Aromatic Blending

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Blending Basics

Essential oils can be categorized into broad groups based on their aromas. An example categorical system is as follows:

   * Floral
     (i.e. Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine)
   * Woodsy
     (i.e. Pine, Cedar)
   * Earthy
     (i.e. Oakmoss, Vetiver, Patchouli)
   * Herbaceous
     (i.e. Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil)
   * Minty
     (i.e. Peppermint, Spearmint)
   * Medicinal/Camphorous
     (i.e. Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Tea Tree)
   * Spicy
     (i.e. Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon)
   * Oriental
     (i.e. Ginger, Patchouli)
   * Citrus
     (i.e. Orange, Lemon, Lime)

Oils in the same category generally blend well together. I hesitate specifying that particular categories blend well with other specific categories because it can limit your creativity and experimentation. Additionally, there are always exceptions. But to get you started, below are some categories that generally blend well together:

   * Florals blend well with spicy, citrusy and woodsy oils.
   * Woodsy oils generally blend well with all categories.
   * Spicy and oriental oils blend well with florals, oriental and citrus oils. Be careful not to overpower the blend with the spicy or oriental oils.
   * Minty oils blend well with citrus, woodsy, herbaceous and earthy oils.

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Below is a chart of commonly available oils based on their common classification:

Top Notes

Anise
Basil
Bay Laurel
Bergamot
Bergamot Mint
Citronella
Eucalyptus
Galbanum
Grapefruit
Lavender
Lavendin
Lemon
Lemongrass
Lime        
Orange
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Spearmint
Tagetes
Tangerine

Middle Notes

Bay
Bois-de-rose
Cajeput
Carrot Seed
Chamomile, German
Chamomile, Roman
Cinnamon
Clary Sage
Clove Bud
Cypress
Dill
Elemi
Fennel
Fir Needle
Geranium
Hyssop
Jasmine
Juniper Berry
Linden Blossom
Marjoram
Neroli
Nutmeg
Palmarosa
Parsley
Pepper, Black
Pine, Scotch
Rose
Rose Geranium
Rosemary
Rosewood
Spruce
Tea Tree, Common
Tea Tree, NZ (Manuka)
Thyme
Tobacco
Yarrow
Ylang Ylang

Base Notes

Angelica Root
Balsam, Peru
Beeswax
Benzoin
Cedarwood, Atlas
Cedarwood, Virginian
Frankincense
Ginger
Helichrysum (Immortelle)
Myrrh
Oakmoss
Olibanum
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Vanilla
Vetiver

Blending does not have hard and fast rules that must be followed to create that wonderful blend that you’ll love for a lifetime. The lack of limits and restrictions is what makes perfumery an art form. Having said that, a few tips will help get you off to a fine start:

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Recipes

   Carrier Oil Base Perfume

   * 15-25 drops of your perfume blend
   * 1 tablespoon of Jojoba carrier oil (sweet almond or apricot kernel carrier oil may be substituted)

   Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Dab a drop onto your pulse points. Please note that this blend has a heavy concentration of essential oils and is meant to be used sparingly. As with any new oils and blends that you use, you must check all safety data for the oils in your blend and do a skin patch test prior to using.


   Alcohol/Water Base Perfume

       * 4 1/4 teaspoons Vodka
       * 1 1/2 teaspoons Distilled Water
       * 60 drops of your perfume blend

   Directions: Blend all ingredients well and store in an airtight 1 ounce dark-colored glass container. Let sit for two weeks, shaking the bottle 1-3 times daily (more often is better) to mix the oils. After two weeks has passed, filter the perfume through a coffee filter and rebottle (using the same bottle is fine). As with any blends that you use, you must check all safety data for the oils in your blend and do a skin patch test prior to using.

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