A quick Google or Pinterest search for a great fall-is-in-the-air diffuser blend will turn up a variety of spicy combinations. Blends with clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and other pumpkin pie-esque essential oils. But what if that just isn’t your jam, or if you want something a little different? I decided to come up with some unique fall diffuser blends that aren’t pumpkin spice or apple pie. To take it a step further, these blends all feature essential oils that may sit on your shelf and not get used all that often.
There is so much variety when it comes to essential oils. One of the most amazing things about oils is the sheer volume of options we have available. To think that each and every essential oil distilled from a plant has its own set of unique properties and aroma. But come on, there are some essential oils that we just don’t know that much about. I’m talking about the oils that would be dead last in a schoolyard pick.
Let’s pull hinoki, ravintsara, and tsuga off the shelf and find out what they’re good for. Xiang Mao, hong kuai, and lemon myrtle have all been patiently waiting their turn for a spin in the diffuser. Check out these fall blends as well as a bit about the benefits of these lesser-known essential oils.
Fall Retreat
Featured essential oil: Hinoki
Hinoki essential oil comes from a Japanese tree in the cypress family with a mild, earthy aroma. Its dominant constituent is alpha-pinene, which is great for skin as well as grounding, centering the mind, and promoting calmness. One study showed that inhaling hinoki actually increases parasympathetic nervous activity, thereby decreasing feelings of agitation and stress.
This blend is perfect for winding down after a busy day or for encouraging a peaceful night’s rest.
- 4 drops Idaho grand fir
- 3 drops lime
- 3 drops hinoki
Chilly Morning Wake Up Call
Featured essential oils: Tsuga and Lemon Myrtle
Tsuga is a conifer (pine) tree commonly known as hemlock. The dominant constituents of bornyl acetate and alpha-pinene impart a minty, piney aroma and make this essential oil a fantastic free radical scavenger. It is also great for the respiratory system and for stimulating the senses.
Lemon myrtle comes from Australia, where it is prized for culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a very bright, lemony aroma that is extremely invigorating and uplifting. The most notable characteristic of lemon myrtle is the high concentration of citral. This constituent is known for its benefits for regulating body glucose levels and promoting healthy body weight.
Diffuse this citrusy blend on those cool fall days when you just want to pull the covers over your head. It’ll have you up and at ’em in no time.
Crisp Fall Air
Featured essential oils: Xiang Mao and Ravintsara
Xiang mao is a grass from Taiwan that is closely related to lemongrass with a pleasant aroma that is not quite as strong. It is great for respiration and especially for purifying the air.
Ravintsara is high in eucalyptol and we see it in respiratory blends. Like xiang mao, it is great for purifying and clarifying. It also helps clear brain fog and uplifts the spirits. Learn more about ravintsara essential oil here.
This blend will infuse your home or office with a breath of fresh, crisp air.
- 4 drops xiang mao
- 4 drops ravintsara
- 2 drops cypress
A Walk in the Woods
Featured essential oils: Hinoki and Hong Kuai
Hong kuai is another tree in the cypress family. It grows in high altitudes of Taiwan and contains constituents that are relaxing and supportive of the respiratory system. It has a very pungent, earthy aroma, so it is best diffused with essential oils that can tame it down a bit.
This woodsy blend is great for freshening a room with the aroma of the great outdoors.
Do you have a favorite fall diffuser blend to share? Comment below and give us the recipe!
New to diffusing? Check out this post to help you choose the right diffuser and care for it properly.
