Blending Essential Oils 101
When entering any spa or aromatherapy facility, the instant scent of essential oils is tantalizing. You are immediately drawn to the allure of relaxation and inner-peace. The healing properties found within these aromatic oils are powerful and effective.
As early as 4500 B.C.E., the use of essential oils as a means of healing was utilized by the ancient Egyptians. Kyphi, for example, was a compilation of 16 different oils that were blended together for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. Today, the use of blending or “stacking” essential oils for optimal benefit is widely used.
However, despite the recorded benefits of blending essential oils, it is important to note that these compounds are medicinal in nature. They contain chemical compounds that could be reactive when mixed incorrectly.
Therefore, the caution used when combining different types of medications should also be practiced when stacking essential oils. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, essential oils do pose possible chemical reactions, but overall, they are “safe to use for the purpose intended in a domestic/ professional or clinical environment.” Many common symptoms of essential oil irritation are skin rashes, swollen or eye redness, and headaches.
If you are considering utilizing essential oils in your wellness routine, it is important to note the possible risk factors and application processes so as to obtain positive results. When essential oils are blended, they are typically used for fragrance or beauty purposes.
There are various notes, categories, and aromas that need to be specifically paired together to reach the desired result. Let’s consider the essential oil blending basics that will ensure your safety.
Determining what your aromatic needs are will help to narrow down your unique blend. Certain oils offer relaxing benefits while others are more revitalizing.
What Are The Basic Categories?
Essential oils typically fall under nine specific categories that align with their notes. Those categories are:
- Floral
- Woodsy
- Earthy
- Herbaceous
- Mint
- Spicy
- Oriental
- Citrus
It is imperative to narrow down your desired aroma and begin compatible research. Usually, oils that belong to the same category pair well with each other, however, there are no specific limitations towards cross testing categories. For example, floral scents can be paired with woodsy ones. Oriental and spicy notes also blend well together. This requires some personal testing that will really get your creative juices flowing!
What Are Notes?
Notes are the key elements of an essential oil that create its composition. The specific note and power behind it can make a tremendous difference in how your blend comes out. It can be likened to the “energy” of the oil. Notes can be divided into three categories: top, middle, and base.
Top Notes evaporate quickly with a short half-life. They may initially have a strong aroma, but as the day progresses, their smell fades away. Citrus and spicy notes typically fade away quickly.
Base notes take quite a while to evaporate and can remain extremely pungent as time goes on. These are the warm, cozy, and woodsy smells that have a deep body.
Middle notes implement a harmonious balance between the top and base notes. They may be soft aromas like lavender or sage that work to bring the aromas together perfectly.
Conclusion
When creating the perfect blend, implementing balance and closely considering your oils will make your fragrance personalized. In addition, your aroma won’t fade out after a few minutes. You will instead have a long-lasting, unique blend that tells a story.
Blending essential oils is a fun and creative way to make essential oils customizable to your needs. By narrowing down your immediate wants, you are able to create a lasting scent that’s personable to you!
