Aromatherapy

Lesson 2: Aromatherapy Made Easy & Fun

Easy Blending I

In aromatherapy, blending does not abide by the law of arithmetic. Two plus two does not necessarily equal four. The reason why this happens is a process called "synergy", i.e. some essential oils have mutually enhancing powers, and in the same way, other essential oils inhibit each other. The most challenging task of any aromatherapist is being able to understand essential oils and their mutually synergistic/antagonistic qualities so as to produce the most effective aromatic blends.

The following are some useful tips to help you create your own blends:

• In the beginning, do not blend more than three or four oils at a time.

• Always check the properties of the essential oils you’re working with. Do not blend oils with opposite effects. Essential oils should always complement each other.

• Choose essential oils that you find instinctively pleasant. Some essential oils are not likeable ‘per se’ but they become very pleasant once blended together. You will probably have to make a few attempts and adjust your blends. This is a very delicate and important step; it makes aromatherapy a true art.

• Work in a well ventilated area and once you get started, finish your work without interruption.

• At least in the beginning, use the exact amount of drops suggested. Be careful to use the exact dilution rate.

• Always use a clean amber (or blue) bottle.

• Recycle your herbal extract, tincture bottles. They can definitely be used for your aromatherapy blends. To make sure they are clean, I suggest sterilizing them.

• First you add your essential oils, then the antioxidant, if needed. Finally add the carrier oil. DO NOT SHAKE the bottle, but gently roll it in your hands a few times.

• Keep screw tops closed tightly. Essential oils are volatile, this means they evaporate very quickly.

• Measure drops using an eyedropper. If you need to use the eyedropper for two different oils, use rubbing alcohol to clean the dropper.

• Keep a journal of your aromatherapy blends, both the successful and the unsuccessful ones. It will provide a useful future reference.

• Always label the contents of your aromatherapy blend. Labeling proves useful in the long term, and if you enjoy working with your computer you can easily make fancy labels for the blends you will give to your family and friends as personalized and very welcome gifts.

• Don’t work on varnished wood, or on plastic surfaces; spills might damage them.

• Do not use essential oils that could be hazardous. Be careful in using phototoxic oils. Be careful in using essential oils if you are pregnant.

• Store your essential oils in a cool, dark place, away from your children and your pets.

  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8