Aromatherapy Blending

Once you understand the theory behind aromatherapy 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. 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.

Have fun experimenting with different blends.

Keep in mind however, it's better to limit the number of essential oils you combine to three, sometimes four until you're more experienced with the process.

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.

Document Your Work

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

Storing Your Blend

When storing your oil blends, always use glass bottles and avoid using plastic ones. Essential oils are so powerful that they actually dissolve plastic over time. Molecules from the dissolving plastic will then contaminate your oil or blend. An added benefit to using glass bottles is that they can be reused if you sterilize them before reuse.

Go green but use amber or blue �?bottles that is. The best way to preserve your essential oils and oil blends is to expose them to as little air as possible. Sunlight and heat encourage oxidation which is bad for essential oil preservation. Amber and blue bottles block the sun exposure to your oils.

For safety as much as 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.

Contraindications

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 aromatherapy 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. Click here for more information on essential oil safety.