Aromatherapy Essential Oil Starter Selection

With such a vast array of essential oils from which to choose, a great many of which are endowed with similar properties, you will need some guidance on selecting oils for a starter kit. In fact, you could get by on just two essences: lavender and eucalyptus. But if you intend to take the art of aromatherapy seriously, you will probably need a basic selection of about eight carefully chosen oils; enough to create a variety of fragrant compositions. Essential oils often smell better when two or three are carefully blended together. Since the therapy is meant to be enjoyable, appreciation of the aroma is a vital part of the treatment.

 

Even though your final choice will be influenced by personal preference, it is also important to be open-minded. Unless you are familiar with essential oils, uiey may smell rather strange at first. Remember, plant essences are highly concentrated substances. With a few exceptions, it is only when they are correctly diluted that they become pleasant. You may also discover that a previously disliked oil takes on an intriguing persona when carefully blended with other essences.

 

Take patchouli and vetiver, for instance. On first encounter with their heavy, earthy, overtly Eastern aromas you may feel overwhelmed. But blend either of these oils with larger quantities of fresher-smelling essences such as bergamot, lavender and geranium and the aroma takes on a more delicate quality. Then there is clary sage; despite its reputation as a 'euphoric', its sweet-herbaceous aroma can be disappointing. Yet clary has great potential; blend with a tiny amount of the deeply resonating vetiver and a tinge of cheery bergamot, and you create a relaxing aroma reminiscent of woods and dappled sunlight.

 

Ideally, any initial selection of essential oils will include a representative from the floral, woody, citrus, spicy, resinous, herbaceous, camphoraceous and earthy groups, as shown in the Aroma Families chart. As well as presenting a wide range of therapeutic possibilities, such a selection offers plenty of scope for creative blending.