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AROMATHERAPY

Therapeutic Blending

What is Therapeutic Blending?

When discussing blending, most of the time it is in reference to perfume making. But there is a tremendous difference between perfume blending and therapeutic blending. Whereas perfume blending is most concerned with the final resulting scent and has no therapeutic value; therapeutic blending focuses on creating a blend that will aid with a particular emotional or physical condition. It concentrates more on the final result than on the aroma of the blend.

When blending essential oils ask yourself these questions:

1. What am I making the blend for?
Is there a specific purpose for this blend? Do I want it to be stimulating or relaxing? Will it have a physical purpose (insomnia), or will it be spiritual in nature (releasing anger)?

2. Who I am making the blend for?
Will this be a personal blend or am I making this for another person? Are there oils that you cannot use? Are there scents that your client will not tolerate? Is there the possibility of allergic reactions? Are there specific oils that the client wants in the blend?

3. What do they need?
What is it that the client hopes to achieve? What are their specific needs? Do they need the blend in a fixed oil? Or will it be in a mister? If you begin with a clear idea, a need to fulfill, you can be guided by the properties of the essential oils, and begin blending. Start off with simple blends, using no more than three or four oils in each formula. As you become more comfortable with the oils and blending, you can make blends with as many essential oils you feel comfortable with.

Tips for Blending:

• Start creating blends using essential oils only. After you have finalized the blend, then you can dilute it by adding the carrier oils for the massage.
• When starting a new blend, start out small. Use 5, 10, 20, or 25 total drops of essential oils. By starting small, the risk of wasting essential oils is lessened.
• Keep a notebook of all blends you make. List each oil you used, how many drops of each oil, the date you made it, how long you let it sit, and any other information about the blend you make. Don't throw any of it away. Keep a record of every blend you make, even the bombs.
• Label each blend clearly. If you don't have enough room on the label to do so, label it with corresponding numbers on the label and in your notebook.

Synergy:
When something has achieved synergy, the whole has become greater than the sum of its parts. Synergy is the reason we create therapeutic blends. As specific, complementary oils merge in a blend, their actions are enhanced; the oils, working in unison, create a more powerful effect. It's the idea of: "We're much stronger together than we are apart."

Blending Percentages:
When working with blends, in order to assure your clients' safety, never use more than a total of 10% of essential oils in your blend. This is the percentage used in commercial consumer blends.
Amount: (Total Blend) 10% Dilution: (Essential Oils to Add)
1/6 oz (125 drops) 12 Drops
1/3 oz (250 drops) 25 Drops
1/2 oz (375 drops) 37 Drops
1 oz (750 drops) 75 Drops
2 oz (1500 drops) 150 Drops (a little over 1/6 oz.)
4 oz (3000 drops) 300 drops (a little over 1/3 oz.)
8 oz (6000 drops) 600 drops (a little less than 1 oz.)

Calming/Relaxing Oils/Detoxifying Oils:
Lavender (in small amounts), Cypress, Juniper, Lemon, Geranium, Sage, Chamomile, Rosemary, Myrtle, Basil, Bergamot, Marjoram, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Orange, Patchouli, Dill, Fennel, Frankincense, Myrtle

Stimulating Oils/Analgesic:
Lavender (in large amounts), Peppermint, Birch, Wintergreen, Rosemary, Orange, Sage, Cinnamon, Basil, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Basil, Pine, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Ginger, Fennel, Cinnamon, Lemon, Juniper, Marjoram, Tea Tree, Sandalwood

Uplifting/ Reviving Oils: Balancing Oils:
Peppermint, Lemon, Geranium, Fennel, Bergamot, Sage, Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Ylang Ylang

Aphrodisiac:
Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli

Essential Oils Commonly used for Physical Ailments:
Arthritis: Birch, Chamomile, Cypress, Basil, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Pine
Burns: Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Tea Tree
Cellulite Reducing: Basil, Chamomile, Dill, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange
Colds and Flu: Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree
Headaches/ Migraines: Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Basil

Information provided courtesy of Gritman Essential Oils. For more information, visit: www.gritman.com