No two essential oils are the same, but this essential oils guide will help you make heads and tails of all this. Two or more oils may be quite similar to each other, but each has a unique chemical composition that gives it its particular aroma and set of properties.
Some essential oils have a floral scent, while some have a herbaceous, camphorous, woody, or citrusy scent. Some can relax you, while some can invigorate you. What all essential oils do have in common, however, is that they can improve various aspects of your health as well as your state of mind.
Aroma Foundry essential oils are guaranteed pure and fresh, as found out by blogger, Ms. Lesley Kim. Photo by Lesley Kim (www.lesley-kim.com).
Essential oils are the natural aromatic essences of various plants. These essences originate in special plant cells found deep in the bark, rind, leaves, or flower petals. The essential oils are then extracted through natural methods—either steam distillation or mechanical pressure. These two processes produce the highest quality of essential oils.
Chemical processes can also extract the essences of various plants, but these extractions are not actually considered to be true essential oils. Aroma Foundry’s essential oils are extracted from high-quality sources through either steam distillation or mechanical pressure, so you can be sure that you are indeed purchasing genuine 100% natural essential oils.
On this page, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to essential oils. You’ll learn more about the history of essential oils, what scientific studies say about them, how to safely use them, what types of fragrances they produce, and what kind of diffusers there are.
We will also tell you more about each high-quality and 100% all-natural essential oil you could find at Aroma Foundry. Because transparency is one of our brand's most cherished principles, we are more than glad to give that to you not just in this article but also with every interaction we have with our customers.
With our oils, we envision having people experience the life-changing benefits of using these gifts of nature. That is why we make sure that each oil from our collection truly comes with the best that essential oils can offer. Discover what we mean by ordering from our online store today!
We did a side-by-side comparison with two of the world's biggest essential oil brands.
Notes from the Latest Scientific Studies About Essential Oils
Scientists have discovered a significant amount of information about essential oils, including the different natural chemical compounds they're made of. Even so, there's still a lot more to discover, and there haven't been many extensive studies on essential oils. However, there’s a growing body of knowledge on the oils and their myriad of health benefits.
- Various essential oils have been proven effective as antibacterial agents against antibiotic-resistant strains.
- A number of essential oils, such as ylang ylang, are confirmed to be effective in lessening stress, anxiety, and depression. Aromatherapy massage has also been found to provide short-term psychological health benefits for patients with cancer.
- The natural constituents of some essential oils play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. This is due to various oils’ antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties.
- There are general and specific studies on essential oils that confirm their aromatic benefits in reducing stress and hypertension.
- Other benefits of essential oils include supporting digestion, improving respiratory symptoms, and relieving menstrual pain.
Essential Oils in History
Numerous historical accounts detail the use of essential oils in many ancient practices, including medicinal methodologies, embalming, bathing, and perfumery.
Essential oils have been used in home remedies for hundreds of years. Different cultures around the world have specific uses for them, from religious ceremonies to the treatment of illnesses.
Egyptians used aromatic oils and pastes from plants to make pills, powders, ointments, medicinal cakes, and suppositories. They also used herbs, oils, and fragrances in religious practices. Pharaohs were also known to have had their own special blends for meditation, war, and love, among other things.
The use of aromatic oils in China was first recorded centuries ago during the reign of Huang Ti. The emperor’s book of internal medicine documented the uses of several aromatics, and this is still being referred to by Eastern Medicine practitioners to this day.
Ayurvedic Medicine from India has been incorporating essential oils into various healing potions. The uses of aromatic plants and oils played an integral part in medicinal, spiritual, and philosophical purposes.
The uses and benefits of essential oils were also known in Greece, Rome, Persia, and other parts of Europe. Essential oils were used in medicine, personal care, household applications, and perfumes. Ayurvedic applications and the burning of frankincense and pine were also recorded to have significantly reduced the spread of the bubonic plague.
Essential oils have indeed come a long way in history. Mother Nature has blessed us with the essences of trees and plants to holistically support our health and improve our day-to-day living. There’s still so much more to learn about essential oils, especially when ancient wisdom can help us in our modern day issues.
