What is the best way to use essential oils for wellness? Diffusing them! Diffusing essential oils is one of the easiest and fool-proof ways to enjoy aromatherapy. Here I show you how to make custom essential oil blends for diffuser using a beginner-friendly method.
If you're looking to add some aromatherapy into your life or need help with stress management, diffusing essential oils is a great way to do it! You can almost instantly transform any indoor space with a few drops of oil in an essential oil diffuser.
Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
Essential oils are perfect for natural remedies because they are natural and pure. They can be used for different purposes too.
Diffusing essential oil has many benefits including:
- Improving mood
- Relieving headaches
- Boosting immunity
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Easing pain from arthritis and joint inflammation
The best part is they can be used in any home environment. You can also use the in your office or work space!
If you are not familiar about what diffusers are or how to use one for aromatherapy, check out these posts:
- What Are Essential Oil Diffusers?
- Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Diffuser Benefits
- How Long to Diffuse Essential Oils
What's so beautiful about making an aromatherapy recipe is that you can customize your aroma and desired benefits to fit what YOU need. Let me show you how.
How to Create Essential Oil Blends
Have you been wanting to learn how to create easy recipes that you can use in your diffuser? Create a new scent by combining different oils. Use essential oils that you will enjoy smelling, plus gain positive benefits from inhaling the scents.
I know that I share many diffuser recipes, but I also want you to be able to create your own if you desire. I want to take away any fear you may have about mixing essential oils. There is nothing to fear, it is easy, plus you get to play mad scientist :)
You can get our guide at the bottom of this post.
Here are the steps to follow so you can create your own custom essential oil blend for diffusing.
Step 1: Determine Your Goal
Determine what effect you want from your custom aromatherapy blend. Are you looking to gain therapeutic benefits? Maybe you are feeling sick and want relief.
Also think about what type of environment you want to create...calming, uplifting, motivating, relaxing?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want to relax?
- Are you feeling down and need some uplifting?
- Ready to feel energized?
- Are you studying and need to focus?
- Is it close to bedtime?
- Do you want to promote a peaceful home?
- Are you starting to feel sick?
Step 2: Select Your Oils
Select the type of oils that fit your goal you determined in step one. I prefer using a goal-oriented method instead of blending for perfume qualities when it comes to my diffuser. Yes, I do want my blends to smell nice, but I do not determine my oils and drops by the note (base, middle, or top) of the essential oil in this method.
A goal-oriented method is a much more favorable way to blend oils, especially for essential oil beginners that are new to creating their own aromatherapy blends.
I like to choose about 2-3 essential oils for my blends, I usually do not go above 5 different oils in one blend.
Here is a quick breakdown of common essential oils and general uses, this is not an exhaustive list:
Uplifting Essential Oils
- Sweet Orange
- Melissa
- Bergamot
- Neroli
- Grapefruit
- Jasmine
- Geranium
- Clary Sage
Energizing Essential Oils
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Wintergreen
- Lime
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Basil
Relaxing Essential Oils
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
- Roman Chamomile
- Rose
- Ylang Ylang
- Lavender
- Sandalwood
- Orange
- Neroli
Bedtime Essential Oils
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Vetiver
- Roman Chamomile
- Valerian
- Sweet Marjoram
- Clary Sage
Immune Supportive Oils
- Tea Tree
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Pine
- Oregano
Digestive Support Oils
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Cardamom
- Coriander
- Lemon
- Peppermint
- Fennel
Respiratory Support Essential Oils
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemary
- Frankincense
- Pine
- Lavender
- Camphor
- Juniper Berry
Meditative Oils
- Sandalwood
- Cedarwood
- Juniper Berry
- Frankincense
- Patchouli
- Palo Santo
Focus Essential Oils
- Peppermint
- Orange
- Lime
- Rosemary
Step 3: Make Your Custom Blend
When you determined what oils you want to use for your custom blend, it is time to blend them together. The amount of each oil you choose to add will influence the aroma and even the effect the diffuser blend will have.
I will either blend in a small container or I will drop directly into the diffuser measuring cup. I like to have a small notepad or recipe card to jot down notes on how many drops I used and how I liked the formula.
You will want between 4-10 drops total of essential oils for one diffuser use.
Keep in mind that some oils are very strong scented so you will only want to start with one or two drops and make sure it doesn't overpower the blend (unless you want it to), here are a few to use sparingly:
- Ylang Ylang
- Wintergreen
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
- Rose
If you have a smaller collection, two oils are a great starting point. Learn how pairs of essential oils mix together. Here are some ways I like to blend oils together:
Citrus + Woodsy: Try Tangerine and White Fir
Digestive + Uplifting: Try Fennel and Grapefruit
Floral + Spicy: Try Lavender and Cardamom
Spicy + Citrus: Try Ginger and Orange
Immune + Relaxing: Try Clove and Lavender
Resin + Woodsy: Try Frankincense and Black Spruce
Respiratory + Energizing: Try Eucalyptus and Lime
Step 4: Enjoy!
Place your custom oil blend into the diffuser with required water. Once you turn on and experience your blend, determine if the aroma and environment you created match your initial goal. Make adjustments as needed to the oils and drops needed for next time.
Get the Guide, that includes the steps as well as a blank recipe sheet to add your custom oil blends to.
DIY Essential Oil Diffuser Blends Guide
Includes the steps for blending your own essential oil recipes for your diffuser, as well as a blank recipe sheet template to add your custom oil blends to by Jennifer Lane, Loving Essential Oils Owner & Certified Aromatherapist: