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Blending, synergy and storage
Synergy
The aim of the Aromatherapist is to produce a synergistic blend of oils. A synergistic blend is a blend using 2 or more oils, which complement each other and work together to enhance the overall effect. The synergistic effect is created when the chemistry of oils combine to produce a therapeutic effect greater than the effects that could be achieved by using the oils individually. The result is a more powerful combination of oils that are specific to the individual. More than 4 oils may provoke an antagonistic effect between the oils and the client may not receive maximum benefit from the therapeutic actions. A successful blend is also a pleasing blend, one which helps to address the emotions which can respond very positively to a pleasant fragrance.
Keeping records
Always keep a meticulous record of how you make up blends for future reference. Your notes should include ingredients and proportions, the date, method and any special notes. Label finished products with the date, ingredients, and instructions for use.
Blending
Personal experience and client preference will dictate to a certain extent which oils seem to blend well with each other. Fragrant oils ('top notes') may not go well together as they can over-power each other; citrus oils blend well with floral oils; some oils are overpowering and need to be masked within the blend if needed for a specific therapeutic purpose. Essential oils blend harmoniously with oils from the same family, for example: Clary sage, Lavender, Rosemary (Labitae); Bergamot, Lemon (Rutaceae).
Client preference
Client preference is also important and blends need to be tested before using by allowing the client to smell the oils in combination before a preparation is made. The best way to test an aroma is to hold the opened bottles together and swirl them under the nose. This causes the molecules to combine to simulate the proposed blend. Strong fragrances need to be used sparingly but can also be used to mask other oils within a blend.
When mixing a blend, bear in mind:
 | Purpose of the blend |
| Therapeutic properties of the oils |
| Compatibility of the oils |
| Balance |
| Contraindications |
| Client preference Cost |
| Time of day (stimulating oils should not be used in excess at the end of the day), drinking or driving |
| Type of client: is the client ill, elderly or frail – blends may need to be more diluted due to inactivity and slower metabolism. |
Dilution
Essential oils are very strong and have to be diluted in carrier oil before use. Some oils have opposing qualities: for example, Lavender, which is calming in small quantities, and stimulating in larger quantities. Therefore it does not necessarily follow that greater the concentration of oil, the greater the effect. For an adult body massage, essential oils are used as a dilution of 2% essential oil to carrier oil. For the face, oils are used in 1% dilution.
Body - 10 drops essential oil per 20 ml carrier
Face - 5 drops essential oils per 20 ml carrier
For infants and the frail elderly, the above dilutions are doubled (twice as much carrier) (1% and 0.5%).
Caution: some dessert cutlery teaspoons can be smaller than 5 ml – use a specially designed medicine spoon. Some drops sizes may be larger than others, depending on the thickness of the oil and the size of the stopper in the bottle.
| Teaspoon = 5 ml |
| Dessertspoon = 10 ml |
| Tablespoon = 15 ml |
Storage
Oils should be supplied in dark glass bottles with stoppered caps. They should be kept in a cool dark place out of reach of children.
Oils should not be stored alongside homeopathic medicines as this can affect their properties.
If stored correctly with the lids tightly screwed on, some oils can last up to 2 years Citrus oils do not last as long however (approximately 6 months to 1 year), but some oils (particularly base oils), can improve with age, for example, Patchouli and Frankincense.
Oils purchased from a reputable dealer should have an expiry date stamped on the label. The label should also show instructions for use, the botanical as well as the common name, and a batch number.
Oils that have been blended in carrier oil and kept cool and sealed should last up to 3 months before deterioration.
Adding 10% wheat germ oil and the contents of a vitamin E capsule slows oxidation down and preserves the blend for longer.
After purchasing oils, date mark the bottles when opened.