Brief Profiles of Aroma Foundry Essential Oils
1. Basil Essential Oil
The leaves and flowering tops of the basil plant are steam distilled to extract the rich essential oil.
Basil has a refreshing aroma that is calming and relaxing. The herb is used for various culinary and medicinal purposes, which made it a staple in Southeast Asian culture.
Distillation method
Basil essential oil is extracted from the steam distillation of leaves and flowering tops.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Basil is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties. It can also help improve digestion, skin, and hair, and may be employed as an insect repellent, air freshener, and flavor enhancer.
Blending with other essential oils
Basil essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Patchouli
- Cedarwood
- Tea tree
- Rosemary
- Ylang ylang
2. Bergamot Essential Oil
The bergamot fruit is bright green before it turns to a ripe yellow, when its rind is ready for oil extraction.
Bergamot is a citrus fruit that has a rich history. It’s known as the Italian Wonder due to its many health benefits and how it has helped many people all throughout history.
Distillation method
When bergamot fruits turn yellow as they become ripe, the rinds are cold-pressed with a hydraulic press to release the oil.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Bergamot essential oil has powerful antibiotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive, and antidepressant properties. It can also help relieve pain, stress, fatigue, and fever.
Blending with other essential oils
Bergamot essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Rosemary
- Lemon
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Ylang ylang
- Patchouli
- Grapefruit
- Tea tree
3. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Unlike most other essential oils, Cedarwood oil is extracted from the tree's bark and wood, making the process considerably more difficult.
Cedarwood essential oil is believed to be one of the first essential oils extracted by mankind. It has seen thousands of years of use already, by the Egyptians who employed it to embalm their dead and the Native Americans who used it for purification ceremonies.
While ancient cedar tree species are now rare, modern-day cedars are more than adequate for the production of the aromatic cedarwood essential oils we know and enjoy today.
Distillation method
Using steam distillation, the bark and wood of cedars are carefully subjected to heat in order to extract their chemical components without damage. Unlike extraction from leaves and other soft plant parts, extracting essential oils from wood can be a lot more difficult.
Brief info on uses and benefits
The fragrance of cedarwood essential oil is classified as a base note. It has a heady, dark, and woody quality favored by many perfume-makers.
However, its benefits are far from limited to its scent. It’s been know to help with disinfecting wounds, killing fungal infections, boosting the respiratory system, easing arthritis, regulating the menstrual cycle, clearing toxins from the body and blemishes from the skin, and even calming the symptoms of ADHD.
Blending with other essential oils
Cedarwood essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Patchouli
- Tea tree
- Basil
- Grapefruit
- Sage
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Rosemary
- Ylang ylang
4. Citronella Essential Oil
The essential oil of the citronella plant is most known for repelling insects but it can actually provide a list of other benefits.
Citronella essential oil has a fresh, distinctive, and citrusy aroma. Once you’ve had a whiff of it, there’s a very big chance that you’ll be able to recognize the scent anywhere. It’s this strong and characteristic scent that gives citronella oil one of its best-known attributes: the ability to repel insects.
As an insect repellent, citronella can help protect you against harmful insects, such as mosquitoes, that carry infectious and potentially deadly diseases. While this in itself is admirable enough, the oil actually has so much more to offer. It is full of compounds that can help treat a variety of ailments as well as help get rid of negative emotions.
Distillation method
The oil comes from the leaves of the Cymbopogon nardus or the C. winterianus, which are both species of the lemongrass (Cymbopogon) plant. These leaves resemble long stalks of grass, and are also often used to flavor food in various culinary traditions. The leaves undergo steam distillation, which produces the essential oil.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Citronella essential can help get rid of bacteria and fungi, soothe muscle spasms, increase urine production, and reduce pain. It can also help relieve stress and anxiety, which can both occur due to everyday stressors. Thus, the oil is an effective addition to many aromatherapy blends.
Other than that, citronella oil’s strong aroma can also help get rid of bad odors, making the oil a great disinfecting and deodorizing agent.
