Blending essential oils can be a lot of fun, and like all artistic endeavours there are no real right or wrongs. But, knowing how to group and categorise individual oils can be really helpful, so that's what we've done. Below, we have categorised oils by Effect, Scent, and Note.
When blending purely for diffusion, you don't need to worry about diluting the oils. However, for topical application or bath time blends, you will need to introduce a carrier oil to safely dilute your blends before applying them to the skin. Please refer to our Topical application guide below for more information on safely diluting your concoctions.
Click here to read more about topical application and dilution guidelines...
Blending by Effect
Below are the emotional, physical and spiritual effects each oil is known to impart or treat through the practice of aromatherapy.
Anxiety & Stress
Lavender, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, Marjoram, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Jasmine, Black Pepper, Tangerine, Orange, and Melissa.
Sleep & Relaxation
Lavender, Geranium, Mandarin, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Jasmine, Melissa , Palmarosa, Patchouli, Petitgrain, and Sandalwood
Focus & Productivity
Rosemary, Clary sage, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tea tree, Cypress, Lemon, Basil, Grapefruit, Orange, and Ginger.
Lavender, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, Marjoram, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Jasmine, Black Pepper, Tangerine, Orange, and Melissa.
Lavender, Geranium, Mandarin, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Jasmine, Melissa , Palmarosa, Patchouli, Petitgrain, and Sandalwood
Rosemary, Clary sage, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tea tree, Cypress, Lemon, Basil, Grapefruit, Orange, and Ginger.
Blending by Aroma
The classification of essential oils by scent type or family.
Citrus
Bergamot, May Chang, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa, Neroli, Orange, Mandarin, Petitgrain, and Tangerine.
Floral
Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Palmarosa, Rose, Neroli, Ylang Ylang
Earthy
Atlas Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Cypress, Juniper, Patchouli, and Vetiver.
Spicy
Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cardamom, and Pepper
Herbaceous
Basil, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, and Thyme.
Bergamot, May Chang, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa, Neroli, Orange, Mandarin, Petitgrain, and Tangerine.
Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Palmarosa, Rose, Neroli, Ylang Ylang
Atlas Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Cypress, Juniper, Patchouli, and Vetiver.
Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cardamom, and Pepper
Basil, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Oregano, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, and Thyme.
Blending by Note
Top notes are brightening scents composed of minuscule, delicate molecules that dissipate quickly. They're used to create a fresh, uplifting aroma and are the ones you smell first when inhaling a blend.
Top Notes
Bergamot, May Chang, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Orange, Peppermint, Spearmint, Neroli, and Tangerine.
Bergamot, May Chang, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Orange, Peppermint, Spearmint, Neroli, and Tangerine.
Middle notes are the scents that follow once the top notes have dissipated, providing the blend with its body or “heart”. This is why the middle note is often referred to as the ‘heart note’. Lavender, for example, is considered a middle note.
Middle 'Heart' Notes
Lavender, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Marjoram, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Spruce, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang
Lavender, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Marjoram, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Spruce, Tea Tree, Thyme, Ylang Ylang
Base notes represent a blend's foundation, and refer to the most enduring essential oils, used to add depth and fullness.
Bass Notes
Atlas Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Ginger, Myrrh, Patchouli, Vanilla, and Vetiver.
Atlas Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Ginger, Myrrh, Patchouli, Vanilla, and Vetiver.
Topical Application
We would always advise purchasing organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from a reputable source. Carrier oils don’t usually cause allergic reactions, but when using on the skin it’s always prudent to perform a patch test, prior to application. If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you should not use oils derived from tree nuts. This includes Sweet Argan Oil, Almond Oil, and Apricot Kernel Oil.
When using a carrier oil to dilute your essential oils you should follow these important dilution guidelines:
Adults
2% Dilution 3% Dilution 5% Dilution 10% Dilution 2% Dilution10ml Bottle: 2 tsp* (carrier oil) per 6 drops (essential oil)
15ml Bottle: 3 tsp (carrier oil) per 9 drops (essential oil)
30ml Bottle: 6 tsp (carrier oil) per 18 drops (essential oil)
3% Dilution10ml Bottle: 2 tsp* (carrier oil) per 9 drops (essential oil)
15ml Bottle: 3 tsp (carrier oil) per 13 drops (essential oil)
30ml Bottle: 6 tsp (carrier oil) per 27 drops (essential oil)
5% Dilution10ml Bottle: 2 tsp* (carrier oil) per 15 drops (essential oil)
15ml Bottle: 3 tsp (carrier oil) per 22 drops (essential oil)
30ml Bottle: 6 tsp (carrier oil) per 45 drops (essential oil)
10% Dilution10ml Bottle: 2 tsp* (carrier oil) per 30 drops (essential oil)
15ml Bottle: 3 tsp (carrier oil) per 45 drops (essential oil)
30ml Bottle: 6 tsp (carrier oil) per 90 drops (essential oil)
Children
0.1% Dilution 0.25% Dilution 0.5% Dilution 1% Dilution 0.1% Dilution2 tbsp* (carrier oil) per 1 drop (essential oil)
0.25% Dilution2 tbsp* (carrier oil) per 2 drops (essential oil)
0.5% Dilution4 tsp* (carrier oil) per 3 drops (essential oil)
1% Dilution2 tsp* (carrier oil) per 3 drops (essential oil)
Essential oils should never be used on a premature baby, but for children aged 3-24 months full body application should be subject to a general dilution of 0.25%-0.5%. This means applying 2-4 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil. when being used . For spot usage, you can use 9-27 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce carrier.
*tsp = Teaspoon | *tbsp = Tablespoon
We hope the above helps, and that you have fun creating your own unique blends.
