Diffusing essential oils is not only a healthy alternative to using chemical, artificial fragrances but is also highly addictive. At first many people diffuse oils simply to freshen the air or improve smell, and diffusing is a great, simple way to use oils that anyone can do right away without getting overwhelmed. As I began to realize that diffusing lifts the mood, purifies the air, supports the immune system, and may contribute to increased mental clarity and clearer breathing, I wanted to diffuse around the clock in my home, car, and all other spaces of my life (which is why you'll often see me sporting diffuser jewelry, too).
Of course, you can get many of the benefits of using essential oils aromatically by simply inhaling from the bottle, placing a couple of drops in your hands and inhaling deeply with your hands cupped over your nose and mouth, or applying to a tissue or cotton ball that you keep with you throughout the day, to name a few other methods. However, if you want benefits that last for hours, you'll need a diffuser.
Now that my team of oil users and sharers is thousands strong, I asked for volunteers to submit their favorite recipes to diffuse. These are favorites to use with ultrasonic diffusers that diffuse through water, such as dōTERRA's Petal, Aromalite, or Lotus diffusers. If you're using an atomizing diffuser without water, such as the Ace that diffuses straight from a bottle of oil, you'll want to multiply these recipes. (I would at least triple for my Ace, depending on the setting as that effects how quickly the oils will diffuse and run out of oil.) This guide can help you decide which diffuser may be best for you. (Just keep in mind that dōTERRA no longer carries The Cloud diffuser.)
I have separated the blends into categories to help you get started with diffusing for most common needs, but keep in mind that many of these oils cross over into multiple categories (which is one of the best parts about diffusing!) Don't be afraid to experiment with oils and the number of drops to find what suits you and support your needs best.
Note: For blends in which number drops is not specified, just use equal parts of each. (I normally use 4-10 drops total.)
Mental clarity, focus, and productivity:
2 Frankincense, 2 Cedarwood, 2 Wild Orange, and 1 Rosemary
2 Peppermint, 2 Wild Orange, 1 Frankincense, and 1 Rosemary
Peppermint and Citrus Bliss
Spearmint and Tangerine
Lime, Clary Sage, and Rosemary
Cheer and Motivate
Citrus Bliss and Vetiver
Wild Orange and Frankincense
Respiratory support:
3 Lime, 2 Eucalyptus, and 1 Thyme
Rosemary, Spearmint, and Wild Orange
Breathe and Lime
Grapefruit and White Fir
Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon
Mood lifting:
2 Juniper Berry, 2 Grapefruit, and 1 Wild Orange
1 Forgive and 2 Citrus Bliss
Grapefruit, White Fir, and Citrus Bliss
Elevation and Wild Orange
Bergamot, Wild Orange, and White Fir
Citrus Bliss and Elevation
Grapefruit, Lime, Lemon, and Wild Orange
Ginger, Patchouli, and Wild Orange
Immune system support:
2 OnGuard, 2 White Fir, and 2 Wild Orange
3 Wild Orange, 2 Frankincense, 2 Peppermint
OnGuard, Balance, Ylang Ylang, and Breathe
Cassia and Rosemary
Air purifying:
2 each: Lemon, Eucalyptus, and White Fir
Frankincense and Ginger
Wild Orange and White Fir
Lemongrass and Wild Orange
Fresh scent:
3 Lime, 2 Lavender, and 1 Geranium
Patchouli, Bergamot, Cypress, and Citrus Bliss
Rosemary and Citrus Bliss
Citrus Bliss, Lemon, and Peppermint
Relax and rest:
2 Bergamot, 1 Patchouli, and 1 Lavender
3 Serenity, 2 Bergamot, and 1 Cedarwood
3 Forgive and 2 Whisper
Serenity and Balance
Patchouli, Clary Sage, and Balance
Balance and Wild Orange
Citrus Bliss and Serenity
Here's a good article about how to take care of your diffuser to keep it working well and diffusing your favorite oils for months and years to come. Happy diffusing!
