Although essential oils can work well on their own, the real essence (and fun) of aromatherapy lies in mixing essential oils together. When you blend essential oils, you create what is known as a ‘synergy’, in which the whole is greater (more effective) than the sum of the individual parts. When combined the complex chemical constituents in each oil can have a mutually enhancing effect on each other, resulting in more powerful therapeutic effects than if the oils were used individually.

Knowing how to mix essential oils to create a synergistic blend is often regarded as a science and an art, and this can appear a little daunting to people with little or no aromatherapy experience. Although blending requires knowledge and understanding of the essential oils, I also think that intuition plays a role and that there are no hard and fast rules. It is a creative process. I enjoy playing with the oils and when I create synergies that I particularly like, I will jot the dilutions down in my little notebook, so that I can replicate the blend again in the future. Whether you’re like me, and see blending as a fun thing to do, or take it a little more seriously, there are certain factors to bear in mind when mixing essential oils, all of which are discussed below in more depth.

What is your reason for blending essential oils?

There are two main reasons for blending essential oils: for a therapeutic purpose such as pain or stress relief, or to create a perfume/fragrance. These two purposes are not mutually exclusive. For instance, there is little point in mixing a blend for stress if you hate the smell. The oils that people like the smell of are usually the ones that will benefit them the most, therefore it is always worth keeping the fragrance in mind when creating a ‘therapeutic’ blend. Similarly, when creating a fragrance, the therapeutic action of the chosen oils will still be present and may also need to be considered. For instance, you may want a room fragrance that is fresh and energising or a more calming scent that creates a relaxed ambience. So, before creating any type of blend, you should consider what you’re trying to achieve as this will help you select the most appropriate essential oils that will deliver the best results.

Choosing your essential oils

Once you have defined your intended effects, you can then decide which oils to use in your blend and the best method of application. To help you select your oils you will need to consider the following:

• Any medical conditions (physical and/or psychological)
• Any symptoms (physical and/or psychological)
• Any underlying causes or emotional factors
• Age of the person you’re blending for
• Chemical constituents / therapeutic properties of the essential oils
• Odour type preferences (see chart below), are you drawn to any scents, do any scents invoke unpleasant memories?
• Whether an oil is sensitising, irritant or phototoxic (causes a sunburn-like reaction when skin is exposed to UV light)
• Contraindications for use e.g. certain essential oils should be avoided with children, certain medications, or health conditions, or during pregnancy

Odour types

Essential oils can be grouped into a variety of aroma families, the most popular of which are detailed below. It’s very much down to individual taste and preference as to which scents appeal most – women for example might prefer sweeter, floral aromas, while men might choose woody, herbaceous, or spicy scents. As we mentioned above it’s always important to consider the scent of your blend as you are naturally drawn to the scents of the oils that will benefit you most. Oils that you dislike the smell of may not have the same benefits and may even cause adverse emotional reactions. The following chart details the main aroma families but it’s worth noting that some essential oils can have more than one prevailing odour type.

Which oils blend well together

In general, oils from the same aroma family or botanical family combine well. As do oils from neighbouring families e.g. Citrus and Floral or Woody and Spicy. Remember there are no hard and fast rules, experimentation and experience are key to the art of blending and as you become more familiar with all the different oils, you’ll intuitively learn which ones blend well together.

Creating balanced blends – top, middle, and base notes

Essential oils can also be divided into top notes, middle notes, and base notes.

Although some oils are easily classified you will find that opinions can differ as to where on the ‘scale’ an oil lies. Some oils can also have multiple notes but will be categorized by the dominant character.

Personally, I believe that a good, well-balanced blend should contain top, middle and base notes, although as you become more experienced, you will find that you can sometimes get away with using top notes and middle notes only, or middle notes and base notes. Initially, though, as a guideline you may want to use all three notes in the following ratio to achieve a harmonious and well-rounded blend: 2:4:1 (2 drops of top note, 4 drops of middle note and 1 drop of base note).

Dilution of essential oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances, so when making a therapeutic blend for application to the skin, they should always be diluted in a suitable base product e.g. a carrier oil, cream, lotion, or gel. When using in the bath, it is important to remember that oil and water don’t mix, so it’s advisable to blend your essential oils in a base product that will solubilise the oils and disperse them evenly in the water. Our Bath Oil and SLS Free Bath & Shower Gel have been expertly formulated for this purpose.

The recommended essential oil content of a blend, for adult use, is typically between 1 and 3% depending on the method of application, the type of disorder you’re treating, and the essential oils chosen. For example, you would only use a maximum 1% dilution on the face. Physical ailments will normally require a stronger concentration than emotional ones, and some oils such as Rose are so powerful and concentrated that only small quantities are required.

As a rule, when diluting for adults I recommend using 1 drop of essential oil per 2ml of carrier, or 1 drop per 5ml carrier if using on the face. Click here more detailed information on diluting essential oils safely.

Babies and children will require weaker blends as will pregnant women, the elderly and infirm. Less is also more if someone is suffering emotionally.

Safety: If you’re taking medication or suffering with a serious health condition you should seek medical advice prior to using essential oils.

Other blending ‘tricks of the trade’

• Do not blend more than 3 or 4 different essential oils at a time, especially when first starting out. This is thought to be the optimum amount to achieve the most effective synergy.
• When creating a new blend start with only a small number of total drops so as not to waste essential oils. You can scale up when you’re happy with the final blend.
• Blend your essential oils first before diluting. There is no point wasting a carrier if you don’t like the final blend.
• Let the blend sit for 24 hours for the aroma to fully develop. You can then decide if you really like it or not.
• Always stick to safe dilutions – don’t be tempted to add more essential oil if the blend smells weak. Allow time for your nose to adapt to it.
• Keep notes of your blends so you can replicate them in the future.
• Citrus oils, like Sweet Orange, Mandarin and Tangerine, can help balance out the tartness of a blend and may make up half of a blend.
• Oils such as Peppermint, Chamomile and Vetivert can add depth to a blend, but these oils should be used carefully, as they can overpower.
• Bergamot, Geranium, Palmarosa and Sandalwood can change the overall aroma of a blend without overpowering it.
• Oils such as Rose, Jasmine and Lavender enhance pretty much any blend.

We hope the above tips are useful and have inspired you to give creative blending a go! If you need some ideas to get started, have a peek at the recipes below:

Aromatic evening with friends

2 drops of Lemon
4 drops of Geranium
1 drop of Frankincense

Use this blend in an aromatherapy diffuser when you want everyone to feel warm, happy, and relaxed.

Post-sports tonic

2 drops of Basil
4 drops of Lavender
1 drop of Ginger
14ml of Jojoba oil

After your workout and after you have showered, apply this aromatic blend to your muscles to ease aches and pains.

Protection against Autumnal colds

2 drops of Cajeput
4 drops of Rosemary
1 drop of Pine
14ml of dispersible Bath Oil

Use this blend in the bath when you feel the first signs of a cold, and it may help chase it away before it takes hold. Add the blend to the running water. Relax in the bath for around about 20 minutes, inhaling the steam from the water, which will help ease congestion.

Christine Fisk & Sharon Lovett                                       
Consultant Aromatherapist & Marketing Manager               

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