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Aromatherapy Blends
Blending aromatherapy oils in to a well-balanced mix is a workmanship
that is a combination of an art as well as aesthetic ness.
Aromatherapy blends that complement workout routines in our daily lives
are among the fastest growing uses of aromatherapy today. An
essential oil blend is created for aesthetic and/or 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 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 lingers. 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 clary sage would be known as middle note oil. Deep, rich, very
tenacious oil like patchouli is 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 spells a clear motive 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 basic blend, just try to imagine a “DAY OUT
BLEND” that helps you relax and unwind after stressful day.
Your blend should be soothing and relaxing to your nerves, but also
able to drive away the troubles of the day and give that much needed
boost to carry you through the at home.
Two of the excellent relaxing 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.
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: All citrus oils, including bergamot,
grapefruit, Limon, lime, orange, and tangerine. Other anti-odor oils
are coriander, fir needle, juniper berry and lavender.
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