Best Essential Oils to Use in a Diffuser: 21 Oils, Recipes, and Benefits


There are a wealth of beautifully aromatic and therapeutic oils to use in your diffuser! But what are the best essential oils to use in a diffuser? 

You might have just bought your first diffuser snd wondering where to start, or you might be looking to add more oils to your DIY oil kit to experiment a little more. 

In my helpful article, I’ll cover 21 of the best essential oils to use in a diffuser, which I have tried and tested a number of times. 

The best essential oils to use in a diffuser will depend on their use. lavender, jasmine, lemon, bergamot, sandalwood, and sweet orange for aroma, eucalyptus, chamomile, lemongrass, lavender, and tea tree for therapeutic qualities and rosemary, clary sage, spearmint, sandalwood, and geranium for both. 

Ok so with a summary in mind, let’s get a quick takeaway of the best oils to use in a diffuser with a more in-depth look at each oil to follow. 

It’s my own personal tried and tested list but it’s difficult to actually put them in order! I’ve tried to put the most commonly used and frequently asked about oils in pole positions, but feel free to use them in any order and experiment!

Here are the 21 Best Essential Oils for a Diffuser

peppermint oil in a diffuser
  1. Eucalyptus oil
  2. Tea tree oil
  3. Lavender oil
  4. Peppermint oil 
  5. Thieves oil 
  6. Geranium oil 
  7. Spearmint oil
  8. Clary sage oil 
  9. Bergamot oil
  10. Sandalwood oil 
  11. Orange oil
  12. Chamomile oil 
  13. Mandarin oil
  14. Lemongrass oil
  15. Jasmine oil 
  16. Thyme oil
  17. Lime oil
  18. Vetiver oil
  19. Sage oil
  20. Rosemary oil
  21. Lemon oil

1. Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus essential oil brings a touch of wellness to your diffuser blends. Its balsam and clearing aroma can help support a good immune system while keeping air bacteria-free. 

Eucalyptus oil is one of my ‘go-to’ oils in a diffuser for its antibacterial and antiviral boosting properties. 

I like to add 3 drops each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and lemon oil to 100mL of water boiled and cooled into my favorite diffuser and pop on for an hour to help cleanse the air and enjoy its spa-like fragrance!

Eucalyptus oil in a diffuser 

  • Clear up colds, throat infections, and dry coughs 
  • Promote good blood circulation 
  • Open up airways 
  • Ease breathing 
  • Reduce symptoms of asthma and other respiratory illness symptoms such as bronchitis, and sinusitis
  • Fight allergies  
  • Help to promote good digestion 
  • Fill your space with a mountain air aroma! 

For more ways to bring the power of this immune-boosting oil to your blends, head over and discover more of my favorite, tried and tested Benefits of Eucalyptus in a Diffuser 

2. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil)

Tea tree oil is another super oil to use in diffuser blends and is literally one of my most used oil! 

It’s packed full of therapeutic properties and brings a fresh mountain air aroma to diffuser blends! 

One of my ultimate  tried and tested diffuser recipes using tea tree is: 

Fresh and clean Diffuser Blend 

  • 3 drops tea tree oil 
  • 2 drops rosemary oil 
  • 2 drops lavender oil 
  • 100mL boiled and cooled water from a kettle 

Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for a diffuser for a wealth of reasons! But this blend smells like you’ve had the cleaners in while also boosting your respiratory health! 

The benefits of tea tree in a diffuser 

  • Helps support skin infections
  • Deters head lice and other insects 
  • Plants love it! 
  • Cleanses air from bacteria and viruses 
  • The botanic, fresh aroma 

Mixing Tea tree oil with lavender essential oil in a diffuser helps to fight against depression and anxiety along with a clear bright fragrance that can also scent your home beautifully! 

Find out more about the Benefits Of Mixing Lavender and Tea Tree in your diffuser. 

“Tea tree oil is one of the best essential oils for a diffuser for a wealth of reasons!”

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil not only smells beautiful with its gentle floral and botanical aroma when used in a diffuser, but it also has some fabulous therapeutic effects too. 