Blending with other essential oils
Citronella essential oil blends very well with the following essential oils:
- Rosemary
- Cedarwood
- Tangerine
- Patchouli,
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree
- Lime
- Lemon
- Bergamot
- Ylang ylang
5. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus trees are now grown in many parts of the world and not just in Australia largely due for its prized essential oil.
Eucalyptus is traditionally used to cure common cough and colds, but the uses and benefits of this essential oil extend beyond respiratory ailments. Today, eucalyptus essential oil is widely used for medicinal and industrial purposes.
Distillation method
The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of a eucalyptus tree. They are dried, crushed, and then distilled to extract the sweet, camphorous, and potent essential oil.
Brief info on uses and benefits
The health benefits of eucalyptus essential oil include the following—antiseptic uses, muscle and nerve pain relief, dental hygiene, treating respiratory ailments, stress relief, mood lifting, vermifuge, fever treatment, mosquito repellant, and household applications.
Blending with other essential oils
Eucalyptus essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Rosemary
- Lemon
- Cedarwood
- Ylang ylang
- Bergamot
- Lemongrass
- Tea tree
- Patchouli
- Spearmint
6. Fir Essential Oil
The scent of the pine forest can be sealed inside bottles in the form of essential oils extracted from fir tree needles.
Siberian fir essential oil shares almost all its properties with essential oils from other fir species. However, the Siberian fir is king when it comes to the concentrations of the compounds found within it. From being anti-inflammatory to being an antioxidant and a sedative, fir essential oil can be put to various uses to benefit the mind and body’s well-being.
Distillation method
Fir essential oil is made by processing the needle-like leaves of the fir tree using the standard steam distillation method. The resulting oil carries with it the scent of pine forests.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Aside from what’s already been mentioned, fir essential oil has plenty of other uses. It can ward off infection, potentially fight cancer, detoxify the body, boost metabolism, relieve respiratory issues, and even help heal broken bones.
Blending with other essential oils
Fir essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Cedarwood
- Eucalyptus
- Patchouli
- Rosemary
7. Grapefruit Essential Oil
Lush and vibrant as the actual fruit may be, grapefruit essential oil is actually extracted from its densely nutritious peels.
Grapefruit essential oil is one of the citrus essential oils. It has a light, fresh, and zesty scent that can uplift the spirit and improve mood. Like other citrus essential oils, which are extracted from the rind of their respective fruits, grapefruit oil comes from the rind of the grapefruit (Citrus paradisi).
While the grapefruit itself is mostly just suitable for eating, its essential oil has far more uses.
Like other essential oils, grapefruit essential oil has a number of active compounds. It has a high concentration of a compound called limonene, which has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and can also help with weight loss.
Distillation method
Extracting essential oils from citrus fruits like grapefruit can be quite difficult, since the oils are found deep in the rind. Thus, the oil is extracted through mechanical compression.
This means, however, that a single grapefruit can produce only a little oil. It takes quite a lot of grapefruit in order to produce enough essential oil to fill one small bottle.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Grapefruit essential oil is often used in cosmetics, since it has the ability to help lessen the appearance of scars and blemishes. It can also help manage acne and balance your skin’s production of sebum. Grapefruit can also help cleanse the hair of dirt and dead skin, as well as help get rid of dandruff.
Of course, grapefruit essential oil isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. It can also help fight off harmful microbes, provide your body with more antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and even help you lose weight. If you’re feeling a bit down, grapefruit oil is also a great way to lift your spirits.
Blending with other essential oils
Grapefruit oil blends very well with the following essential oils:
- Basil
- Ylang ylang
- Rosemary
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Sage
- Cedarwood
- Patchouli
- Tea Tree
- Lime
- Mandarin
8. Lemon Essential Oil
There are very good reasons behind lemon's widespread commerciality. The fruit, as well as its essential oil, offers a multitude of health benefits.Lemon has earned the distinction of being called “liquid sunshine” due to its vibrant color, refreshing scent, purifying properties, and energy-boosting capability.
Distillation method
Lemon essential oil is produced by cold-pressing lemon peels. The peel is the most nutrient-dense part of the fruit.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Lemon essential oil has a myriad of health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, supporting the respiratory system, detoxifying the digestive system, relieving fever, and fighting infections. It is also helpful in boosting the health of the skin, hair, and nails.
