Beginners Guide To Making Essential Oil Blends

Making your own personal essential oil blends is one of the most satisfying aspects of using essential oils. Blends can be created solely for aromatic pleasure but, can also be created for therapeutic purposes such as easing aching muscles. 

Blending Basics

Essential oils can be categorized into groups based on their aromas. Oils in the same category normally blend well together. Below you will find a list of my favorite categories to blend together.

Essential Oil Harmony 

Have you ever noticed that oils smell differently after a few hours than when you first applied it? Some essential oils and their constituents evaporate more quickly than others. This is because as the blend evaporates the aroma changes to reflect the aromatic molecules that remain. Think of it as a musical scale, oils that evaporate the quickest are called top notes. Top notes tend to evaporate within the first 1-2 hours. Followed are middle notes evaporating in 2-4 hours and finally base notes, they take the longest to evaporate sometimes lasting for several days.

Examples of Essential Oils Based Upon Their Aromatic Note Classification:

Blends don't need to be overly complicated. Often, you'll find that a simple, well-proportioned mix of just two or three oils is enough to create a brand-new aroma. When creating blends, its best to work with a small amount of oil at a time. Once you've found a proportion you like, you can mix a larger batch. I like formulating with 10 drops. This amount is easy to work with and converts nicely when figuring percent’s. Be sure you’re counting accurately while blending. Keep a written list of each oil you are using and the amount you add. You'll want this information if you decide to make a larger batch. Keep in mind the notes of each aroma  You will want to include top note oils, middle note oils, and base note oils to have a well-rounded blend. 

Orient Yourself To Each Essential Oil

• What is my initial reaction towards this aroma? Is it positive, negative, or neutral?
• What are some words I would use to describe it?
• How strong or intense is this aroma?
• How did it make me feel? Uplifted, calm, balanced, energized?
• Does this aroma remind me of anything? A flower, an object, or perhaps even a memory?

Classification Based On Therapeutic Properties

Deviating away from their alluring and exotic scents, essential oils are also well-known for their therapeutic abilities. For example, essential oils such as Lavender, and Ylang Ylang, are believed to have a distinct calming quality that can soothe anxiety and induce sleep or relaxation.  For those looking to use essential oil therapeutically, it can be helpful to know how they are grouped according to their beneficial properties. 

This kind of grouping makes it easier to see which essential oils may be combined to produce a specific benefit that you are seeking. For example, creating a blend to combat anxiety you want to choose oils that are calming or uplifting such as lime or lavender and avoid oils that are energizing such as ginger.

Storing And Using Your Essential Oil Blend

Once your blend is created, it is time to seal and the label bottle. Make sure you are using an amber or cobalt blue glass bottle. The proper storage of your blend is important to ensure it lasts longer and does not degrade due to ultraviolet light or heat. 

Safety When Making Blends 

Remember essential oils are highly volatile and when working with undiluted oils proper safety precautions need to be made such as wearing gloves and eye protection.

A Few Of My Favorite Diffuser Blends 

Focus blend 
2 drops frankincense
2 drop basil
4 drops Orange

Stress away blend 3
3 drops lavender
2 drops roman chamomile
2 drops ylang ylang

Energy blend 1
3 drops rosemary
3 drops peppermint
3 drops lemon

immune booster blend 2
5 drops lemon
3 drop oregano

Sleepy time blend 
4 drops cedarwood
3 drops lavender