Note: The Essential Oils mentioned in this article are the Nature’s Sunshine EOs. However, you can use other Authentic Essential Oils.
Because of their unique natural properties and powerful individual benefits, blending essential oils can be a bit of both art and science. But not to worry. There’s not really a “wrong” way to blend, and with Authentic Essential Oils experimentation is half the fun!
Getting Started
Oil blends are typically created for a specific purpose. Some are worn as perfume while others are created for boosting feelings of energy and cheer, or bringing a sense of calm. Step 1 for blending beginners is deciding what you’d like to accomplish. Are you blending for fragrance or blending for benefits?
Personal Perfume
Wearable blends used as perfume are built on personal preferences of top, middle and base “notes”. (“Notes” are determined by how quickly an Authentic Oil’s scent fades after being exposed to oxygen.)
Top notes are the lightest scents; the first ones we smell and the first to evaporate. Top notes are usually derived from flowers, leaves, and flowering herbs. Examples of top notes include Organic Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Ravintsara.
Base notes are deeper. Their fragrances last the longest and they are often more “earthy” in scent. These oils ground the entire blend and are often derived from trees, roots, and barks. Some favorite base notes are Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Organic Frankincense and Organic Neroli.
Middle notes bring harmony. They balance the top notes with deeper base notes and bind all the fragrances together. Middle notes are most often derived from whole herbs and spices and include Roman Chamomile, Jasmine, Rose, Tea Tree, Organic Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon Leaf, and Clary Sage.
Blends with Benefits
If you’re blending for support with a physical or emotional need, choosing oils from the same aroma category is a great way to start. First, research the oils most recommended for your desired outcome. Since Lavender is often recommended to help with feeling calm, use Organic Lavender to start a blend for use before bed. Peppermint helps with feeling more alert and mentally aware, so it’s a great choice for blends that help with focus or tension. Once you’ve identified one core oil, choose two or three additional oils from the same aroma categories and mix and match.
Floral – Organic Lavender, Organic Geranium, Jasmine, Organic Ylang Ylang, Rose, Neroli
Citrus – Grapefruit, Lemon, Organic Orange, Bergamot, Red Mandarin, Lemongrass
Woody – Pine Needle, Cedarwood, Cypress, Sandalwood, Organic Frankincense, Wild Myrrh
Herbaceous – Sweet Marjoram, Wild Rosemary, Clary Sage, Wild Oregano, Wild Thyme, Tea Tree
Spicy – Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Peppermint
Ready, Set, Go!
To start creating a brand new “uniquely you” blend start with small amounts and don’t be afraid to play! Choose an oil to “anchor” your blend (lavender for a restful blend for example) then experiment with additional oils to add specific benefits, as fragrance variation, or just to incorporate your favorites. We recommend starting with three oils in a blend then growing to five and even up to nine.
Start blending in very small batches to save ingredients during experimentation. Try 3 drops of your anchor oil or a favorite top note in a glass roll-on bottle, then add 5 drops of a middle note and 2 drops of a base note. Allow the blend to rest for 24 – 48 hours then give it a try. Smell it straight from the bottle. Apply carrier oil and try it on your skin. If it’s a keeper, fill the remainder of your bottle with Carrier Oil and you’re ready to apply. If you think it needs a boost, add an additional middle note and try it again. Vary the number of drops, the number of oils, and the oils themselves until you find a mix you absolutely love.
Foundation of Favorites
For inspiration, here’s a list of favorite oils and blend suggestions for the most common benefits you might be after. Try various ratios of these oils in your own blends, or add or subtract oils until your blend is simply the best.
For Energy & Uplift
- Peppermint
- Lemon
- Organic Orange
- Organic Ylang Ylang
For Relaxation & Calm
- Organic Lavendar
- Organic Frankincense
- Roman Chamomile
For Joy
- Red Mandarin
- Peppermint
- Lemon
For Protection
- Tea Tree
- Wild Oregano
- Clove Bud
- Cinnamon Leaf
For Grounding & Balance
- Cedarwood
- Sandalwood
- Cypress
- Wild Myrrh
For Motivation
- Organic Ylang Ylang
- Sandalwood
- Rosemary
- Lemon
For Gratitude
- Cinnamon Leaf
- Sandalwood
- Organic Orange
- Organic Frankincense
For Healing and Release
- Helichrysum
- Sandalwood
- Rose
~ Rev. Tiffany White Sage Woman
Nature’s Sunshine Independent Distributor
