Essential oil combinations are a powerful way to create customized scents and benefits. When carefully formulated, essential oil blends can have a much more therapeutic impact than any single essential oil. This is due to the synergy created when multiple oils are combined. With a little bit of theory, precision, intuition and creativity, blending your own essential oil mixtures is an incredibly rewarding experience.
The number of ways to mix essential oils is nearly endless, making it a fun challenge to try different combinations. One of the best places to start is by determining what your objective for the blend is. For example, if you want to promote relaxation and focus, try pairing grounding oils such as sandalwood and patchouli with soothing lavender. Alternatively, if you want to boost energy, grapefruit and rosemary can help invigorate your senses.
Another simple approach is to group essential oils into their distinct families based on their characteristic aromas and effects. For instance, if you like the smell of bergamot and ylang-ylang, you might find that they combine well with citrus oils such as grapefruit or tangerine. Alternatively, you could categorize them according to their notes (the chemical make-up that determines how quickly each oil evaporates). The fragrances that fade the fastest are known as top notes, those that fade next are middle notes, and those that last the longest are base notes.
Whatever method you choose, it’s important to remember that every person has a unique sense of smell and their own associations with specific scents. While the combination of clary sage and grapefruit might seem counterintuitive to you, it could be the perfect mix for someone else.
When blending essential oils, you’ll also need to consider the carrier oil that you’ll be using with your mixture. The carrier oil’s scent will have a direct effect on the overall aroma of your finished blend. Coconut oil, for example, adds a fresh, tropical aroma that might not go well with some of the more delicate, earthy oils such as frankincense or tea tree. Carrier oils with a lighter, more neutral fragrances such as almond, argan, jojoba, or apricot kernel oil might be a better fit for these types of essential oil combinations.
Once you’ve settled on a blend, it’s important to keep accurate records of the ingredients and quantities used. You may also find that you prefer certain ratios of oils over others, so it’s a good idea to test out your creation in small quantities to begin with. When you’re happy with the result, be sure to write down the proportions so you can replicate it in larger amounts if necessary.
Finally, it’s important to store your essential oil blend in an amber or cobalt-blue bottle with a tight lid and away from heat, light, and moisture. When properly stored, your oil blend will have a shelf life of about two years. This will ensure that it stays potent and effective for as long as possible.
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