DIY
3 DIY Tips: How to Mix Essential Oils Into a Blend
By Caryn Gehlmann
Essential oil blends are combinations of single essential oils, mixed together for their synergy and with the intention to produce specific effects on the body and/or emotions. Is it hard to learn how to mix essential oils? Not at all!
For example, you’re stressed and coughing, so a blend of Lavender (to calm) and Eucalyptus Radiata (for respiratory/coughing) provides you relief. Or perhaps Jasmine is your favorite scent, but when you add a bit of Frankincense and Sandalwood, the aroma takes on complexity and balance … and is now utterly divine!
Once you learn how to mix essential oils you can come up with your very own signature scent or in a more therapeutic sense, it can help you focus on a certain issue pertaining to your health and wellness. Smell is by far our most intimate, individualistic sense.
Before we get started, don’t forget that safety is the most important consideration when choosing ingredients for a blend. It is important to use high-quality oils, especially for therapeutic applications. Review the safety guidelines for each essential oil you are using, there are certain essential oils that should be avoided depending on your age or health. Also, make sure to use safe application methods. At e3, we provide this information on the webpage of each of our essential oils singles.
Here’s how to mix essential oils into a blend your nose will love!
1. Let your nose lead and your mind follow. In other words, smell first and read the label on the bottle second! Remember – less is more. I always say to create a blend that elicits an Ahhhhh experience! When we feel good it stimulates immune-boosting natural chemicals that support homeostasis and well-being of our body, mind, and spirit.
2. Test before you blend. Gather the following materials: test strips, pen, 3-5 of your favorite essential oils. Add 1 drop of each essential oil to a test strip and write the name on the test strip. Use 2-3 test strips; mix and match and then smell your test strips until you find your favorite combination. Fan them under your nose to sense which blends work best for you (back to tip #1).
3. Take it slow and record your findings. Start with 1 drop of each oil of your chosen oils and add to a glass mixing container. Gently agitate to blend the oils. Dip a test strip into blend and sniff. To make adjustments to your blend, add 1 drop at a time. Make sure to record the number of drops of each oil used in your blend. Usually, you will use around 15-20 drops total in each of your blends but remember to follow your own sense of smell (that’s back to tip #1 again!).
Many find the right essential oil blend helps them relax and get a goodnight’s sleep. But which scent do you find relaxing? You could try e3’s Sleeptime blend or Relax blend or you be adventurous and create your very own essential oil sleep blend! Here are some suggestions…
DIY Sleep Blend
Try combinations of the following essential oils many people find relaxing:
Chamomile, Roman
Geranium
Lavender, French
Marjoram, Sweet
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Find the right combination of 5 -15 drops for YOU and then combine with 1 T. Fractionated Coconut Oil. Mix together and store in a small, glass bottle with a cap. Apply to chest, neck before bedtime.
Have fun blending! We’d love to hear about any new blends you discover. You can get more information on how to mix essential oils in our downloadable free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.