Blending Essential Oils - Aromatic Harmony

Aromatherapists rarely use single essences, but prefer to blend two, three or more oils to create a multifaceted aroma, thus reflecting the complex nature of the person for whom the blend is intended. A carefully composed blend often works better than a single essence due to the phenomenon of synergy - that is to say, when certain oils are blended together they have a mutually enhancing effect upon one another, so that the effect of the whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts. However, there is no reason why you should not use a single essential oil if it is indicated for your particular needs - and if the aroma appeals to your senses.

 

True, a disliked aroma can work well as a basic antiseptic, for example, but in order to embrace the all-important emotional aspect of our being, the scent must be perceived as agreeable. Aromatherapists have noticed that we tend to be instinctively drawn to the essential oil (or blend of essences) which best suits our physical and emotional needs at a given time. For the same reason, we can also 'go off certain essences when we no longer need their particular properties. The healing power of a compatible aromatic blend, especially when combined with massage given by someone with 'good hands', lies in its ability to evoke pleasant feelings and images and to transport us into a state of reverie or tranquillity.

 

But what if we detest the odour? If it is obnoxious enough to elicit a gut felt 'ugh!', common sense tells us that the aroma cannot possibly act as a healer of the psyche - whatever its reputed 'mood-enhancing' properties. Indeed, studies carried out at Warwick University have shown that if we dislike an aroma intensely enough we can block its effect on the central nervous system.

 

However, it may not be necessary to adore the fragrance for it to work its special magic; it is enough to be accepting of the aroma. In so doing, we become more receptive to its charms.

 

Intriguingly, the practice of blending essences can be as therapeutic for the blender as it is for the recipient of the fragrant prescription. Just like any other artistic pursuit whose aim is to create that which is generally perceived as 'beautiful' or 'harmonious', concocting mood-enhancing fragrances embraces our sense of the aesthetic, an aspect of our nature which suffers deprivation when awareness is centred on everyday things. Another important point: the act of preparing a therapeutic mixture for someone else can be experienced as a kind of healing ritual which enables us to focus our attention away from ourselves and on to the person we wish to help.

 

On a more tangible level, by blending different essential oils, we not only improve the aroma of a single essence, we also control the psycho-physiological effect of the oil. For instance, you may be feeling somewhat depressed and lethargic, yet love the soft, lingering aroma of sandalwood. However, you may benefit from a more uplifting aroma which will make you feel more alert. Even so, there is no need to disregard the sandalwood essence, thus flouting the aroma preference 'rule'. Instead, try blending the sandalwood with a touch of lively coriander and geranium, or perhaps a hint of light-hearted lavender and bergamot.