I love using an essential oil diffuser because it’s a gentle way to enjoy essential oils, and it’s often safe for kids too. While there are many pre-made blends available, I sometimes prefer creating my own scents, especially during the fall and winter seasons.
Aromatherapy is a fantastic way to reap the health benefits of essential oils without the hassle of applying them topically. You don’t have to worry about using a carrier oil or causing skin irritation, plus some oils that aren’t safe to apply to children’s skin are fine to use in a diffuser.
Sometimes, I’ll diffuse single oils like peppermint or lemon, but crafting DIY blends can be a great way to customize both the scent and the benefits. It’s also an excellent way to freshen up a room without relying on synthetic air fresheners.
There are countless diffuser recipes online, but not all come with adequate information. Some essential oils aren’t safe for children or pets. A good rule is not to have pets in a closed room while diffusing. I’ve noted safety guidelines for kids with each recipe, but keep the diffuser away from their face and avoid diffusing for long periods. I’ve used guidance from IFRA standards and Robert Tisserand’s Essential Oil Safety for this.
I tend to use a few essential oil brands regularly, preferring Plant Therapy, Vibrant Blue Oils, and sometimes Mountain Rose Herbs. It’s important to choose oils that are grown without pesticides, in their native environment, and produced ethically.
If you don’t want to make your own blends, Plant Therapy offers a variety of excellent pre-made options, including kid-safe ones.
Like perfumes, essential oil blends often follow certain guidelines. You want oils that smell good alone and together. While thyme and oregano are effective for boosting health, they might not have the most pleasant aroma. Other oils, like Roman chamomile, rose, and sandalwood, work well in diffusers but can be pricey.
Blends usually consist of base, middle, and top notes. Base notes, such as vetiver and cedarwood, linger longer. Top notes, like lime and lemon, evaporate faster. Middle notes, such as lavender, fall in between. You don’t have to use all three notes, but their combination can create a pleasing scent.
The amount of essential oil to use depends on your diffuser type. I prefer a nebulizing diffuser which disperses a concentrated amount quickly. An ultrasonic diffuser uses a cooler water mist and is less potent, requiring fewer drops in smaller rooms.
Certain scents can evoke strong memories, like baking cookies during Christmas. I enjoy having potpourri or the diffuser going during the holidays. Many of these recipes also have immune-boosting properties, perfect for cold and flu season.
Here are a few blend ideas:
– Minty Fresh: Energizing and helps with memory and breathing. Safe for ages 3 and up in moderated amounts.
– Woodsy Blend: Feels like a walk in the woods, grounding emotions and supporting respiratory health. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
– Chai Spice: Tastes like warm chai or baked cookies, good for the immune system. Safe for ages 6 months and up if you skip the clove.
– Candy Cane: A refreshing pick-me-up. Safe for ages 6 months and up without the wintergreen.
– Grounding Forest Blend: Combines calming frankincense, vetiver, and cedarwood with uplifting orange. Omit vetiver if it causes unease. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
– Spicy Citrus: Refreshing and uplifting, great for holiday stress and immunity. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
These blends are suitable year-round, not just for holidays. They’re great for freshening up before guests arrive. You can also increase the oil to water ratio for a room spray.
Here are a couple more blends:
– Floral Citrus: Relieves stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Patchouli or ylang ylang can be used based on preference. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
– Springtime: Lemon energizes, lavender calms, and geranium uplifts emotionally. Helps with seasonal allergies. Safe for ages 6 months and up.
What are some of your favorite oils to diffuse? Let us know!
