(BlackDoctor.org) — Like the improvised riffs carried from a jazz trumpet, touching notes high and low, blended oils have an affinity to science…and a passion for creativity.
Why?
An essential oil blend is prepared for various therapeutic and aesthetic effects. The blending process is not difficult. All it takes is creativity, along with a sense of the purpose of the blend. A successful blend requires knowledge about the properties of essential oils and experience in balancing the different aromas to achieve the desired result.
When therapeutic blending of essential oils are used for health applications, the blends are often more effective than using any single oil alone. Blends usually consist of two or more essential oils. Some oils, when combined, complement and enhance each other to create a “synergy” with one another.
Conversely, improperly chosen oils can work against each other when blended, so it is best to
thoroughly research each oil before making therapeutic blends. When blending for fragrance or perfume, keep in mind the qualities of the blend in order to create a pleasing aromatic mixture.
Top, Middle, Base…
In the fragrance industry, scents are referred to as top, middle, or base notes, depending on their aromatic nature.
• Top: Top notes tend to be lighter and more volatile. In general, top notes are considered stimulating and refreshing.
• Middle: Middle notes are soft and balanced and usually make up the majority of a blend.
• Base: Base notes are considered deep and heavy and have the lowest evaporation rate. They are generally used in blends as the natural adhesive agent.
Examples:
Top Notes: grapefruit, eucalyptus, lemon, bergamot and pine
Middle Notes: roman chamomile, lavender, geranium and juniper.
Base Notes: patchouli, myrrh, patchouli and ylang ylang.
When dropped onto a blotter or test strip, the oil’s top note is the initial aromatic impression created by the most volatile components in the oil. Its middle note emerges soon after, once the most volatile top note components have evaporated and faded. The base note becomes detectable once the oil has dried on the test strip and all of the most volatile components have evaporated.
Blending Tips…
• Allow blends to age a week or more before adding them to carrier oils (which are base oils used to dilute essential oils). Usually, a 10% – 15% dilution of essential oil into a carrier oil is appropriate.
• You should note that blends change as they age, especially in the case of perfume blends.
• Store your finished blend in a small bottle (glass bottles are best).
• Aromatherapy blends (and all essential oils) should be kept cool, and away from direct sunlight.
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