Aromatherapy / Essential Oil Blends
Diffusing essential oils is a great way to benefit from calming, relaxing focusing and uplifting properties of essential oils. In fact, essential oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years for complementary therapies. Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system - this is the part of the brain connected to smell (including the nose and the brain). Apart from providing a pleasant scent, essential oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits.
—
Essential Oils by Properties
Blending essential oils that are within the same category typically works well and creates for a blend with beautiful and complementing qualities. Here is a list of some essential oils and their properties:
Energising: Lemon, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Cypress, Pine, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea Tree
Calming: Lavender, Geranium, Melissa, Chamomile, Mandarin, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Jasmine, Patchouli, Sandalwood
Anti-anxiety: Geranium, Chamomile, Melissa, Marjoram, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Tangerine, Orange, Jasmine, Black Pepper
—
Essential Oils by Notes
Did you know, some essential oil blends tend to smell differently after a few hours of burning a blend. This is because certain essential oils tend to evaporate quicker than others; these can be catergorised by notes.
Top notes - evaporate usually within 1-2 hours — Bergamot, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Citronella, Grapefruit, Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Peppermint
Middle notes - evaporate usually within 2-4 hours — Ylang Ylang, Cypress, Rosewood, Tea Tree, Neroli, Geranium, Jasmine, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme
Base notes - can take several days to evaporate — Cedarwood, Patchouli, Frankincense, Vetiver, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Vanilla
It is fun to create your own blends of different scents for your home such as fruity, floral, calming, clean, purifying, uplifting, etc. Here are a few of my favourite oil blend formulas to try yourself.
You will need an essential oil diffuser or burner and essential oils, take a look at my write up of The Wellness Home for some stylish diffusers and my favourite essential oils, and where to buy these. Or you can simply buy professionally pre-made essential oil blends and use them out-of-the-box. Please speak to your doctor if you have any health concerns.
// 1
Happiness Blend
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops Orange or Grapefruit
2 drops Peppermint
1 drop Ylang Ylang
Citrus oils are great mood boosters; they trigger a part of the brain to induce calmness and happy thoughts. The lavender and orange combo can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Peppermint provides a sense of clarity. Bergamot may help alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress. Ylang Ylang has been found to boost mood, reduce depression, and alleviate anxiety.
// 2
Energy Blend
3 drops Orange
3 drops Peppermint
1 drop Rosemary
1 drop Lemon
Orange essential oil creates a positive ambiance to ease tension. Peppermint relieves breathing. Rosemary improves focus and is thought to strengthen memory. Lemon can perk up your mood, but it also may work to boost brainpower.
// 3
Meditation Blend
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
1 drop Geranium
1 drop Pine
Lavender and geranium can help you calm mild anxiety. Peppermint keeps your mind awake and aware. Adding a drop of pine adds a wonderful aroma to this blend, and enhances concentration and promotes a positive outlook.
// 4
Focus Blend
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Sandalwood
2 drops Lemon
1 drop Basil
Rosemary tends to stimulate the brain and can increase productivity whilst at the same time, it increases alertness and attention. Sandalwood helps productivity and can enhance mental alertness. In turn, lemon can boost your mood, helping you feel more uplifted. Basil strengthens focus with its fresh and invigorating aroma.
// 5
Uplifting Blend
3 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Rosemary
1 drop Peppermint
1 drop Sweet Orange
Grapefruit is a great natural mood and energy booster, it can help to increase your mental focus, reduce sleepiness and mental fatigue. Eucalyptus aids easier breathing. Peppermint keeps your mind aware. Sweet orange gently brightens the mood and eases feelings of anxiety.
// 6
Sleepy Blend
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Chamomile
2 drops Bergamot
Both lavender and chamomile help promote sleep by calming the mind and easing anxiety. Add a drop of bergamot which also eases worries.
// 7
Cooling Blend
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Orange
Peppermint and eucalyptus both contain menthol which has a cooling effect on your skin. Add a little wild orange as a mood booster.
// 8
Period Pain-Relief Blend
3 drops Sage
2 drops Rose Geranium
1 drop Lavender
Sage essential oil supports regulating hormone levels. Lavender helps to ease stomach or lower back pain and discomfort. Both reduce cramping pains. Geranium rose oil soothes skin and relaxes the mind.
// 9
Mosquito repellant Blend
2 drops Citronella
2 drops Lemongrass
2 drops Peppermint
Citronella is a strong mosquito repellant, and lemongrass boasts a similar effect. Magic ingredient - add peppermint to deter spiders too.
__
Disclaimer
Handle with care! Essential oils are highly concentrated. Like medications, essential oils must be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and to follow instructions carefully when using essential oils. Be aware that the chemical compounds in essential oils can produce adverse effects when combined with some medications. Some oils produce toxins. Individuals who suffer from any allergies, asthma, any skin conditions, high blood pressure or epilepsy, and pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid any essential oil blends. Estrogen-dependent breast or ovarian tumour patients should avoid fennel, aniseed or sage oils.
Check with a qualified doctor before using aromatherapy essential oils. Be aware that some essential oils can be harmful to your pets. Only choose good quality essential oil products for your aromatherapy blends.
__
You Might Also Be Interested In:
>> The Wellness Home (Feel Good Edition)
>> How To Make Your Home Smell Good
>> How to Improve the Air Quality In Your Home
__