Blending 101

Blending essential oils is a process that baffles many but is really quite simple. Scents and scenting is essentially all based on personal preference, my suggestions on blending are just that.

Blending essential oils is a process that baffles many but is really quite simple. Scents and scenting is essentially all based on personal preference, my suggestions on blending are just that. Suggestions. I love to experiment and I encourage everyone to do so as well. Realizing what we like and don’t like is just trial and error.

Blending, in my opinion is quite simple. For beginners, I usually suggest just one easy rule to follow, so your scent has a better chance of being what you are looking for. It is commonly referred to as the 30/50/20 rule. This simply means starting with three oils, one heavy with Top Notes, one heavy with Middle Notes and the last heavy with Base Notes. Just as in music, the reference of notes are the same.

The 30/50/20 rule is as follows: Start with three drops a Top Note Oil, followed by the introduction of five drops of a Middle Note Oil, and then finished with Two drops of a Base Note Oil. The “Notes” of an oil simply refers to how quickly a scent evaporates.

Here I will give you a simple recipe for making an “energizing blend.”

  • Energizing Oils - Top Notes: Basil, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Peppermint and Spearmint
  • Energizing Oils - Middle Notes: Clary Sage, Cypress, Pine, Rosemary, Tea Tree
  • Energizing Oils - Base Note: Ginger

Let us do an energizing blend of: Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Ginger

Since Eucalyptus is our Top Note, I will suggest starting with three drops of this oil. To this oil, I would then add five drops of Tea Tree, since it is the Middle Note. I like to wait up to one hour to let the first two oils blend, before adding my Base Note. Last, I add three drops of the Ginger to the oil mixture of Eucalyptus and Tea Tree. I usually allow the oil to rest for twenty four hours before using it. This waiting time allows the scent to settle.

Recipes are all just a matter of personal taste. So experiment and get creative. I find it fun and exciting when I discover a new scent pairing that I can share with my friends and family.