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An essential oil blend can be created for
therapeutic effect, or for a unique fragrance - or both. You do not need to
be an expert in the use of essential oils to create blends.
The Nature of a Good Blend
A good aromatherapy blend uses all-natural,
pure essential oils and delivers a benefit. The oils in it should be
synergistic to support and enhance each oil's effect.
Before beginning your blending work, it's
important to understand essential oils in general, as well as the specific
characteristics and aroma profiles of the oils you want to work with.
You will want to familiarize yourself with
the fragrance and effect of essential oils
Breathe the aroma and
i) note how it makes you feel - calm,
uplifted, focused, sensual
ii) note the scent - light, fresh, strong,
sweet, green, herbal
As you develop a descriptive picture of the
oils, think about how they'll work with each other in a blend. What part of
the oil do you want to work with? What effects do you want to enhance? What
characteristics do you want to tone down?
Some pointers for creating a balanced blend
There is no limit on how many essential oils
you can use in your blend.
You may want to use essential oils with a
strong fragrance sparingly - such as peppermint or basil. Lavender may be
useful for toning down strong scented oils. You can add just a drop or two
of any essential oil to create an appealing fragrance in your blend.
Blended essential oils will merge over time
and the fragrance may change. You can leave the blend for a day, then return
and test the fragrance. It may be perfect!
And as you experiment with your blend
creations keep a record of the number of drops you use of each essential oil
in the blend, so that you can recreate the same blend later on.
Common Sense Blending
Learn which oils match the benefit and aroma
you're looking for. Then experiment with quantities and combinations until
you create the blend you envision. Always keep notes on what you're doing so
when you hit upon that perfect blend you can repeat your success. Happy
blending!
Massage, burner or direct inhalation
Pure essential oils need to be diluted before
they can be applied to the body. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential
oils for massage. An example would be oils like Sweet Almond, grapeseed or
jojoba oil.
Blends to use in an aroma burner or for
direct inhalation do not need to be diluted at all. In fact, if you are
creating a blend for your burner, you want the mixture to consist of only
pure essential oils.
E.g. Creating a Simple Blend
Imagine an "End of the Day Blend"
to help you relax and unwind after a busy, stress-filled day. This blend
should be soothing and relaxing, but also uplifting to chase away the cares
and worries of the day and give you a little boost to carry you through an
evening at home.
Two excellent relaxing oils are chamomile and
lavender. Uplifting oils include bergamot and lemon. A blend of these oils
would produce a light, sweet aroma. The bergamot, lemon and chamomile would
give this blend a fruity sweetness. The lavender would make the sweetness a
bit more floral-herbaceous. If you want the blend to be a little less sweet
and more stimulating, a small amount of herbal, penetrating rosemary could
be added. The relaxing, spicy-woody oil of rosewood might serve as an
effective base to this blend.
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