Blending Essential Oils For Beginners – 3 Top Tips

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

We’ve noticed that our DIY readers have certain characteristics and interests that make them excel at blending essential oils. You have a deep curiosity about the natural world and a passion for learning about plants and their therapeutic properties. Then there’s that playful, creative side of you that loves to experience and experiment with the different scents and the way they go together (or don’t!). You’re diligent about measuring and documenting your recipes for future use because you’re creating something to benefit your family for years to come. You appreciate the art and the science of blending! And you want the best healthcare solutions for your family, focusing on natural alternatives as much as possible. You are our kind of people!

That’s why we want you to enjoy the blending process safely and effectively, so you’re not wasting your money or putting your health at risk. To that end, we’ve pulled together this Blending Essential Oils for Beginners Guide. Here are three main things to keep in mind:

1. Essential Oil Safety: Safety is our number one priority when working with essential oils. These concentrated plant oils can be potent and may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even harm if used incorrectly. Here are some safety tips:

• • Always dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin. Dilute with carrier oils, vegetable oil, Epsom Salts, whole milk, aloe vera, or liquid soap. Not water! And dilute it according to its intended purpose.
  • Before applying a new essential oil blend to your skin, mix a small amount of it with a carrier oil and test it on a small area to check for any adverse reactions.
  • Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or individuals with certain medical conditions. Research and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary.
  • Know which essential oils are photosensitizing so your skin isn’t damaged by the sun.
  • Very few essential oils are safe to use in food or drink.

2. Research and Education: Knowledge is power when working with essential oils.

• • Before you start blending, educate yourself about each oil’s properties, benefits, and contraindications (by whom or when essential oils shouldn’t be used).
  • Take advantage of e3’s Sample Policy to get acquainted with individual scents and experiment with how they interact when blended (aroma-wise and synergetically intensifying the benefits).
  • Bookmark e3’s blog and subscribe to e3’s newsletter for the most up-to-date research.
  • I highly recommend these aromatherapy books.
  • Download our free ebooks, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils & Listen to Your Nose – An Intro to Aromatherapy.
  • Start with simple blends and recipes. Experiment with a small number of oils initially and keep detailed records of your blends and their effects. Over time, you can expand your knowledge and create more complex recipes.
  • Work with a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist. I’ve been a practicing C.C.A. since 2002.  I or my staff are happy to do research for you if we don’t have the answer.

3. Quality Matters: This is where I see so much confusion because sellers use words like natural or all-natural for essential oils that have fillers, additives, or synthetics. The quality of your essential oils greatly affects their effectiveness and safety. Here’s what to consider:

• • Choose high-quality, pure essential oils from reputable suppliers. Look for oils that are labeled as “100% pure” and “therapeutic grade.” All e3 oils adhere to strict quality testing standards.
  • Check the product label for the Latin name of the plant, botanical name, chemotype (ct), and country of origin.
  • Avoid synthetic fragrances or additives.
  • Store your essential oils in dark glass bottles, in a cool, dark, dry place, to maintain their potency.
  • Be mindful of shelf life and how to tell if the oil has become rancid. I encourage you to write the date on the bottle when you get it.

Remember that aromatherapy and essential oils can have both physical and emotional effects, so pay attention to how different blends make you feel. Pros use the same tips that I’ve outlined here in the Blending Essential Oils for Beginners Guide, so be patient with yourself, have fun and soon you’ll be blending like a pro. And if you haven’t done so yet, download our free ebooks, The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils & Listen to Your Nose – An Intro to Aromatherapy.