Blending with other essential oils
Lemon essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Rosemary
- Grapefruit
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Lime
- Lemongrass
- Ylang ylang
- Bergamot
9. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Though a member of the grass family, lemongrass gets the first part of its name from its citrusy taste and aroma.
Lemongrass is a favorite ingredient in many Asian dishes, but it’s also been used historically to help relieve inflammation, indigestion, fevers, as well as to help induce menstruation. Lemongrass essential oil can help with these conditions and more, as it has the remarkable ability to keep the body’s systems balanced and the immune system strong.
Distillation method
To make lemongrass essential oil, lemongrass stalks are harvested and sometimes dried before being subjected to the standard steam distillation process.
Brief info on uses and benefits
In addition to helping “tone” the various systems in the body, including the nervous and digestive systems, lemongrass essential oil is also useful for helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing inflammation and fever, fighting off fungal and bacterial diseases, and easing headaches and other types of pain.
In addition, it can also be used for relieving stress, alleviating menstrual problems, soothing insomnia or general restlessness, improving the skin, and reducing anxiety and depression.
Blending with other essential oils
Lemongrass essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Patchouli
- Ylang ylang
- Lime
- Tea tree
- Spearmint
10. Lime Essential Oil
Lime is actually yellowish once ripe but is harvested while still green when it is in prime quality.
Lime is used today as a flavor enhancer in drinks and in various dishes, but its essential oil has plenty of other beneficial uses. It can promote healthy digestion and and help improve nutrient absorption. Lime essential oil is also known as a powerful antioxidant that can help flush toxins from the body.
Distillation method
While citruses can be made through steam distillation as well, making lime essential oil through the cold pressing or mechanical method is largely favored because of the highly concentrated oils it produces.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Research has shown that depending on the circumstances, lime essential oil can have both appetite-stimulating and appetite-suppressing effects when inhaled or applied topically. It also has various other qualities, including being an antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic, anticarcinogenic, and antidepressant.
Blending with other essential oils
Lime essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Patchouli
- Lemongrass
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Spearmint
- Ylang ylang
- Bergamot
11. Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin essential oil is cold-compressed from its outermost peel, clearly visible in this photo.
The mandarin fruit has been cultivated in China and Japan for over 3000 years, and its essential oil has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes.
Distillation method
The conventional way of extracting mandarin essential oil is through the cold compression of the outer peel of mandarin oranges.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Mandarin essential oil is antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, digestive, and detoxifying. It can also help relieve stress, facilitate the growth of new cells, optimize body organs, and help treat skin disorders.
Blending with other essential oils
Mandarin essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Ylang ylang
- Lime
- Patchouli
- Lemon
12. Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli is a highly popular and sought-after ingredient for perfumes, deodorants, and oils because of its uncommon and exquisite fragrance. This essential oil is an extremely potent and powerful oil which carries with it many therapeutic benefits.
Distillation method
Patchouli essential oil is extracted by the steam distillation of fermented and dried leaves of the patchouli plant.
Brief info on uses and benefits
This aromatic oil has properties that include being an antidepressant, sedative, aphrodisiac, deodorant, insect repellent, diuretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, cell-regenerator, antifungal, and tonic.
Blending with other essential oils
Patchouli essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Ylang ylang
- Bergamot
- Spearmint
- Lemongrass
- Grapefruit
- Rosemary
- Cedarwood
- Lime
- Basil
- Tea tree
13. Rosemary Essential Oil
Thriving along the shores of the Mediterranean, botanists named this plant "rosmarinus", which means "dew of the sea".
Rosemary essential oil has a powerful, herbaceous scent with strong notes of camphor. It has many considerable health benefits, but it can be an excellent choice for cosmetic uses as well. Other than physical health, it is known to help improve your memory and state of mind as well. 1,8-cineole, a highly beneficial natural compound, can be found in rosemary essential oil in high amounts.
While rosemary may not be as popular as other essential oils, it can function very well on its own and it can enhance and complement the effects of other oils as well.
