As you become more involved
in aromatherapy, there will come a time when you'll want to start
experimenting with blending. 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.
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. Learn
More about
AromatherapyBuying
Products and Ingredients
Aromatherapy
and CO2's
Blending
Essential Oils
Carrier
Oils
Infused
Oils
Techniques
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