Blending Basics

Here is a list of Fragrance families and their effects in relation to skin and hair type:

Soothing (brunette)

  • Spicy – Warmining - Nutmeg
  • Woody – Appeasing - Sandalwood
  • Earthy – Grounding - Vetiver

Fresh (blonde)

  • Green – Reviving - Thyme
  • Herbaceous – Stimulating - Basil
  • Medicinal – Clearing - Eucalyptus

Sultry (black)

  • Musky – Aphrodisiac - Patchouli
  • Oriental – Comforting - Benzoin
  • Honey – Heady - Ylang ylang

Exalting (red)

  • Floral – Uplifting - Geranium
  • Fruity – Enlivening - Petitgrain
  • Citrus – Refreshing - Lemon

Below are the basic Essential oil categories based upon the aroma bases:

Floral Based

  • Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine

Wood Based

  • Pine, Cedar

Earth Based

  • Oakmoss, Vetiver, Patchouli

Herb Based

  • Marjoram, Rosemary, Basil

Mint Base

  • Peppermint, Spearmint

Medicinal Base

  • Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Tea Tree

Spice Base

  • Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon

Oriental Base

  • Ginger, Patchouli

Citrus Base

  • Orange, Lemon, Lime

By experiment you will find blends that work well and others that don’t. Here are some examples:

  • Florals blend well with spicy, citrus and wood based oils.
  • Wood based oils generally blend well with all categories.
  • Spicy and oriental oils blend well with florals, oriental and citrus oils. Use your oriental oils sparingly.
  • Minty oils blend well with citrus, woodsy, herbaceous and earthy oils.

The Next Article: Harmonizing Your Blend

© 2004 Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Centre

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