Distillation method
Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis) through the process of steam distillation. Steam distillation is the most common way to extract essential oils from leaves and flowers. It entails the use of high-temperature steam as well as pressure to draw the aromatic essences of plants.
Brief info on uses and benefits
1,8-cineole, one of rosemary essential oil’s major compounds, is able to help improve memory as well as cognitive performance. Because of this, you can use rosemary to help you focus on tasks that require mental effort, such as writing, preparing for reports, or studying for tests. Other than improving cognition, rosemary essential oil can also help relieve anxiety and stress.
Of course, rosemary is effective in helping you maintain physical health as well. It can help you combat harmful microbes, relieve pain, ease the symptoms of bronchial asthma, and boost your immune system. Rosemary oil can also help repel disease-carrying mosquitoes and even improve the quality of your hair.
Blending with other essential oils
Rosemary essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Eucalyptus
- Cedarwood
- Ylang ylang
- Bergamot
- Spearmint
- Mandarin
- Patchouli
- Tea tree
- Grapefruit
14. Sage Essential Oil
The greyish leaves of the sage plant are covered with very fine hairs called "trichomes."
Sage essential oil has a warm, sharp, herbaceous aroma with strong notes of camphor. It can be colorless, but it can also appear to be have a light yellow tinge. Like the plant it comes from, sage oil offers a wide variety of health benefits that can help treat the symptoms of many health conditions.
The sage plant (Salvia officinalis) has been in use since ancient times for many different purposes, including the improvement of fertility and the treatment of coughs and bleeding.
Over the years, both the sage plant and its essential oil have been proven to have components that can help you become healthier from head to toe, inside and out.
Distillation method
Sage oil is extracted from the partly dried leaves of the sage plant. This and most other essential oils are extracted via steam distillation. The steam distillation method utilizes high-temperature steam as well as pressure to coax out the essential oils of a variety of plants, trees, and fruits.
Brief info on uses and benefits
The sage plant has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, with civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians using sage for a variety of medicinal uses. Its oil, of course, has perhaps even more benefits and applications.
Sage essential oil can help provide antioxidants, combat disease-causing microbes, improve digestive and menstrual health, reduce inflammation, and relieve respiratory issues. Thus, if you’re currently dealing with an infection, some stomach problems, menstrual cramps, a cold, or perhaps you just want to improve your overall health, sage would make a great and very aromatic choice.
Blending with other essential oils
Sage essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Rosemary
- Tea tree
15. Spearmint Essential Oil
Spearmint gets its name from the shape of its leaves which resembles that of a spearhead.
Spearmint essential oil is widely known around the world. Its uses dates back thousands of years. The uses and benefits of spearmint’s cooling and rejuvenating essential oil cover a wide range of ailments, from various aches and pains to respiratory issues.
Distillation method
The oil is extracted from the leaves of the spearmint herb by the conventional process of steam distillation.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Among other things, spearmint essential oil is known to be a good antiseptic, antifungal, antispasmodic, carminative, stress-relieving, emmenagogue, restorative, insecticidal, and stimulant agent.
Blending with other essential oils
Spearmint essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Rosemary
- Tea tree
- Patchouli
- Lime
- Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
16. Tangerine Essential Oil
Tangerines used by for Aroma Foundry's top-quality essential oils are grown in fecund Californian soil.
Tangerines have been grown for over 3000 years in Japan, China, and Djibouti. Ayurvedic medicine calls tangerine as “Santra Sal” and is highly regarded as a natural detoxifying agent.
Distillation method
Tangerine essential oil is extracted by cold compressing the peels of the fruit.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Tangerine has antiseptic, cytophylactic, anti-inflammatory, depurative, digestive, detoxifying, and antispasmodic properties. It can also help relieve stress, boost metabolism, and uplift the mood.
Blending with other essential oils
Tangerine essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Bergamot
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
17. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil is quite powerful and has a myriad of uses and health benefits. It has a fresh, spicy, and camphorous scent similar to that of eucalyptus essential oil.
Tea tree has been in use for decades as a disinfecting agent in dental and surgical procedures until the oil eventually became useful outside operating rooms as well. It has since established a reputation for being versatile and a jack-of-all-trades.
