Aromatherapy - Blending Essential Oils

As you become more involved in aromatherapy, there will come a time when you'll want to start experimenting with blending.

Don't get scared. Blending is simply the combining of different aromatherapy essential oils, carrier oils, absolutes, CO2s, herbs and sometimes water for the purpose of achieving different results.

Once you understand the theory behind blending, it's something you'll easily be able to do on your own. If you'd prefer not to however, you'll have no trouble finding retail and internet-based outlets selling aromatherapy blends.

Aromatic Blending versus Therapeutic Blending

The difference between the two main types of aromatherapy blending is simple. The goal with aromatic blending is how a blend smells. The goal with therapeutic blending is to create a mixture that will alleviate some type of body ache or pain, or relieve the body in some other way as in reducing stress. Although the focus with therapeutic blending is different, aroma is still a factor to consider. The therapeutic blending will be a wasted effort if it's too pungent to be used!

Not all combinations will complement one another. That's probably one of the most important things you need to realize before you begin aromatherapy blending. Sometimes the properties of one ingredient will overwhelm the other and therefore should not be mixed or only small amounts should be added into a blend. You don't have to experiment yourself to learn which essential oil properties work together and which don't. Most of this is common knowledge. You've just got to research it.

However, should you want to experiment, it's better to limit the number of essential oils you combine to three, sometimes four until you're more experienced with the process. That amount is easier to control.

Don't shake, don't rattle, just roll. The jar containing the essential oils you blend should be rolled between the palms of your two hands, that's the most effective way to blend.

Be sure to document your work. After all, you are experimenting and when you create the most awesome blend, you'll want to recall the ingredients as well as the proportions. And likewise, when disaster strikes and you create aromatherapy blends that are harsh and as a result, cause significant irritation, you'll know what NOT to do next time.

Go green but use amber or blue – bottles that is. Amber or blue aromatherapy bottles can be reused, if they're sterilized first.  

Contraindications, in other words, any factors that would prohibit use of a certain ingredient, must be identified and avoided. Pregnancy for example, is a period during which blends containing rosemary should not be used. Allergic reactions are also contraindications. Since some people are allergic to certain nuts they definitely should not use oils containing that nut. Contraindications are a matter of personal safety and should be taken seriously.

For safety as much for tracking, always properly label and store your aromatherapy blends as well as the individual ingredients in a cool, dark area away from pets and children.

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