7 Best Essential Oils To Use In Your Diffuser

My trusty favorite diffusers have served me well over the years. In fact, I really don’t know what I’d do without them! Currently, I own five diffusers that I stash in different places around the house so that I can bring them out at a moment’s notice. Not sure what to diffuse? Below are seven of the best essential oils for diffusers and some simple blend recipes to use them in. 

I diffuse oils for SO many things. For instance, when my children are going through the dreaded insomnia phase, I break out their diffuser to use with sleep-promoting oils. Or, when someone is sick, I diffuse air-purifying and germ-fighting essential oils. But sometimes, I just diffuse for the sheer pleasure of it. Often, I like to diffuse mood-boosting blends, or even blends just to make the house smell nice. 

Truthfully, with few exceptions, the sky’s the limit as far as which essential oils can be used for diffusion. Essential oils are so versatile, but each of these essential oils has been chosen for specific reasons. Most of them have multiple therapeutic properties and can be used in numerous situations, but some are included simply because of their potency or particular characteristics. That’s the beauty of using essential oils–their versatility makes them easily adaptable to suit your individual needs!

The Best Essential Oils for Diffusers

1. To Relax, Use Lavender

No doubt you’ve heard lavender’s many praises sung repeatedly. But the fact is, it’s an amazing essential oil. It’s especially beneficial for diffusion because it’s just so darn versatile. Lavender is known for its relaxing and calming properties, therefore, it’s a great idea to diffuse lavender to promote relaxation.

Additionally, due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it’s also useful when illness is present to help deal with symptoms AND fight germs.

For a simple, relaxing blend diffuse:

• 5 drops Lavender
• 3 drops Sweet Orange
• 2 drops Cedarwood

2. To Fight Germs, Use Oregano

Oregano is an especially potent essential oil. It’s also REALLY great at fighting germs and infection. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, making it a no-brainer when trying to prevent illness.

A drop or two added to a blend can go a long way and really boost the germ-fighting properties of any blend. Just remember, it does have a strong aroma that can easily overpower if not used in small amounts.

And, as it is one of the more potent essential oils, Essential Oil Safety recommends it not be used around young children or pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

For a potent germ-fighting blend diffuse:

• 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf
• 3 drops Eucalyptus
• 2 drops Tea Tree
• 2 drops Oregano

3. To Boost Your Mood, Use Citrus

Really, just about any citrus oil can be included on this list. Due to their fresh, fruity aromas, citrus oils are wonderful to include in mood-boosting blends for the diffuser. However, many of them, like lemon, lime, and grapefruit contain strong antimicrobial properties as well.

This makes them especially beneficial when diffused in air-purifying and germ-fighting blends. Additionally, some citrus oils, like sweet orange and bergamot even have calming and sedative properties and are often used to reduce stress.

For a bright, mood-lifting blend, diffuse:

• 5 drops Lemon
• 3 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Spearmint

4. For Headaches, Use Peppermint

Peppermint makes the cut due to its versatility. It’s a great air freshener and air purifier, but it’s also beneficial when fighting off germs as well. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and is traditionally used when dealing with digestive issues and headaches.

If you’ve got a headache, pair it with lavender and diffuse away. Struggling with nausea? Diffuse it with a citrus oil and enjoy the revitalizing scent. Feeling a bit sluggish? Diffuse it near your work area and let its refreshing scent naturally perk you up!

For a headache blend, diffuse:

• 3 drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Eucalyptus
• 2 drops Frankincense

5. For Nausea, Use Ginger

Ginger is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. It has potent antimicrobial properties that make it useful when dealing with illness and it’s often used for pain relief. It’s a warming oil that is also considered an effective remedy for stomach and digestive issues.

It’s frequently used for nausea, travel sickness, constipation, and digestive issues in general. It’s a great option to consider if you’re dealing with coughs or colds or if you struggle with digestive problems. When paired with other nausea-reducing oils, it can create a pleasant-smelling and effective way to deal with those pesky stomach troubles! 

For an anti-nausea blend, diffuse:

• 4 drops Ginger
• 3 drops Spearmint
• 3 drops Sweet Orange

6. For Respiratory Issues, Use Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another essential oil that happens to be great for diffusers. It’s commonly used when dealing with respiratory illness, so it would be especially beneficial to diffuse when dealing with coughs, colds, and congestion. Due to its fresh scent, eucalyptus is also considered to be stimulating to the mind, so it would be a good choice to diffuse if you’re looking for a mental boost as well. And truthfully, it’s just really good at freshening the air due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties.

For a respiratory blend, diffuse:

• 3 drops Eucalyptus
• 3 drops Lemon
• 2 drops Peppermint
• 2 drops Cedarwood

7. To Scent Your Home, Use Cinnamon Leaf

I find myself using cinnamon leaf more and more in my diffuser blends. It contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and can be beneficial when there is illness in the house. I usually diffuse it when somebody is sick, but I also really just love the smell of it.

I like to include it in blends to freshen and purify the air and during the holidays I diffuse it often. When combined with orange and pine oils it creates a lovely holiday blend that can be enjoyed during the entire holiday season!

For a festive holiday blend, diffuse:

• 5 drops Sweet Orange
• 3 drops Pine
• 2 drops Cinnamon Leaf

So, tell me…do you diffuse essential oils?  If so, which ones are your favorites to use in the diffuser?