Hey there,
I’m still traveling on my holistic journey and have now delved into using essential oils. Known for therapeutic and healing qualities, essential oils are used in beauty products and oil blends to enhance the skin and infuse the air with their aromatic qualities. When inhaled, essential oil molecules can be absorbed into the bloodstream to aid in physical healing and psychological/emotional stimulation (relaxation, alertness, sleepiness). Essential oils can also be absorbed into the bloodstream by direct application to the body via massage, bath soak, and beauty products. Direct application can provide therapeutic and medicinal qualities such as relief of sinus pressure and muscle aches.
For the past few months, I have been diffusing oils within my home. Instead of smudging sage or smearing holy oil along every wall in the house, I use an oil warmer to gently permeate the air with fresh, cleaning scents. Oils can also be diffused with reed diffusers, ultrasonic diffusers (that use water to create a mist), or nebulizers (using air to create mist). Oil warmers aren’t considered the best option for diffusing essential oil blends, as the top oil notes (the light, airy, fresh scent) tend to evaporate much quicker in oil warmers than the middle and base notes. Diffusers and nebulizers aid in reducing the short evaporation rate of the top notes.
The best way to blend essential oils is to use 100% pure essential oils and layer them: base, middle, top.
Base notes are the rich and heavy essential oils that carry the lasting impression of the blend. Patchouli, vanilla, sandalwood, and cedarwood are examples.
Middle notes are considered to be the heart of the fragrance. Geranium, eucalyptus, bay, and lavender are essential oils with middle notes.
Top notes provide the initial impression of the oil blend. It’s the scent that immediately grabs your attention but also evaporates quickly. Examples are lemon, orange, and bergamot.
Determining your desired blend can also be categorized by aroma:
citrus – orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit
earthy – patchouli, angelica root, oakmoss, kanuka
floral – geranium, lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine
herbaceous – thyme, basil, bay, rosemary
medicinal – tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, clove
minty – peppermint, spearmint, bergamot mint
spicy – clove, cinnamon, anise, pepper
woody – cedarwood, fir, sandalwood, frankincense
Oils within the same aroma category tend to blend well. When blending from different categories, it is a trial and error process. Trust your nose and the sensations you feel!
Here are some of the oil blends I have prepared:
Calming Blend: Over the past two weeks, I have felt a bit scrambled. My work flow is increasing, weekday evenings are hectic, weekends are booked, and my time feels limited. For those days where I need to relax, I diffuse my Calming Blend. The scent penetrates the air in no time, and I feel a bit more grounded.
Calming Blend:
3.5 ml. almond oil
10 drops of cedarwood
10 drops of eucalyptus
Place all ingredients in glass blending bottle. I used a 1 dram for this blend.
Almond oil is a carrier oil that is full of vitamins B2, B6, and E and carries a light, sweet scent. I use the almond oil to help dilute the essential oils, so the aroma isn’t too overpowering. It also aids in preventing the blend from evaporating quickly in my oil warmer.
Breathe Free Blend: I suffer from year-round allergies and sinus congestion. For those days where my sinuses are very congested, I diffuse my Breathe Free blend. Chock full of tea tree and eucalyptus oils, this blend quickly opens up the nasal passages and relieves sinus pressure.
Breathe Free Blend:
1 ml. almond oil
10 drops of tea tree oil
7 drops of eucalyptus oil
Place all ingredients in glass blending bottle. I used a 1/4 dram for this blend.
Mint for Spiders spray: The last oil blend I made is for the folks who are terrified of insects…namely, spiders. I believe God created all creatures for a purpose, but spiders, in my opinion, are demons and are constantly up to no good. It’s quite normal for me to burst into hysterical tears when spotting a spider in close proximity (live, dead, or toy; in person or in image). Jumping on furniture or nearby person is optional. I needed to make a clean, natural concoction to ward off those bad boys.
Mint for Spiders Spray:
2 oz. filtered or distilled water
15 drops of peppermint oil
Place ingredients into a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray along cracks and gaps in house where spiders or other insects may be present. Do a victory dance.
Feel free to try these blends. Allow the blend to sit for a day before using it; this allows all of the oils to truly blend together. If you’re not a fan of the scent, change the proportions of oils used, or even try a different blend. The possibilities are endless!
Do you have a favorite oil blend recipe? Share below!