Essential oil blends are sold premixed with a certain purpose in mind, but it is much better to prepare your own mixture. By blending your own essential oils, you can choose scents that are right for you and your family and be sure you are using all natural ingredients.

Creating an aromatic and therapeutic blend of essential oils requires specific knowledge and skills:
1. Knowledge of the properties of the essential oils for selection of ingredients (light, medium or heavy and properties of oils, e.g. bactericidal).
2. Methods of application of aromatherapy for the preparation of the mixture itself and for the choice of preparing the amount and type of substrate mixture.
3. Selection of the most appropriate base (the type of cosmetic or vegetable oil, etc.).

Methods of application and oil-fundamentals are discussed in separate articles, “AROMATHERAPY APPLICATION METHODS’ GUIDE” and “IMPORTANCE OF CARRIER OILS”, respectively. Here we will talk only about the properties of essential oils on the basis of the selected oil to the mixture. The art of blending essential oils depends on the ability to find different and complementary flavors according to the degree of volatilization and the medicinal properties or scents.

This article discusses:
1.The principles of the choice of oils in the mixture based on volatility and compatibility guidelines for groups of oils in mixtures.
2. The major effects of the oils on the psycho-emotional sphere and general physical condition of the person.
3. Grouping according to the type of influence on an individual.

Guidelines for the preparation of blends vary depending on the author. There is a general recommendation to use 3-5 essential oils for therapeutic blends (some recommend no more than 3) and 4-7 oils for perfume compositions. You can make a unique perfume for yourself that has a pleasant and therapeutic aroma. Information about the preparation of compositions for perfume is found in a separate article.

The degree of volatility of the aromatic oils are divided into three categories: light, medium and heavy. Light essential oils are basically fresh and delicate aromas. They evaporate quickly, within 20-30 minutes, and usually have antiseptic and antiviral properties. These oils can lift your mood and invigorate. Light oil cleanses and refreshes. The average base essential oil has a warm and floral aroma which constitute the middle note of the mixture and does not wear off for 30-90 minutes. They usually have soothing and regenerating properties. It’s good for treating breathing problems, headaches, spasmodic pain and can calm the nervous system. Heavy oils have deep and sweet flavors which evaporate slowly and can last from 2-3 hours to 5-6 hours. They have a strong tonic effect, improving mood and stimulating brain activity and usually have the properties of aphrodisiacs (i.e. enhance sensuality). The following table lists aromatic oils, classified by group and type of volatile oil. It is recommended to combine the oils from the same group or oil of the neighboring groups. For example, oil from groups of herbs or trees and herbs you would mix with exotic (the bottom row of the table), flower (first row of the table) or citrus (second row of the table).

Table 1. Group and the volatility of essential oils

Before you begin to prepare the mixture, decide on its purpose. For example, do you want a relaxing blend. Next choose the aromatic oils with those properties as the base for the composition. In this case, not to be confused with oil-based, which is the basis for a composition of essential oil that you add to the mixture in the greatest proportion. If the composition you plan to use on the skin is composed of a mixture of essential oils add it to a carrier oil, cream, water, etc. I usually prepare a mixture of essential oils in the right proportions in small quantities before adding the mixture into the oil-base, water, etc. for use.

Table 2 gives guidelines on how to make a mixture, depending on its purpose. A good mix consists of a balance of all three types of oils. This is especially important for spirits. For example, invigorating and tonic effects are most typical of light oils. In table 2, for the compositions of this mixture the maximum number of drops is indicated for the impact of the essential oils. More precise information about the effect of each specific oil on the psycho-emotional sphere of people are found in table 3 below.
Naturally, the data in table 2 combinations are advisory, not mandatory. Creativity is always welcome.

Table 2. The approximate proportions of oils depend on the purpose of the mixture.

Below is a table of oils indicating their primary action and how allocated in aromatherapy’s major impact on the psycho-emotional sphere of the person.

Table 3. Classification of oils according to the main influences on the psycho-emotional sphere of the person.

The table below shows the essential oils based on their properties and the degree of volatility that will help focus on how to prepare the mixture.

Table 4. Oil recommendations for mixtures used with a specific purpose in mind.

And now for the preparation:
1. Select the mixture according to the intended use. For example, lifting the mood.
2. Use the information and tables in this article to select those oils that are suitable for your purpose. It is advisable to select all three degrees of volatility for fragrances, but if not – do not worry. It is very important that you are happy with the aroma and fragrance of the blended oil. To use the mixtures for fragrances, skin care or eliminate painful problems start with one oil. If there are 3 or more oils, then you can choose two or more components by scent. Suppose there are bergamot, chamomile, lavender and rose oils.
3. Place one drop of each oil on a piece of cotton cloth or natural wool for testing (place a plate or towel under them). Place the cloth near the corresponding bottle. Smell the oil one after the other. Try to identify the characteristics of the scent of the oil. Record which oil you identified as having the most pleasant scent and will be your main component and largest proportion in the mixture. Suppose you like bergamot which had a citrus and refreshing scent. The highest proportion would be 3-4 drops.
4. Other components also can distribute the scent. For example, if you do not love chamomile since childhood – do not use! That leaves lavender and rose oil. It is more important to choose a fragrance that you don’t mind smelling all day and does not disappear. For a more long-lasting scent use a heavier oil such as 2 drops rose oil and 1 drop of lavender oil. If you don’t want the deep smell of roses prevailing in your mix, then do the opposite, use 1 drop of rose oil and 2 drops of lavender oil.