragrance’ on an air freshener or scented candle, remember that it can include up to 300 toxic chemicals but still just say ‘fragrance’. There have been a number of studies that have shown that both synthetic air fresheners and scented candles can pose health risks.

That’s okay, there’s a better way… use a diffuser with therapeutic-grade essential oils instead. I know it’s a little overwhelming when you first get a diffuser and essential oils, so I put together this list of my favorite essential oil diffuser recipes. First thing to remember is to follow the manufacturers directions on your diffuser for how to clean, type of water to use, number of drops of essential oil, etc.

How to Choose a Diffuser

I have several models of diffusers, and I can tell you hands-down the best is Young Living. I use their oils in the diffuser too. But what I love about them (over the ones from Target or Amazon) is that the Young Living diffusers disperse way more essential oils into the air. You can literally smell the difference. The diffusers also come with a one-year product warranty, so you can easily get a part replaced or the entire unit if you need to. I had several diffusers from other online stores stop working within a couple of months with no replacement.

You can get a diffuser at retail, but I highly suggest getting a starter kit at 60% off that includes the diffuser for free. I really like the Desert Mist (which has different LED settings – even a candle flicker setting – and goes for 8-10 hours). That way you get the diffuser and the oils all in one set. I only use about 6-10 drops total in the diffuser for each use.

Where To Put Your Diffuser

Finding a space for your diffusers to reside can be a challenge. Where do you place your diffuser to maximize aroma while ensuring it harmonizes with your home decor? Here are a few useful tips.

First, and this may be obvious, place your diffuser in an area where you find yourself frequently. That may be on your bedside table, on a coffee table in the living room, in your kitchen, etc. This a sure way to experience and enjoy your diffuser

Next, place the diffuser below eye level. The aroma from your diffuser will rise on its own, so placing your diffuser in an area above your nose will prevent you from ever enjoying your oils. It’s also recommended that you place your diffuser in the center of the room, because the oil diffuses in a radial diameter. In other words, placing the diffuser in a corner of the room may cause the oil to hit the wall and rise upwards, reducing diffusion. However, if you don’t have an outlet in the center of your living room (like most people) just place your diffuser away from the wall.

You might also want to ensure that your diffuser looks great in your home by pairing it with items that mesh well in color and texture. Or you may want your beautiful diffuser to stand alone as a centerpiece. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll find that it doesn’t take much to ensure get the most out of your diffusers. Now… some essential oil diffuser recipes!

Closeup of diffuser and esssential oils on a table with a book

30 Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes

1. Wake up happy
This is an uplifting to diffuse first thing in the morning while getting everyone awake and in a good mood.

3 drops Bergamot essential oil
3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil

2. Wake up in the mountains
I love this duo because it reminds of waking up in the mountains in a gorgeous log cabin. The woodsy, pine aroma of the Balsam Fir smells wonderful with the floral Ylang Ylang.

3 drops Idaho Balsam Fir
3 drops Ylang Ylang

3. Wake up energized and ready to take on the world
This blend is energizing and uplifting – great for those of you who aren’t morning people but need to get going quickly in the morning.

3 drops Grapefruit
3 drops Joy (a blend made with Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Tangerine and Roman Chamomile)

4. Let’s get @#*% done 
This is the perfect duo to use when you’re on deadline for a project or the kids have homework.

3 drops Lemon
3 drops Peppermint

5. Time to focus and concentrate
When you need to stay focused and clear on your tasks, try this diffuser combination.

2 drops Brain Power
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Clarity

6. Feel like a kid again 
This combination smells a bit like a root beer float to help you bring back those times of when you were a kid again.

3 drops PanAway
3 drops Stress Away

7. I’m ready to relax
Just got home from work or school and need to relax? Try this duo.

3 drops Patchouli
3 drops Ylang Ylang

8. Help! The kids are bouncing off the walls!
Got kids who need help calming down? Try this combination in the diffuser when you want to help them settle down naturally.

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Cedarwood
2 drops Vetiver

9. I need some peace in this house
I like to diffuser this combination when the kids are coming home from school. You can also diffuser 6 drops of the oil blend Peace & Calming.

3 drops Orange
3 drops Patchouli

10. I need my second wind
Use this combination when you need to unwind at the end of the day but still need something uplifting to get you through the night – like putting little ones to bed.

3 drops Stress Away
3 drops Peppermint

Get a diffuser and starter set of essential oils for 60% off!

11. Take a deep breath
This is a popular diffuser combination for those times when you need to take a deep breath.

2 drops Lemon
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint

Essential oils next to an oil diffuser

12. Take a deep breath, again
This is a combination that I found that works wonders, especially in the middle of the night when everyone needs to breathe easier.

4 drops Frankincense
3 drops RC or Eucalyptus

13. Light and refreshing
This is a great blend to diffuse while cooking. It has a light and refreshing aroma that’s, in effect, stimulating to the senses.

