Aromatherapy Blending Tips

7:37 PM Posted by jo

Blending essential oils is not always easy and it is also very subjective. Fortunately, there are some tips that are useful and can help you create a pleasing and balanced blend.

First of all you need to familiarize yourself with the top, middle, and base notes. Battaglia agrees with Lavabre, who suggests the following ratio:

top notes: 20-30%

midddle notes: 40-80%

base notes: 10-25%

Battaglia used to believe in a different ratio but he writes that Lavabre's ratio works perfectly for aromatherapy.

For a detailed list of the essential oils and if they are top, middle, or base notes, read my post Make Your Own Perfume:

It is important that the blend you make doesn't brake up into three stages that smells differently, you don't want them to leave the others behind. If the essential oil blend falls apart it is not formulated very well.

So how should a well balanced blend be like? Battaglia says a well balanced blend has a top note that retains some of the middle note, and the base note retains some of the middle note. The changes during the evaporatio process will be very smooth.

What are some things you can do to fix your blend?

If you have formulated a blend with the top note too far removed from the middle note then you can bring the blend into harmony by adding an essential oil with softer quality that vibrates from the middle towards the top. Rose otto, neroli or clary sage can be used.

If you formulated a blend where the base note is way too pronounced and doesn't have any connection to the middle note, then you have to lift the blend with an essential oil that is brighter and resonates from the middle to the base. Geranium, lavender, rosewood, or ylang yland are suitable.

If you formulated a blend with mostly top notes then you should consider adding rosewood or sandalwood to the blend.

Learn about blend equalizers, blend modifiers, blend enhancers and natural extenders here.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
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