4.1 Introduction
The blending of oils is an
important part of an aromatherapist role, so in this module, we continue to
look at the role of compounds in the blending process. Understanding how this works is
vital if you wish to create therapeutic blends that contain oils which work
favourably. Plants produce compounds so as to
protect them from any disease and so these compounds are also of benefit to us
as the essential oils are then used therapeutically. Of course, plants contain more than one or two compounds, in fact, they contain hundreds (sometime
thousands) of compounds. Copies of an oil will simply not have the same
therapeutic effect as a natural and pure oil.
Essential oils are highly
concentrated and they are useful for aiding health and well-being as they enter
the bloodstream effectively. By adding to skin, they are able to be absorbed
or, are inhaled and then enter via the lungs. This means, the essential oils
work a lot faster than any treatments that work through the digestive tract.
4.2 Compounds that are of most
interest to aromatherapists
We've already mentioned
briefly - hydrogen, oxygen and carbon compounds and so let's look at the compounds that are of most interest to aromatherapists.
Common terpenes hydrocarbons
include:
Pinene
Limonene
Camphene
Cadinene
Caryophyllene
Cedrene
Dipentine
Phellandrene
Esters
This is probably the most
widespread group and includes:
Linalyl acetate - found in clary
sage, lavender and bergamot
Geranyl acetate - found in sweet
marjoram
These often have a fruity aroma,
and a characteristic sedative, fungicidal qualities. Other esters include
bornyl acetate, eugenyl acetate and lavendulyl acetate.
Aldehydes
Citronellal, neral and citral are
important aldehydes and often found in:
Lemon verbena
Citronella
Lemon grass
Melissa
Generally, aldehydes will contain
sedative qualities although citral has antiseptic properties.
Other aldehydes include:
Benzaldehyde
Cinnamic aldehyde
Cuminic aldehyde
Perillaldehyde
Ketones
Some ketones are dangerous as
they contain toxic constituents i.e. those found in tansy, wormwood, sage and
mug wort but it is important to note that not all are dangerous. There are
non-toxic ketones i.e. jasmone in jasmine and fenchone in fennel oil. These are
typically used to help with upper respiratory complaints so to ease congestion
and also, increase the flow of mucus and this includes plants such as hyssop
and sage.
Other ketones include:
Camphor
Carvone
Menthone
Methyl nonyl ketone
Pinocamphone
Alcohols
In respect of compounds, this is
one of the most useful groups. They include anti-viral and antiseptic
qualities; they are generally non-toxic. Some of the most comment terpenes now
include linalol and this can be found in the lavender and Rosewood. Citronellol
is found in lemon, geranium, eucalyptus and rose and geraniol which is found in palmarosa, also borneol, menthol, nerol, terpineol, farnesol, vetiverol, benzyl
alcohol and cedrol etc.
Phenols
These will often have
bactericidal and stimulating effects. Note: As previously stated, they can be
skin irritants so care should be taken. Common phenols include: eugenol,
oregano, methyl chavicol, anethole etc.
Oxides
The most important of oxides is
cineol (or eucalyptol) and this is the principal constituent of Eucalyptus oil.
It has an expectorant quality.
It is also found in:
Tea tree
Rosemary
Bay laurel
There are other oxides including
ascaridol, bisabolol oxide and bisabolone oxide. Compounds relative to the
essential oils themselves are difficult to remember so just build up your
learning slowly, choosing some oils and focus on the therapeutic benefits.
4.3 Blending oils
The rules of blending are
fairly simple as long as you remember that you mix oils within the same
categories as they will mix well. As you become more experienced,
you will start to look for oils which have similar types of concentrations as
those listed previously. Generally, fragrances from the floral families usually
mix well together as do woody and citrus oils etc.
There are some essential oils
that mix well with all types including:
Lavender oil
Jasmine oil
Rose oil
When you mix some oils, you'll
see immediately those that do not work together. It makes sense that opposing
types will not work well as in the following:
Ketones (sage)
Aldehydes (citronella)
Phenols (clove oil)
When you start out, don't worry
too much about what oils work together. Experiment. You'll soon know when you begin to blend oils. Initially, just practice mixing up existing blends. There's more to consider than
just the compounds. Look at the benefits before beginning to blend As an example If you are looking to create a
calming blend you wouldn't wish to add a stimulating oil because the two
elements immediately oppose. So be guided by common sense and your personal
preferences, and you'll soon develop an instinct for blending.
Consider the following when
starting to blend:
Citrus
Bergamot, citronella, grapefruit,
lemongrass, lemon, lime, orange, mandarin and petitgrain
Woody
Angelica, bay, birch, cedar wood,
frankincense, marigold, patchouli, sandalwood, valerian, yarrow
Green
Basil, chamomile, clary sage,
eucalyptus, galbanum, pine, rosemary, spruce and thyme.
Spicy
Camphor, fennel, ginger, juniper,
laurel, myrrh, sweet marjoram, tarragon, tea tree
Floral
Geranium, lavender, jasmine,
mimosa, neroli, rose, rosewood, violet, ylang ylang.
An appealing scent is far more
than understanding to which categories oils belong and, the art of perfumery is
a well known skill. There will be some blends that just do not work while
others are more subtly opposing. When you are considering blending oils, they
do need to smell good but the characteristics and the benefits are also
important.
The secret to success is when you are unable to tell which oils were
used. It's a good idea to start out
with a maximum of three oils otherwise it can be a little overwhelming and
confusing. Try to aim for a balanced scent.
You may have heard that in perfumery, there are base notes, middle notes and
top notes. As such, each of the essential oils can be placed in one of these
categories although some oils may be placed in more than one.
Top notes: These are the lightest
and the most volatile. It tends to be this scent which is noticed the moment
you open the bottle. It's also the scent that lasts the least. Most citrus oils
are in the top notes categories but also jasmine oil and eucalyptus oil too.
Middle notes: Middle notes have a
bit more staying power and you are able to smell these once the top note
dissipates. They are less volatile. Most of the herbal oils are middle notes.
It also includes Lavender oil, geranium oil and rosemary oil.
Base notes: The base notes have a
lingering scent and these are often described as the anchor as they help to
preserve the scent. This includes most of the wood and spice oils but also
includes: rose oil, jasmine oil, sandalwood oil and frankincense oil . Note: Ylang Ylang tends to be a
naturally based oil and in a category of its own.
We've mentioned that when
starting to blend oils, it's a good idea to limit the number of oil to three
oils or less and to only use a drop or two when starting to experiment. This
make sense in terms of experimentation and wastage. Use the base note first and then
add the others.
When it comes to the bass note,
be careful as to the amount used as these are rich and deep and the scent can
easily overpower. If you start with just one drop, you have a better chance of
determining a balanced scent. Once you have added the drops and are pleased
with the results, you can then experiment further, expanding the oils as you
see fit.
It's all too easy to forget the
quantity of oils used and the types so do make a note of your blend as you go.
If you don't do this, you can guarantee you will find the perfect scent but are
unable to recreate it and this would be frustrating. You must also label the
bottles. Dating them is a good idea too as blends have a shorter shelf life.
MODULE SUMMARY
In this module, we discussed the
role of compounds in the blending process. When experimenting, practise
mixing up existing blends. Look at the benefits before beginning to blend. Try
to aim for a balanced scent. Remember to limit the number of oils to three or
less and only use a drop or two. Also, don't forget to write down
the types and quantity of oils used in your blend, and to label your bottles. In the next module, we discuss
the oils that can be used to help those who wish to lose weight.
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