Use Lavender oil in a diffuser to: 

  • Relieve muscle aches
  • Reduce migraine symptoms 
  • Help with insomnia, and other sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea 
  • Relieve anxiety and mind fog 
  • Combat low moods and depressive feelings 

Lavender oil really is a little miracle in a bottle! Along with its list of qualities, it also helps to improve the immune system. 

Discover more ways Lavender oil is one of my specially curated list of Best Oils To Boost Your Immune System in my other helpful article. 

Lavender: one of the best oils to use in a diffuser 

Lavender oil is also number 3 on my list of best oils to use in a diffuser because of its gorgeous floral and balsamic fragrance. It’s also packed full of antibacterial properties to help cleanse your kitchen and bathrooms. 

For a more in-depth look at how lavender can be used in your diffuser, roller blends, face serums, and more check out another of my articles and head over to find out which other oils Lavender Oil Blends Well With…

4. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is one of my utmost favorite oils to use in a diffuser because of its glorious clean and uplifting scent! 

One of my most used morning diffuser blends to start my day off with a zing is to add 6 drops of peppermint oil to 100mL of boiled and cooled water and set my diffuser time for an hour while I get ready to start my day. 

Peppermint oil earns its place on my specially curated list of best essential oils to use in a diffuser! It’s not only perfect as a home fragrance, and a mood lifter, it also has a wealth of therapeutic qualities. 

Peppermint oil is one of the best oils to use in a diffuser 

  • Helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms such as sinusitis and nasal congestion 
  • Improves memory 
  • Promotes focus 
  • Uplifts and restores 
  • Relieves anxiety and relaxes 

Peppermint is a perfect oil to use in diffuser blends. It combines beautifully with so many other oils including lavender, tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus, and more! 

Discover 27 Oils That Blend Well With Peppermint in one of my other helpful articles. 

pepeprmint oil best for diffuser

5. Thieves Oil 

Thieves oil has a long history of use in diffusers for: 

  • boosting the immune system
  • promoting respiratory health
  • It’s antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral properties 
  • Managing stress and anxiety 
  • Minimizing mind chatter 

It’s a combination of usually 4 but sometimes 5 oils which contain a wealth of benefits when diffused. 

Thieves oil, One of the best oils to use in a diffuser 

It most definitely has a place on my best oils to use in a diffuser! I use it quite frequently as a ‘go-to’ oil if I’m feeling lethargic or a little under the weather. It’s cinnamon and balsam scent lifts my mood and helps keep cold and flu symptoms at bay. 

I’ve listed below my favorite way of making thieves’ oil. There are sometimes variations but this is the one I think is the best thieves oil to use in a diffuser. 

Lemon is not always used but I love it to add brightness, aroma, and extra antioxidants! 

It gives around 100 drops of oil to add straight to your electronic diffuser with 100mL of boiled and cooled water. I generally use 8 to 10 drops each time I use it, so you can get at least 10 diffuser sessions from my recipe. 

DIY Thieves oil for diffusers

  • 35 drops of clove oil 
  • 30 drops of lemon oil 
  • 15 drops of cinnamon bark oil 
  • 10 drops eucalyptus oil 
  • 10 drops of rosemary oil 
  • 8 ounces of witch hazel, rose water, or distilled water (boiled and cooled from a kettle) 

Add all ingredients to a 10oz amber bottle ( add each oil with a pipette for the best results and to minimize spillage. 

Thieves oil becomes more effective as it ages, so leave it in a cool dark place for up to 4 weeks if possible. 

6. Geranium oil in a diffuser 

Geranium is such a gorgeous smelling oil with a gentle floral rose scent. This is why it’s made my special list of the best essential oils to use in a diffuser! 

One of my favorite diffuser blends to relax, restore, and for a little ‘me-time’ is: 

  • 4 drops geranium oil
  • 3 drops ylang ylang oil 
  • 3 drops bergamot oil 
  • 1 drop frankincense oil 
  • 100mL of boiled and cooled water. 

Simply add all oils and water to your diffuser,( I usually use a jug to do this for less spillage) and set your diffuser for 1 hour. 

It’s perfect to bring a ‘Thailand spa’ feel to your relaxing space or dressing area! 

