Essential Oil Education

Now that you know what top, middle and base note essential oils smell and act like, it is important to balance them harmonically in a blend. What are the proportions that we should use? it is important to remember that essential oils have a complex chemistry which means that many oils have notes in several categories. Some oils even cover the whole spectrum from top note to base note. This is particularly true for oils like ylang ylang, jasmine, tuberrose, rose and neroli.

Here are some blending guidelines:

1. First determine the purpose of the blend.

2. Decide how you will use the blend–inhalation, applied to the body in massage, bath, compress, or lotion, in skin care preaprations.

3. Decide the theme of the blend–don’t include too many “stars” or ‘celebrities” in your blend.

4. Keep your blend in a dark bottle, tightly closed and stored in a cool place.

5. Proportions – top note oils should make up 50-60% of the blend; middle note oils should comprise 20-40% of the oil blend; and base note oils should make up only 5-15% of the blend.

Read about the oils you are selecting for your blend and make sure you know about their chemistry. What are the healing properties of your oil blend? Will they work in concert with the other oils you have chosen or for your particular purpose, will they work better simply by layering the various oils?

Remember, the more physical the problem–the less important the fragrance of the blend. Blends for emotional problems though shoud be as pleasant as possible.

PS: For more information on how to blend properly, go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com and read about the description of our certification in clinical aromatherapy program.