Nearly all essential oils are suitable for aromatherapy, including tea tree. However, tea tree essential oil can help you improve your health as well as the health of your skin and hair.
Distillation method
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) through steam distillation. This is the most common way to extract aromatic essences from the leaves or flowers of many essential oil-producing plants. It entails the use of light pressure as well as high-temperature steam, both of which draw the oils out.
Brief info on uses and benefits
Tea tree essential oil is a very effective disinfectant that can help treat and prevent infections in the bladder, ear, eye, navel, skin, mouth, and genitals. It is also particularly well-known for its ability to help eliminate acne and promote clearer, healthier skin. Other than this, tea tree oil can also help you keep your nails and hair healthy.
One of tea tree essential oil’s most important aspects is its ability to fight off microbes that can cause various health conditions. Because of this ability, the oil can help relieve pain caused by dental procedures such as root canals and tooth extractions.
Blending with other essential oils
Tea tree essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Lemon
- Patchouli
- Cedarwood
- Basil
- Eucalyptus
- Bergamot
- Lemongrass
- Grapefruit
- Rosemary
18. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang ylang flowers hang from the canopies of Asia's tropical forests.
Various parts of the flowering ylang ylang tree have been traditionally used in many cultures for their health-giving benefits. The essential oil distilled from ylang ylang flowers carry all of these benefits and more. It also has a sweet and distinct scent that makes it a favorite in the perfume industry.
Distillation method
The blooms are picked at nighttime because that’s when their scents are strongest, and they’re processed shortly afterwards. Unlike other oils that are also extracted through steam distillation, the process of making ylang ylang essential oil is divided into several stages and can take up to 14 hours. The essential oil batches collected during the first distillations are the purest and most aromatic.
Brief info on uses and benefits
In their native soils, ylang ylang has been used to help treat malaria, pneumonia, asthma, stomach complaints, and more. Ylang ylang essential oil, meanwhile, has been known to be an effective regulator of mood, blood pressure, and heart rate. It also has properties that could help ease menstrual pain and many other types of inflammation, and it could also help improve skin and hair quality.
Blending with other essential oils
Ylang ylang essential oil blends well with the following essential oils:
- Patchouli
- Bergamot
- Rosemary
- Cedarwood
- Eucalyptus
- Lemon
- Grapefruit
- Lemongrass
Blending Essential Oils
Most essential oil users favor certain oils over others based on aroma and other qualities.
You can definitely make your own aromatherapy blends at home and be creative according to your signature scents. The general rule of thumb is to make a 1:1 ratio with the essential oils that you’ll be blending.
For example, if you want to make a spiritually purifying blend, blend 1 drop of patchouli, 1 drop ylang ylang and 1 drop tea tree. Try and test to see if you like the aroma of the resulting blends. From there, you can add more drops of a particular essential oil according to your preference.
About Carrier Oils and Agents
Why You Should Use Emulsifiers
When you need essential oils for anything other than diffusion, its very important that you use emulsifiers. Like many other oils, essential oils do not mix with water.
The heavier oil would just float to the top, and even when this type of solution is thoroughly shaken before each application, it could often result in uneven distribution. More essential oil could be dispensed at one particular time than in another.
When essential oils are to be added to liquids besides other oils, they need something that could bind the unmixable elements together. Without that binding agent, some of the adverse effects you could experience include skin irritation, sensitization, damage to mucous membranes, or even burns.
One prime example of when this could happen is if essential oils are added in its pure and undiluted state to your bath. It is always best to blend it first with bath salts, castile soap, or other carriers meant for bathing before stirring it thoroughly into your tub water.
Other examples of emulsifiers include high-proof alcohol, organic gels like aloe vera, honey, and vegetable and animal fats. Note that while mixing essential oils with alcohol like vodka is good for household applications, it is often not a good idea for other uses.
If a solution is to be used on the skin, rubbing alcohol may do just as well. Unscented lotion is another example of an emulsifier that’s often used in aromatherapy.
