The Art of Blending Essential Oils Debra Raybern, N.D. M.H., C.N.C., I.C.A.
Have you ever smelled an essential oil blend that delighted the senses? Or how about one that was too strong, or too wimpy? Blending essential oils is part art and part chemistry. Just like cooking and baking follows a recipe but generally has some liberty with ingredients. Blending essential oils for therapeutic, aromatic purposes, or as a perfume, is more art than chemistry. A little bit of training and experimentation and you will be achieving the desired wonderful, effective and great smelling blend.
Cheap, synthetic, diluted oils are potentially toxic. Therefore, it is very important to use only high-quality essential oils from a trusted source. The old adage – you get what you pay for is true in the essential oil industry. For these reasons only Young Living Essential Oils are used by the author. What are carrier oils? Carrier oils are fatty oils such as olive oil, sesame oil or almond oil; those that have been pressed from a fruit, nut or seed.
Classification Method 1st – The Personifier (1-5% of blend) oils have very sharp, strong and longlasting fragrances. They also have dominant properties with strong therapeutic action. Oils in this classification may include: cinnamon bark, cistus, Clary sage, clove, coriander, ginger, helichrysum, nutmeg, orange, patchouli, peppermint, rose, spearmint, tangerine, tarragon, wintergreen, ylang ylang.
2nd—The Enhancer (50-80%) of blend) oil should be the predominant oil as it Therapeutic Blending When blending for a therapeutic effect serves to enhance the properties of the the chemistry of the oils will be a factor. other oils in the blend. Its fragrance is Several essential oil reference books will not as sharp as the personifiers and is list the main chemical constituents and usually of a shorter duration. properties (anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, etc.) with percentages. It is Oils in this classification may include: also important to understand the order in Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, cumin, dill, which the oils are blended is key to eucalyptus, frankincense, galbanum, Essential oils are very complex and cur- maintaining the desired therapeutic prop- geranium, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine, erties in a synergistic blend. An alterarently under much study for their relavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, martion in the sequence of adding selected markable benefits to our health. For joram, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oils to a blend may change the chemical melissa, myrtle, orange, oregano, patchexample, clary sage has 900 different properties, the fragrance, and thus the molecules and lavender over 400. ouli, ravensara, Roman chamomile, rose, desired results. rosemary sage, spruce, thyme, winterThe majority of plant essential oils are green. obtained by steam distillation to release Depending upon the topical application their precious oil. Sophisticated and pro- of the blend, carrier oils may be added to 3rd – The Equalizer (10-15% of blend) dilute. prietary steam distillation processing oils create balance and synergy among using low heat, proper pressure, precise the oils contained in the blend. Their Remember to store the new fragrant and fragrance is also not as sharp as the pertiming and of course fresh, properly therapeutic essential oil blend creation in sonifier and is of a shorter duration. grown and harvested plants is the only way to deliver essential oils with quality dark-colored glass bottles, properly labeled. and purity suited for blending. Oils in this classification may include: Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, Here is an example of the importance of Blends may be straight essential oils, fennel, fir, frankincense, geranium, ginthose combined with a carrier oil or in a ger, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lavender, precise timing during distillation. Cypress has 280 known chemical constitu- semi or solid salve, ointment form. Roll- lemongrass, lime marjoram. Melaleuca on dispensers for essential oil blends ents, and all 280 constituents must be alternifolia (Tea Tree), melissa, myrrh, make for easy applications. Choose co- myrtle, oregano, pine, roman chamomile, present for cypress to have medicinal and healing potency. If it is distilled for balt blue or dark green glass bottles to rose, rosewood, sandalwood, spruce, prevent light from damaging the oil 20 hours only 20 of the 280 properties tarragon, thyme. blend. are released. If distilled for 26 hours none of the properties are released. Most cypress available on the U.S. market is Blending Methods distilled for about three and a half hours. There are two main methods of formulating an essential oil blend. ClassificaThe correct length of time for distilling tions or Notes. cypress is 24 hours, releasing all 280 properties. What are essential oils? Essential oils are the aromatic, volatile liquids distilled from plants. The oil can be obtained from the seeds, roots, an entire shrub, flowers, leaves and trees. Each plant may contain hundreds of molecular chemical compounds with names such as terpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenols and aldehyes, to name a few.
The information share is educational and not meant to diagnose, treat or mitigate any health concern. You are advised to seek a heath professional for any health condition. For more information on essential oils refer to the Essential Oils Reference book.