Geranium has so many therapeutics benefits when diffused. 

Here are a few of the best ones. 

  • Antioxidant, perfect for cleansing and purifying the air around your 
  • Antibacterial qualities which help to keep coughs and colds at bay 
  • Antimicrobial 
  • Perfect to diffuse during labor due to its calming effect. In clinical trials diffusing geranium oil was shown to reduce the first stage of labor anxiety 

For more ways to use geranium in gorgeous scented diffuser blends, head over to discover 30 Oils To Blend With Geranium, Recipes, and Blends 

7. Spearmint oil 

Spearmint is literally one of my ‘go-to’ best essential oils for a diffuser! 

Its clear, uplifting, and reviving aroma is perfect to start the day with a clear head and ready to focus! 

Spearmint’s fresh aroma brings clarity and a touch of brightness to even the dullest day! 

In a diffuser, it mixes beautifully with members of the same family of such as: 

  • Lavender 
  • Basil 
  • Marjoram 
  • Sage
  • Rosemary 
  • Thyme 

Scientific studies also have proven peppermint oil is a wonderful antiseptic, astringent, stimulant and can also protect against inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits of spearmint in a diffuser: 

  • Eases symptoms of coughs and colds 
  • Clears nasal passages 
  • Stops spread of bacteria and viruses 
  • Uplifting aroma for home fragrance 
  • Reduces feelings of morning sickness 

8. Diffusing Clary sage essential oil

Clary Sage Oil in a diffuser has a light floral and cleansing aroma. 

It’s gorgeous scent is perfect to invoke a walk in the summer countryside and also helps to soothe frazzled nerves! 

Discover my favorite way with clary sage. Number 7 in my tried and tested list of the best oils to use in a diffuser! 

  • 3 drops clary sage 
  • 3 drops lavender 
  • 2 drops bergamot 
  • 100mL of boiled and cooled water 

One of the most common questions I’m asked is how to diffuse essential oils for relaxing and relieving stress. 

Pop over to find out my specially curated list of 30 Best oils and Blend Recipes For Calm and Relaxation, to help you get the most out of your diffuser. 

“One of the most common questions I’m asked is how to diffuse essential oils for relaxing and relieving stress.”

bergamot oil best for diffuser
bergamot is one of my best -go-to-oils for diffusing when I feel anxious

9. How do I use Bergamot Oil in a diffuser? 

Mix 3 drops of Bergamot with 3 drops each of orange and lemon oil with 100mL of water. Add to your diffuser and run for 2 hours. 

This zingy diffuser blend will lift your mood and put you in a spring mood! Alongside cleansing the air and preventing bacteria from spreading. 

Bergamot is another fabulous oil to use in a diffuser and provides both a wealth of therapeutic effects and also has a beautifully uplifting citrus aroma. 

Some of the benefits of using bergamot oil in a diffuser 

  • Relieves depression and anxiety 
  • Fights against chronic fatigue and insomnia 
  • Relaxes and restores 
  • Has light citrus and floral scent to help combat low moods
  • Relaxes the nervous system 
  • Purifies air and stops the spread of bacteria 

10. Sandalwood essential oil

I just love the smell of sandalwood in a diffuser blend. Its uplifting leathery botanical smell reminds me of a gorgeous freshly washed car! 

It’s perfect to mix with lemon and cedarwood in a diffuser for a super clean and fresh aroma. I love diffusing this in my living space after I’ve done my weekly cleaning chores! 

Add 5 drops of sandalwood, with 3 each lemon and cedarwood. Combine in a diffuser with 100mL of water and run the timer for an hour. 

Sandalwood not only smells lovely, it also has many therapeutic effects when diffused including: 

  • Helps with focus and mental alertness 
  • Brings clarity and clears mind fog 
  • Promotes restful sleep when combined in a diffuser with bergamot, lavender and scotch pine 

If you would like to discover more about How To Use A Diffuser, head over to my other helpful article to find out how many drops of oil and water to use for the best results and more! 

“I just love the smell of sandalwood in a diffuser blend.”

11. Orange Essential Oil

I have to say Orange oil is probably one of the most used oils I have and definitely one of the best oils to use in a diffuser! 

