Blending Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Blending aromatherapy essential oils into a well balanced mix is talent and can some time patience and practice, but once perfected can be extremely beneficial to your well being. Aromatherapy blends that complement your daily routine are among the fastest growing uses of aromatherapy today.

An essential oil blend is created for a number of different therapeutic benefits including stress relief, relaxation, a quick uplift, or even pain relief. No special skills are required to produce a successful blend but a thorough knowledge of oils will help, along with a clear understanding of the intended use of the blend. A sensible aromatherapy blend employs all-natural, pure essential oils and delivers a clear benefit. The oils combined in it should be synergistic and harmonious enough to support and enhance oil’s effect.

Before starting your blending work, it’s very important to understand essential oils in general, as well as the specific parameters and aroma profiles of the oils you want to work with.

Essential oils are essentially very volatile. When you uncap a bottle of essential oil and expose it to the air, its aroma profile immediately begins to spread, develop and change. It undergoes certain defined morphological changes during its life span.

The three main stages of these changes are known as the top note stage, middle stage, and dry out stage. These stages of volatility coincide with three characteristics of the aroma profile known as top notes, middle notes and base notes. The top note stage appears first and corresponds with the most volatile, productive and unstable aroma compounds of the oil.

The aromas of these compounds are very subtle, smooth and fleeting, sometimes lasting just for a few seconds before dissipating. As the top notes evaporate very gradually, the oil enters its middle stage, in which the aroma body is most developed and balanced. A portion of the top notes remain, the middle notes are most apparent and sensible while the base notes are beginning to develop slowly.

As the middle stage progresses slowly, the base notes become visible and more noticeable, because they consist of compounds that are slow to volatilization. When the base notes finally evaporate, a faint but light dry out note can remain. The aroma profile of the dry out stage is thin, sometimes pungent, and suggests the presence of the oil. The dry out component can be thought of as the matrix or the soul of the oil.

Based on their individual aroma profiles, oils can be categorized into top notes, middle notes and bottom notes. A very delicate, highly volatile oil like bergamot is considered top note oil. Well balanced oil like sage would be known as middle note oil. Deep, rich, very tenacious oil like patchouli is considered base note oil.

When creating an aromatherapy essential oil blend, attempt for balance between top, middle and base note oils. Well balanced oil has a complex aroma profile and maintains the aromatherapy benefit throughout the various stages, although the characteristics of the scent may change. It is more stable and its usage spells a clear motive and defined benefit.

Before blending aromatherapy essential oils, analyze the various aroma profiles of the oils by dispensing a drop of oil on blotter paper or unscented tissue. Concentrate, inhale and note your impressions. Write notes and build notes for future reference. Trust your impressions and experience of the oils. Try to be connoisseur of smell. What do the different aromas remind you of? How do they under go change and develop throughout the various stages? How does the oil’s fragrance make you feel?

As you develop a definite picture of the oils, visualize how they’ll work with each other in a blend. Just decide about the part of the oil to be used, which effects are to be enhanced and which harsh characters needs to be toned down.

Two of the most relaxing essential oils are chamomile and lavender. Uplifting oils include bergamot and lemon. A careful blend of these oils would produce a light, sweet aroma with complex top and middle notes. The bergamot, lemon and chamomile oil components would lend this blend a fruity sweetness. The lavender would make the sweetness a wee bit more floral-botanical.

If you need the blend to be a little less sweet and more stimulating, a little amount of herbaceous, yet penetrating rosemary could be dispensed. The relaxing, spicy-woody oil of rosewood will serve as an effective base to this blend. If you observe, all essential effects of these oils are purely complimentary and in no way conflicting!

Try and learn which essential oils would match the benefit and aroma you’re after. Then begin an experiment with various quantities and combinations, until you create the blend you want. Always try to keep notes on what you’re doing, so upon a perfect blend you can repeat and make it more perfect.

A workout blend would inspire a perfectly positive attitude about improving health and physical appearance. A perfect blend is invigorating, inspiring and uplifting and such properties of essential oils can help you boost confidence and commitment all through the day. Some oils are activating, others soothe and calm, and still others fight workout odors. Some work like catalyst, while others are purely energizing.

Natural Aromatherapy and Its Many Uses

Natural Aromatherapy works by the sense of smell, it triggers signals in the brain to influence the way you feel. You can test all the many different essential oil fragrance to see which one is more beneficial to you. There have been studies that state natural aromatherapy and the smells of the essential oils can  help you solve problems relating to the aches and pains associated with colds, influenza, arthritis, depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress, weight loss and many others.

Some oils are excellent for use with children and pets; however, you need to practice care while treating either with aromatherapy products. Some of them are safe to use while pregnant. However, as with anything else you may decide to use you do need to do some research into which aromatherapy essential oils you my consider and you should consult your physician before using them, especially if you are already taking prescription medications.

Some aromatherapy essential oils are excellent for use as natural insect repellents, room freshening, and other household uses. For instance, you can use a few drops of these oils to freshen up your laundry, your closets and drawers as well as your vacuum clear bags and the trash can. Other means of using these special oils and scents may be to include them in any homemade aromatherapy products you make yourself, such as scented baths products, hair care items, skin care items and even in perfumes.

One thing is certain when you use aromatherapy essential oils, when you use them they can influence the way you feel, while enhancing your sense of health and well-being no matter where or how you decide to use them.