| The Phenomenon of Synergy | | | | Notes |
| The fact that essential oils can be blended together | | | | In 'perfume speak', each smell or aroma is considered |
| to create a completely different aroma as well as | | | | as either a top, middle or base note and, in an ideal |
| increase the healing power of certain oils is called 'oil | | | | world, a perfect blend should consist of one of each |
| synergy'. Dr Jean Valnet during his experiments found | | | | of these. Whether an oil is classed as top, middle or |
| that certain oils when blended together produced an | | | | base will to a certain extent depend on its 'volatility' - |
| even more powerful 'combined oil' and could often | | | | the speed at which it evaporates. |
| work better than a single essence. This is due to the | | | | Citrus oils are top notes and their smell is taken up |
| mutually enhancing effect that each oil has on the | | | | quite quickly, whereas the deep woody smells such |
| other and the numerous amounts of trace chemicals | | | | as Sandalwood and Patchouli are heavy, base notes. |
| which are found in the oils. | | | | Their smell will linger much longer. This will also be true |
| Many of these chemicals are considered | | | | of the amount of time it takes for the oils to effect |
| pharmacologically inactive and have little or no effect | | | | the body, another good reason for blending - 'zingy' |
| t on the body or the aroma of the oil, however, it is | | | | citrus oils will kick-in first so the client won't feel too |
| these very substances which increase the efficacy of | | | | dopey immediately after the treatment whilst deep |
| the active properties in the oil and also act as a | | | | woods and herbs can take as long as 12 - 15 hours |
| buffer to the harmful components. A good example | | | | to take effect. |
| of this is citral in Lemongrass. If this substance were | | | | Strangely enough, although oils blend extremely well |
| applied neat to the skin it could easily cause a nasty | | | | together, research has shown that more than 5 oils |
| rash and skin irritation, however, due to the other | | | | blended can actually lower the potency of the oils - |
| chemical elements in Lemongrass, the effect of citral | | | | almost as if the chemicals begin to cancel each other |
| is reduced and the oil becomes relatively safe to use. | | | | out. |
| The blending of oils not only increases or decreases | | | | Blend Testing |
| effects of some of the chemical constituents but can | | | | Almost any oil can be blended with another although, |
| also change the odour of the oils. An oil which may | | | | naturally, some blend better than others. You can |
| be considered by some to have an unpleasant smell | | | | easily 'test' the blends which you are creating without |
| can be transformed into something more pleasing | | | | wasting too much oil. |
| when blended. | | | | 1. Smell strips may be used - normally used |
| Synergistic Blending | | | | for single oils rather than blends although this is the |
| Just as a perfumier strives to create the perfect | | | | inside crease of your elbow. This will not only give |
| scent aromatherapists use various methods for | | | | you an idea as to whether the aroma suits you but |
| blending. In most cases, all that the aromatherapist in | | | | also show if you skin will react to the blend possible. |
| aiming to achieve is a relaxing blend which the client | | | | Use a piece of blotting paper and waft the sample |
| likes and which evokes pleasant 'smell memories'. | | | | around for a few seconds to encourage |
| However, on a more technical level, should the | | | | vapourisation, this will |
| aromatherapist be blending the oils for a specific | | | | 2. Patch testing. Blend 2 teaspoonfuls of |
| ailment or condition, the chemistry of the oils would | | | | carrier oil with up to 5 drops of essential oil. Apply to |
| need to be investigated more thoroughly. | | | | either your wrist or give you more of an idea as to |
| Oil Volatility - Top Notes, Middle Notes and Base | | | | what the oil will smell like eventually. |