blending essential oils

You may have wondered why perfume smells different after it’s been on the skin for a while. Similarly your essential oil blends will shift and transform in their aroma within the hours after you first create them. Each oil evaporates at a different rate, meaning one may remain fragrant whilst the aroma of others have since vanished.
Again, this is an art-form, likened to the notation scale in music. When evaporation occurs within a short space of time, generally within an hour or two, the oils are referred to as “top notes”. Slightly longer lasting oils, imparting their fragrance for up to four hours, are deemed “middle notes”. The lowest and slowest, at times taking many days to fully evaporate are called “base notes”. When you take note of your oil’s notes, particularly if you intend on creating large batches, it helps to ensure that your blend is consistent in its aroma and development over time.

2. by properties and effect

Perhaps the most straightforward means is by addressing their properties and effects. You can do this by exploring which oils are categorised as energising, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing, or as a tonic – an array of opportunities for healing and benefit to one’s mental and physical state exist when it comes to these incredible gifts from Earth. Generally speaking, you can concoct an entirely complimentary blend when using oils within the same category.

3. by aroma type

Essential oils can be arranged in regards to the way they smell, and many can branch into multiple categories, depending on the nose of the individual! This is entirely up to one’s personal impressions and taste. Like one’s taste in literature or wine, it’s about how you and your nose like to ‘read’.

Regardless of which avenue of exploration and preparation you wish to flow into; the moment you find inspiration, you’re absolutely free to create pure magic! The more you practice and utilise your innate wisdom and remarkable ability to contemplate, you’ll discover that the possibilities are endless and the rewards are immense. Let your inner alchemical master break free and manifest wonder! You’re encouraged to attempt blending oils from different groups, allowing you to achieve desirable results for two differing circumstances.

There are only a few general ‘formalities’ if one could even consider them as such. Again, like the entire essential oil experience, it would be entirely subjective to the individual. Citrus and floral aromas are well known to complement each other in terms of their fragrance, and herbaceous oils pair magnificently with woody scents. However, the personal creative freedom and flexibility is entirely up to you, herbaceous aromas also work immensely well with citrus too! The opportunities are clearly endless!

A little overwhelmed? It’s not a problem, take a deep breath and remember there’s always our technological ally (and at times, the enemy!) in this age on Earth: the internet! You can browse professionally recommended blends by a multitude of experienced practitioners from around the world, and a good place to start would be to simply play copy cat! You do, however, need to take into consideration the measurements you intend on using, and it’s best to start with a simple ratio, which you can adjust as you grow and flourish through your oil journey.

It may seem tempting to combine two blends which are known for their immense synergistic essence, but it’s not entirely advised and it would be better to begin from scratch to avoid such unpredictable outcomes. The quantities in professional blends will at times be a mystery and have particular reasons for certain results, so achieving the same effect may prove a frustrating challenge. It’s recommended that if you’d like to blend with a blend, rather create the blend yourself and try adding in an additional oil (or two!) to make it entirely your own.

If you’re beginning with your first blend, keep in mind to leave room for error, it’s best to start small. Using a dark glass bottle (which protects your oils from light) that measures 10-15ml will ensure that if the blend is not as successful as intended, you haven’t wasted a substantial amount of your treasures.

1. Start by filling your chosen bottle with your choice of carrier oil and fill it almost to the top.
2. Choose three to five oils to put in your blend using your prime wisdom and oil grouping finesse.
3. To ensure you’ve diluted your oils safely, you can use up to 8 drops of your essential oils to maintain a 2.5%-3% dilution rate in a 15ml bottle.
4. Try one drop of each oil first and embrace its aroma, adjusting as you feel and smell necessary, ceasing once you’ve added 8 – 40 drops in total.

Everyone these days is rather aware of the differences between the multitude of products we have on our shelves, world-wide for our delight. As with most things, and especially those regarding personal wellbeing and health, it is imperative to choose the highest possible quality essential oil products. With a few exceptions, you may suffice with using a lower grade tea tree oil for your household cleaning.

However, you may choose a finer grade to utilise on the largest organ of your body, the integumentary system, otherwise known as your skin!
You will most likely find that the majority of oils are recommended for external use only. It is essential that pure, therapeutic grade essential oils are only ever considered when intending to consume internally, and should generally be done under the supervision of an accredited professional. Some oil producers will use fillers and additives which are not ideal for cosmetic or therapeutic use.

As with the entire experience of essential oils, each person may react differently to aromas and components. Certain individuals who are prone to skin sensitivity and those with allergies may react to certain oils. It is important to consider and read any safety information carefully, for any oil products you purchase and experiment with.

There’s absolutely no reason to be afraid of words such as ‘side-effects’ or ‘adverse reactions’, like most avenues of creative expression, it may not be too much of a worry if you added a drop extra of one oil in relation to another. It rests on which application you are intending on using your blend for. For aromatherapy, or a bug repellant, the mix may not come under much scrutiny. However, if your intention is for more of an emotional, mental or physically healing result; it may be wise to pay close and conscious attention to the means and ways in which you create magic with these dynamic essences. 

Have you had your own experience blending your essential oils? We’d love to know! What is your favourite blend for your diffuser? Do you have a particular recipe for the perfect skincare spritzer or cream? Please engage in the comments below to add your wisdom and creative expression for the benefit of all, as there is never a right or wrong with this art form, and always room to learn!