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[ AROMATHERAPY: Formula Basics for Essential Oils ] ~ from HerbCo

AROMATHERAPY: Formula Basics for Essential Oils

Aromatic oils have been used since ancient Egyptian times and by numerous cultures world-wide. From the burning of resins and plants soaked in fats to modern day distillation, fragrant plants have been utilized and valued for thousands of years. Armed with some basic guidelines for use anyone can safely and effectively utilize pure essential oils in a variety of ways to uplift the spirit, calm the mind, motivate the body, and support health.

bulk peppermint essential oil

With its “cool” minty aroma, peppermint essential oil is invigorating and refreshing. Blends well with rosemary, lavender, oregano, lemon, tea tree and basil.

bulk rosemary essential oil

Rosemary has a resinous, pine-like scent with woodsy notes. Pair this essential oil with thyme, lemon, sweet orange, grapefruit, lavender, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint and sage.

bulk lavender essential oil

Calming and soothing, lavender goes well with most other oils, but especially rosemary, patchouli, sandalwood, peppermint, thyme, sweet orange, tangerine, lemon, juniper and ginger.

bulk sweet orange essential oil

The citrusy fragrance of sweet orange essential oil is stimulating and relaxing at the same time, alone or in combination with cinnamon, frankincense, clove, lemon, tangerine, rosemary, lavender, ginger and juniper.

bulk basil essential oil

The herbaceous character of basil essential oil is calming, clarifying and energizing. Partner this oil with sweet orange, lemon, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, rosemary, peppermint and thyme.

bulk cinnamon leaf essential oil

The earthy, spicy aroma of this essential oil works well with sweet orange, clove, ginger, tangerine, lemon, rosemary, frankincense, and ylang ylang.

Remember that creating your essential oil blend is just the beginning. Essential oils are concentrated and dilution is recommended. In addition to water, carrier oils—e.g. apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, jojoba, or sweet almond oil—are a good medium for dilution. Be sure to read our aromatherapy newsletter archive and check out our information on dilutions for varying aromatherapy uses.

It’s not the number of essential oils in a blend, but how they work synergistically with each other that matters. Likewise, resist the urge to “enhance” the final product with more drops of any specific essential oil than is necessary for the desired effect—it won’t be better, it will just be overpowering.

As you become more acquainted with essential oils and their individual aroma profiles, you’ll be able to make your own signature blends.

We added a few formulas to our archived newsletter from 2014: Herbal Household Hacks. This article features some essential oil favorites that posses antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal properties, or in some cases, all of these properties. Added to pantry staples like baking soda, salt, and vinegar you can create formulas that are alternatives to chemical cleansers. Here's a brief description of the new additions. Be sure to browse the archive for more information and formulas.