Orange oil is wonderfully versatile in recipes and blends and mixes so well with other oils! 

It works beautifully to diffuse as a mood lifter, helps with fatigue, depression, anxiety, and has also been scientifically proven to fight cancer cells. This is because of its high content of limonene. 

Its sunny fragrance can lift even the dullest day! 

Orange is also one of the best oils to diffuse as it smells exactly like the Orange fragrance you are familiar with! Perfect for home cleaning DIY diffuser blends, or to recreate a sunny market in Marrakesh vacation vibe! 

For some of the best diffuser recipes and other ways to use orange oil discover more here! 

12. Chamomile Oil is one of the best oils to use in a diffuser 

Chamomile oil is one of my ultimate favorite essential oils. Its delicate mown grass fragrance is perfect in diffuser blends to relax, restore and rejuvenate. 

It’s also well known for its sedative effects and when I add it to a diffuser recipe along with lavender it really helps me to drift off into a relaxing sleep until morning! 

I often use a blend of chamomile and lavender ( 5 drops of each) along with 100 mL of distilled water and let my diffuser run while I sleep.

To find out more about Sleeping With A Diffuser On pop over to find out everything you need to know! 

Chamomile oil in a diffuser has so many benefits. It helps in treating eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It also aids in combating insomnia!

Chamomile essential oil is not only helpful for sleep deprivation when added to diffuser blends, but it can also help with nerve pain, arthritis, and nerve pain. 

13. Mandarin Oil

Mandarin oil in my opinion has a slightly more bitter note than orange oil. However, it earns its place on my list of best oils to use in a diffuser! 

Mandarin oil works beautifully in diffuser blends and helps with: 

  • Colds and flu symptoms 
  • Coughs, colds, bacterial and viral infections
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Helps to calm overactive thoughts 
  • Balance emotions 

Its citrus aroma makes it perfect for home fragrance, especially during the holiday season! Mix3 drops of mandarin oil with 2 drops of clove oil and 2 drops of Cedarwood with 100mL of distilled water for a holiday diffuser blend to welcome your guests! 

14. Lemongrass oil

Lemongrass essential oil is well known for its ability to boost immunity in diffuser blends. It also helps in improving your digestive system.

This intense lemon fragrance is one of the best oils to use in a diffuser because it blends so well with other oils. 

  • Mix 3 drops of lemongrass 
  • 2 drops of peppermint oil
  • 2 drops of spearmint oil 
  • 100mL of boiled and cooled  water from a kettle 

I love to mix all ingredients together in a diffuser and set a timer for one hour. It really helps me when I’m suffering a little from bloating, IBS, or other upset tummy issues. 

This recipe also will keep your room smelling bright and fresh while cleansing the air. 

Lemongrass is also one of the best oils to use in a diffuser because it: 

  • Lifts and energizes 
  • Reducing mental fatigue
  • Purifies the air by removing bacteria 
  • Deters deters pesky mites
  • Eases symptoms of nausea

15. Jasmine Oil

Jasmine oil has to be literally the queen of aromatic oils! In a diffuser, its light floral fragrance brings an exotic perfumed touch to your space! It is also packed with anti-inflammatory compounds that can: 

  • Relieve muscle and joint pains
  • Aids menstrual cramping 
  • Fights symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism
  • Promotes relaxation 
  • Relieves symptoms of stress and anxiety 

One of my favorite scented diffuser blends: 

  • 3 drops Jasmine 
  • 3 drops bergamot 
  • 2 clary sage
  • 100mL of boiled and cooled  water 

Add to an electronic diffuser and set the timer for half an hour to an hour for the best sensory experience.

I also love using jasmine in a bath blend for all-over jasmine benefits! To find out more beautiful bath blends, head over and discover Relaxing Oil Blends, 18 Blend Recipes to help you keep calm, relaxed, and energized. 

which oils are best for a diffuser

16. Thyme essential oil, best for diffusers 

This balsamic and clearing essential oil deserves its place on my specially curated best essential oils for diffusers list! Along with its mountain air aroma, it benefits the respiratory system by clearing up phlegm and mucus from the lungs.

