Aromatherapy Blends

Blending aromatherapy oils in to a well balanced mix is a workmanship that is a combination of an art as well as aesthetics.  Aromatherapy blends that complement workout routines in our daily lives are among the fastest growing uses of aromatherapy today.  An essential oil blend is formulated for aesthetic as well as therapeutic benefits. No special skill is required to produce a successful blend but a spirit of creativity and 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 open 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 character changes are known as the top note stage, middle stage, and a complete 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. When the top notes evaporate very slowly, the oil enters its middle stage, in which the aroma body is most developed and balanced. As portions of the top notes still linger, the middle notes are most apparent, delectable and sensible, while the base notes are just 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 lingers. The aroma profile of the dry out stage is thin, sometimes pungent, and suggests the presence of the oil. The dry out component is considered as the matrix or the soul of the oil.

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

When creating a 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 stresses on a clear objective and defined benefit.

Before blending, 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.

As a foundation blend, just try to imagine an “ALL DAY BLEND” that helps you relax and cool after stressful day. Your blend should be soothing and relaxing to your nerves, but also able to drive away the tiredness of the day and give that much needed boost to carry you through the at home.

Three of the excellent relaxing oils are chamomile, mint and lavender. Uplifting oils include clary sage, bergamot and lemon. A careful and a calculated blend of these oils would yield a light, sweet aroma with complex order top and middle note range. The bergamot, lemon and chamomile oil components would impart this blend a fruity sweetness.

The lavender would make the sweetness a wee bit more floral-botanical. If you need the blend to be less sweet and more encouraging, 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 moody, others relaxing, while other oils fight bad odors. Some work like catalyst, while others are purely energizing.

Some of the invigorating and inspiring oils are: Basil, cypress, eucalyptus, fir needle, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, peppermint, petit grain, rosemary and thyme.

Examples of soothing and relaxing oils are: Cedar wood, chamomile, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

Anti-odor and Refreshing oils are: Citrus oils and other oils like bergamot, grapefruit, Limon, lime, orange, and tangerine. Other anti-odor oils are coriander, fir needle, juniper berry and lavender.