How to Blend Essential Oils

All essential oils are referred to as "top notes", "middle notes" or "base notes" depending on their aromatic qualities. Top note oils are the lightest, most stimulating and energizing oils. They have a fresh, immediately apparent quality that is intense. There aroma, however, does not last long because they evaporate very quickly.

Examples of top note oils are:

• Basil
• Bergamot
• Cajuput
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Lemongrass
• Neroli
• Orange
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Petitgrain
• Grapefruit
• Lime
• Sage
• Spearmint
• Tagetes
• Lemon
• Tangerine
• Verbena
• Hyssop

Middle note oils usually form the main part of aromatherapy blends. They are strong, lasting and potent - not as stimulating or light and the top notes, nor as solid as the base notes. Their scent can be detected immediately after you get the impression of the top note.

Examples of middle note oils are:

• Chamomile
• Cyprus
• Fennel
• Melissa
• Black pepper
• Cardomom
• Geranium
• Bay
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Linden Blossom
• Marjoram
• Palma Rosa
• Rosemary
• Nutmeg
• Spikenard
• Tea Tree
• Yarrow

Base notes linger longest because they are the last to evaporate. All their scents are full bodied, rich, and heavy and they emerge slowly, after the top and middle notes. They form the base of any blend.

Examples of base note oils are:

• Clove
• Balsam Peru
• Cassia
• Jasmin
• Cedarwood
• Ginger
• Frankincense
• Patchouli
• Sandalwood
• Rosewood
• Valerian
• Vanilla
• Rose
• Vetiver
• Ylang ylang

Making Aromatherapy Blends

• You will need a selection of essential oils, some cotton swabs and a small, open glass jar.
• Choose a combination of your favourite essential oils. Have at least one top note, one middle note and one base note. It's all about experimentation.
• Dip the tip of a clean cotton bud into your essential oil.
• Place the cotton bud into the glass jar.
• Once you have found a combination that you like you can mix a blend, it is probably best to mix the oils in a ratio of 3:2:1 is more healthful to bring out the full body of each aroma. If you need to mix your blend in bulk you can measure your oils by the millilitre.

Some Aromatherapy Blends to Scent Your Room

Blend 1:

• 8 drops patchouli
• 5 drops vanilla
• 2 drops linden blossom
• 1 drop neroli

Blend 2:

• 6 drops lime
• 4drops bergamot
• 2 drops ylang ylang
• 1 drop rose

Blend 3:

• 5 juniper
• 3 neroli
• 1 cinnamon

Blend 4

• 6 drops grapefruit
• 3 drops geranium
• 1 drop rose

Blending your own essential oils can be very rewarding and will make your home smell fantastic, just follow these simple steps for some fantastic aromas in your life.