No Diffuser? No Problem! 19 Ways to Diffuse Essential Oils Without a Diffuser

Diffusing is a great way to use essential oils.  Diffusion disperses the essential oil molecules into the air so any number of recipients within the space can benefit from them at once.  This method can be very subtle, by adding just a drop or so, enough to lightly scent the air or it can be quite powerful, adding multiple drops to provide therapeutic benefit.  **Important: Please read the directions that come with your diffuser for the appropriate amount of drops per the specific unit.

For probably the first year and a half or two of using essential oils I did not actually own a diffuser…
​
Crazy…I know! 

This is not to say that I did not diffuse my oils though, I certainly did as I feel it is one of the safest and most effective, though underutilized aromatherapy methods out there.  Instead, I found a few creative ways to “diffuse” my essential oils through what is considered passive, or ambient, diffusion. 

19 Ways to Diffuse Without a Diffuser

1. Add a couple drops to a bowl of steamy water.
2. Place a drop or two on a cotton ball and tuck anywhere fragrance is desired.
3. Make a simple drawer sachet using rice, essential oils, and fabric scraps.
4. Place a drop or two on a tissue and tuck into your pillow case at night.
5. Place on a piece of felt and hang in closets or your car.
6. Wear your favorite aromas in diffuser jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.
7. Place just a drop on your shirt collar or cuff [watch for staining though].
8. Massage a drop with a little bit of carrier oil into your hair [bonus as a hair treatment].
9. Refresh an old tart burner by adding a couple drops to the melted wax in its basin.
10. Add a few drops to a bowl of potpourri or dried flower decor.
11. Add a few drops to a pot of simmering water on the stove [be cautious not to boil dry].
12. Make an aromatic room spray.
13. Place a drop or two inside of new toilet paper rolls for a burst of fragrance each time their used.
14. Drop oils onto clothes pins and clip to the air vents in your car or home.
15. Place a few drops onto decorative clay spheres and display [often referred to as aroma stones].
16. Use essential oils to make a reed diffuser using a glass vase, any carrier oil, and skewers or twigs [like this one here].
17. Make DIY gel air fresheners [like this one].
18. Make DIY aromatherapy candles [like these].
19. Make your own incense to burn [like this one].