3 drops Rosemary
3 drops Lemon

14. Bugger Off
Use this combination thus keeping those outdoor annoyances away.

3 drops Lemongrass
3 drops Citronella

15. What’s that odor? 
I know I’m not the only one that deals with odors. Whether it’s from a musty closet or that stinky fish smell in the kitchen, this combination works really well. You can also diffuser 6 drops of the oil blend Purification.

3 drops Lemongrass
3 drops Orange

16. I’m in a funk
Need a quick mood boost? Try this amazingly uplifting aroma.

2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Orange
2 drops Lavender

Woman sitting with a notebook with a diffuser and essential oils in the background

17. It’s wintertime and I want to stay above the wellness line
You know that time of year? When you make your kids wash their hands constantly, and clean every surface of your home? Yep, this is the diffuser combination for you.

3 drops Thieves
3 drops Purification

18. Pumpkin spice latte
What’s the best part of fall? The pumpkin spice lattes, of course! Get that scent year-round when you use this diffuser combination.

3 drops Thieves
3 drops Orange

19. Hot apple cider
This is another fantastic aroma that will fill your kitchen and have you itching to make some apple pie.

2 drops Cinnamon
4 drops Orange
2 drops Ginger

20. I want it to smell like Christmas trees – all the time!
This is a great diffuser combination when you want the smell of Christmas trees or walking through a pine forest.

2 drops Idaho Blue Spruce
2 drops Idaho Balsam Fir
2 drops Pine

21. Honey, it’s time to go to bed. Wink, wink.
Yep, this is the diffuser blend when it’s time to get it on.

3 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Orange
3 drops Idaho Blue Spruce

22. Honey, it’s time for bed – for HER.
You might want to check out my DIY lube recipe too. 😉 Give her a massage first while diffusing this combination to get her in the mood.

2 drops Clary Sage
3 drops Sensation
2 drops Idaho Blue Spruce

23. It’s 5 ‘o clock somewhere
It’s been a long day and it’s finally time to unwind and relax. Try this Coconut-Lime Mojito recipe.

3 drops Peppermint
3 drops Lime

24. Time for some tranquility
Diffuse this combination in order to get some calm and tranquility at the end of a long day.

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Cedarwood
2 drops Roman Chamomile

25. Kids, it’s time to go to bed
This is a favorite bedtime blend particularly for my kids

3 drops Orange
3 drops Cedarwood

26. I need to stop thinking about 101 things before bed
This is the combination to use when you need to quiet the mind and shut off all things things you know you need to do… but can wait for tomorrow.

3 drops Vetiver
3 drops Lavender

27. I need to sleep now
Use this combination when you need to go to sleep in a pinch

2 drops Valerian
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Roman Chamomile

28. Mom, I had a bad dream!
Kiddos up in the middle of the night? Diffuse this especially soothing combination.

2 drops Lavender
2 drops Vetiver
2 drops Dream Catcher (an oil blend made with Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Juniper, Rose and other essential oils)

29. Honey, you’re nose is keeping me up!
Put this on your honey when he/she is keeping you up at night.

3 drops Valor (apply a couple of drops to the bottom of the feet too)
2 drops RC
2 drops Lavender

30. Sound sleeper no matter what
If your honey is still keeping you up, try this combination for you.

3 drops Lavender (plus one drop on your pillow)
2 drops RutaVaLa (apply a few drops to the bottom of your feet too)
2 drops Roman Chamomile

Did I miss your favorite diffuser combination? Comment below and let me know. I may feature it here on this blog post.

DIY Essential Oil Diffusers For Beginners

It’s best to start slowly. Start with 8-10 drops of essential oils in the diffuser. Over time, you could add more as needed, up to about 15 drops or as directed on your diffuser product manual. You can diffuse for as little as 15 minutes or a few hours. Set up the diffuser in your bedroom and let it run all night for a restful night’s sleep. You can run a diffuser in a child’s room too but be sure to use oils that are suitable for kids and leave the door open so the room can air out.

Combining Essential Oils

Be adventurous and try different essential oil diffuser blends. Hold different bottles of oils in your hand and move them around under you nose, inhaling the scent. If you like the combination then diffuse them. If it’s not quite to your liking, try again, switching out one of the oils until you find a combination that smells nice.

You can also diffuse based on specific needs – if you want to clear odors, improve concentration, relieve tension, or get better sleep – there are specific oils that will help.

Top Tips For These Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes

  • If you are new to the diffuser, start slowly, add 8-10 drops in the diffuser.
  • Ideally place your diffuser in the center of the room, the aroma from the essential oil diffuser recipes diffuse radially.
  • Test out aroma pairings by holding the two oils in one hand and waving under your nose, swap out aromas and try different combos!
  • Opt for the diffuser starter kit, it’s great value!

More Essential Oil Resources

Did you try these essential oil diffuser recipes? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on FacebookInstagram and Pinterest.

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Photo credit:  Groworkspace, Twiggy

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11 Comments

  1. Hi Tracey,

    Being from Idaho, I was so excited to see the Idaho oils, however I have never come across them. Can you share where to find them? Thanks a bunch. I’m glad I found your page!

  2. hi, glad I found your page and I can’t wait to try some of the combinations. Do you know what I could use for anxiety/panic attacks x