Its antimicrobial properties also remove infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

I love thyme oil mixed with other herbal scented oils in a diffuser, with a touch of nutmeg for an earthy note. It’s fabulously diffused in your office or home workspace for focus and clarity. 

  • 3 drops thyme oil 
  • 2 drops rosemary oil 
  • 1 drop of cedarwood oil 
  • 1 drop nutmeg 
  • 100mL  of boiled and cooled water from a kettle 

Add all ingredients to your favorite electronic diffuser and set a timer if you have one for half an hour before you start on your to-do list! 

17. Lime Oil

Lime essential oil has beautiful citrus and uplifting scent which is why it’s one of the best essential oils for a diffuser. 

Mixed with other citrus oils such as orange and grapefruit, it can really lift your mood while it’s antibacterial properties help to remove harmful pathogens. It’s high vitamin C content is perfect for hydrating skin. 

My favorite way to diffuse lime is to combine 3 drops each of lime, grapefruit, and orange with 100mL of boiled and cooled water. I love this blend in my dressing room preparing for my day ahead! 

Lime oil can also be used as a substitute in baking for fresh lime. find out how here 

18. Vetiver essential oil

Vetiver essential in your diffuser has a great soothing effect on the brain, great for early onset of migraines and headaches, especially when mixed with lavender oil. 

Vetiver in a diffuser works for fatigue and is also perfect for insomnia by helping to calm the mind and remove anxiety. 

Vetiver is one of the best oils to use in a diffuser because it: 

  • Helps by grounding, calming and balancing emotional overload 
  • Promotes restful sleep 
  • Soothes feelings of anger and irritability 
  • Boosts the immune system 
  • Provides antioxidant and antibacterial compounds 
  • Lifts mental fatigue 

Its earthy, woody, sweet and slightly smoky aroma blends well in a diffuser with lighter floral or herbal oils such as lavender, rosemary, ylang-ylang, and clary sage. 

19. Sage Oil in a diffuser 

Sage is a wonderful essential oil that can relieve stress and depression, treat acne and skin rashes, improve bone health & decrease inflammation.

Adding 5 drops of sage oil to 3 drops each of Rosemary and eucalyptus oil to your diffuser can help to cleanse the air and help dispel negative thoughts. 

Sage is one of the best oils in a diffuser for an immune system boost

Additionally, this essential oil can also help to improve your immune system function. Sage oil makes my list of one of the best oils to use in a diffuser because it is a multi-functioning oil and blends well in diffuser recipes. 

For more ways to help support a flagging immune system using a diffuser, head over to discover more in my other helpful article. Immune Boosting Diffuser Recipes, 14 Best Blends. 

20. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil has the ability to increase the circulation of blood in your body, this not only enhances the blood flow but also improves your memory.

Rosemary oil can also prevent cancer, treat dandruff and improve your skin health.

Rosemary oil also has the ability to strengthen the immune system of a person’s body.

For lots more fragrant and therapeutic Rosemary diffuser recipes, head over to my other helpful article, ‘Rosemary Oil Benefits In A Diffuser’ 

21. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil makes my list of the best oils to use in a diffuser because of its glorious clean and vibrant aroma along with its extra special therapeutic benefits.

Lemon is great for fighting against viral infections, flu, colds, and cough. It is also perfect for improving your immune system too.

Lemon oil added to a diffuser can act as an antidepressant and is also considered to be great for skin problems too. 

Best Essential Oils in a diffuser – round up

There are so many essential oils that you can try with your diffuser, but the ones listed above are some of the best ones. They are also some of my favorite tried and tested! The oils I come back today after day when I want to get the most out of my diffuser! 

If you have enjoyed finding out about the best oils to use in a diffuser, don’t forget to pop over and discover more about how to use essential oils for skincare or to discover whether oil burners are better than diffusers.

My comforting article on the best oils to use for grief covers all the best oils to use when grieving or any kind of loss. 

Essential Oil Blend Recipes For Glowing Skin 

Essential Oil Burners Vs Diffusers. Cost, Safety, Features 

Best Essential Oils for Grief. Blends for Loss, Comfort, and Hope 

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