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Essential Oil Notes for Blending

Essential oil "notes" are what is used in essential oil blends.  They bring the balance to the blend. Blending is the creative aspect of aromatherapy and it requires a balance of practice and intuition.

Essential oils are dynamic remedies because they are ‘synergistic’, meaning that they work together in harmony.  Essential oils generally work better when mixed together with other essential oils.

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Blending Notes

 

Classical Blending Techniques

In the nineteenth century a Frenchman, Septimus Piesse, developed a method of classifying odors according to the notes in a musical scale.  He transposed the idea of musical harmony into the realm of fragrances where the notes corresponding to each scent formed perfectly balanced chords or harmony when they were combined. 

The practice of classifying essential oils and perfume ingredients into top notes, middle note and base notes still forms the basis of creating a well-balanced perfume and these principles may be applied to aromatherapy.  A good perfume composition should harmoniously balance essential oils in these three categories.

A combination of orange and sandalwood, for example, can be very fresh and fruity at first, becoming more woody and balsamic later.

 

 

Top Notes – (5% to 20% of the blend)

Top notes are sharp, penetrating, highly volatile and the fastest acting.  Top notes will hit you first in a blend.  They do not last very long, but there are especially important in a blend as they give you the first impression of the blend.  Top notes are usually uplifting and refreshing.  Mental clarity.

 

Middle Notes – (50% to 80%)

Middle notes give body to blends; they smooth the sharp edges.  They include oils such as geranium, lavender, rosemary and marjoram.  They are warm, round and soft.  They primarily affect functions of the body, e.g. digestion and the general metabolism of the body. (respiratory & nervous)

 

Base Notes – (5% to 20%)

Base notes, also known as fixatives, deepen the blend and draw it into the skin, giving it permanence.  Typical base notes are sandalwood, patchouli, myrrh, frankincense, cedar wood and vetiver.  When smelled form the bottle, base notes may appear faint, but when applied to the skin, they strongly react and release their power, which last for several hours.  Base notes have sedative and relaxing effect.  They are deep, intense and profound.  Base notes slow down the evaporation of the more volatile essential oils, making their fragrance last longer.

Essential Oil Notes

References:
Battaglia, S.  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy; Third Edition The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2017
Tisserand R. Young R.  Essential Oil Safety, second edition.  Churchhill Livingstone, UK, 2013
Sheppard-Hanger S. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.  Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, USA, 2000
Caddy R. Essential Oils in Colour.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2005
Lawless J. The encyclopedia of Essential Oils.  Element Books Limited, GB, 1992
Caddy R. the Essential Blending Guide.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2007
Weaver W.W. Sauer’s Herbal Cures.  Routledge, UK, 2001
World Wide Web Encyclopedia Britannica. USA, 2014
Photos attribution – istock Photos
LabAroma.com
AromaWeb.com
Safety Considerations:
        Do not take essential oils internally.
        Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
        Do not apply undiluted to skin (for directions on proper dilution refer to an aromatherapy text).
        The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.
        Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a healthcare provider.
        The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
        You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.
        Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.
Information and statements regarding Kelley products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease.  All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.  Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.
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    Essential Oil Notes for Blending

    Essential Oil Notes for Blending

    Essential oil "notes" are what is used in essential oil blends.  They bring the balance to the blend. Blending is the creative aspect of aromatherapy and it requires a balance of practice and intuition.

    Essential oils are dynamic remedies because they are ‘synergistic’, meaning that they work together in harmony.  Essential oils generally work better when mixed together with other essential oils.

    Write your review

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