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.
Basil, cypress, eucalyptus, fir needle, ginger, grapefruit,
juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, peppermint, petit
grain, rosemary and thyme.
oils are: Cedar wood, chamomile, frankincense, jasmine,
lavender, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
All citrus oils, including
bergamot, grapefruit, Limon, lime, orange, and tangerine. Other anti-odor oils
are coriander, fir needle, juniper berry and lavender
