Most people who become involved in aromatherapy eventually decide to start experimenting with blending.
Now, you might think that this is complicated, but, blending is simply the combining of different aromatherapy substances, such as essential oils, carrier oils, absolutes, CO2s, herbs and sometimes water with the intent of achieving different
results.
It doesn't take long to catch on, and in no time you'll easily be able to do blending on your own. However, if you would rather not get that involved, you'll have no trouble finding retail and Internet-based aromatherapy outlets selling a multitude of blends.
Difference Between Aromatic Blending and Therapeutic Blending
The most important difference between these two most common types of aromatherapy blending is pretty simple.
The basic goal of aromatic blending is creating a specific smell or smells. With therapeutic blending, on the other hand, is to create a mixture that will ease some particular body ache or pain, or relieve the body or mind in some other way, as by reducing stress for example. Although the overall focus with therapeutic blending is obviously different than with aromatic blending, aroma is still a factor. The best therapeutic blending will probably never be used if it's too pungent to be used or just plain smells bad!
Another consideration is that not all combinations of fragrances will complement one another. That's probably going to be one of the most important things you need to realize when you begin trying your hand at aromatherapy blending. Sometimes the properties of one ingredient will overwhelm the other. In that case, they should either not be mixed or only small amounts should be included in the blend. Although this sounds complicated, you can easily get the hang of this without much experimentation. You can learn fairly quickly which essential oil properties work together and which don't. To tell the truth, most of this is pretty common knowledge. You've just got to do the research to learn it.
However, most people still like to experiment, but, particularly at first, it's better to limit the number of essential oils you combine to three, sometimes four until you're more experienced with the process. Learn how to work with a few essentials in small quantities at first.
Don't shake, don't rattle, just roll.
Don't go overboard when you first start blending essential oils. Just roll the jar containing the essential oils you have blended between the palms of your two hands. Experts will tell you that's the most effective way to blend the substances.
It's also a good idea to document your work.
You are experimenting, after all, and when you create the most awesome blend, or the worst blend you have ever smalled, you'll want to be able recall the ingredients as well as the proportions to either duplicate it or not, whichever the case.
Today, everybody tells you to go green but, in aromatherapy it is best to use amber or blue bottles that is to contain your blends. If you want to save a few bucks, your amber or blue aromatherapy bottles can be reused, if they're sterilized first.
Sometimes, we have good reasons for NOT doing things, and, when it comes to health issues, we often refer to contraindications. These are factors that would prohibit use of a certain ingredient, and these must be identified and avoided. A pregnant woman, for example, should not use blends containing rosemary.
Allergic reactions are also contraindications.
Some people are allergic to certain nuts, for example, and these folks should definitely NOT use oils containing that nut. Contraindications are a matter of personal safety but should be taken seriously.
One last note: For safety as much for as tracking, you should always properly label and store your aromatherapy blends as well as the individual ingredients in a cool, dark area which is out of the reach of pets and children.
Basics and Benefits of Aromatherapy
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