When using emulsifiers, it is best to mix it first with the essential oils. Stir or shake the solution thoroughly and see if any separation would occur before adding water or other water-based ingredients. The exact ratio of the mix would largely depend on the type of essential oil used and the recipe being followed.
However, please note that unless the resulting blend is to be mixed with something else for topical use, emulsification is not necessary when you blend essential oils with carrier oils. This is because the two types of oils have similar chemical structures and would naturally blend well together even without external assistance.
Understanding Carrier Oils
Though essential oils work well individually, they can complement each other's qualities when blended effectively.
Since essential oils are highly soluble in fats, any type of oil is technically viable as a carrier agent. However, which types are the best? The best carrier oils are those made by cold-pressing the parts of plants that are rich in fat, and this include the kernels, nuts, or seeds.
Carrier oils are basically pure organic matter in liquid form and not “essences.” As such, they do not evaporate like essential oils do, nor do they contain much aroma. They can go rancid as well, unlike essential oils, so it is always recommended to check first if the carrier oil you’re planning to use is fresh.
Though they generally do not have much odor, if there’s a trace of bitterness in these oils when you sniff at them, it’s a sign they might have gone bad. Note, however, that some carrier oils do have fragrances of their own. They would usually smell nutty or sweet depending on the type, but these scents aren’t cause for worry unless you don’t want them interfering with the fragrance of your essential oils.
Carrier oils aren’t exclusively from plant material either. Some can come from animals or fish. While these types might not be ideal for use in aromatherapy, they can be used when making wound disinfectants, the way our ancestors used them.
There are also many ways to produce carrier oils, but the best ones for topical use are those that had been cold-pressed—i.e., not processed using heat, or using only minimal temperatures—as well as those with high tocopherol or vitamin E content. Carrier oils that have these qualities won’t just be good for the skin, they will also typically have a longer shelf life.
Note also that unrefined oils are best when it comes to topical use, which rules out the common cooking oils found in our kitchens as they’re usually heavily processed.
Oils that are absolutely not ideal for use on the skin include mineral oils and other petroleum-based products. These could block the pores, thereby preventing optimal essential oil absorption while also blocking the passage of toxins out of the body. Heavier materials which may be used, on the other hand, are vegetable butters like shea and cocoa. These would typically be solid at room temperature, and they’re also best when made through the cold-pressing method.
Most Popular Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy
Coconut Oil
Because of its many beneficial properties, coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils.
Fractionated coconut oil comes highly recommended because not only is it relatively cheap with a long shelf life, it is also light on the skin, which allows for good penetration. This oil is also odorless, which means it won’t interfere with the scent of the essential oils it blends with.
One drawback is that it’s been processed and most of its natural contents have been lost. If you want a more organic option, a better choice would be virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil.
In colder temperatures, coconut oil tends to be solid at room temperature. It has a rich and distinct aroma of coconuts, and it can be beneficial on the skin all on its own.
Sunflower Oil
This oil is also relatively affordable and can serve a lot of purposes. The unrefined variant of sunflower oil has a thin consistency, is easily absorbed by the skin and therefore won’t leave an oily feeling, has very little scent, and has a long shelf-life.
Olive Oil
This oil is readily available in many households and could be used in a pinch. However, most aromatherapy practitioners do not favor it for cosmetic purposes because it tends to sit heavily on the skin.
Avocado Oil
Avocado is very rich in nutrients. While it’s also heavy and oily on the skin like olive oil, it is highly ideal for use on the hair.
Jojoba Oil
This oil is one of the best choices out there for skin-specific uses because its chemical composition is close to that of the oil our own skin produces. It is also ideal for use in massages because it contains its own anti-inflammatory properties.
Jojoba oil has medium viscosity but can be absorbed well by the skin. It also has a fairly long shelf life and won’t go rancid that easily.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has its own subtle fragrance, which makes it a favored choice when making perfumes. While this oil is thin and light, it takes a while for the skin to absorb it. Like the other oils on this list, sweet almond oil is readily available, affordable, serves multiple purposes, and has a long shelf life.
Other Carrier Oils
Here are a few other examples of carrier oils that are often used in aromatherapy: canola oil, corn oil, apricot kernel oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, hazelnut oil, grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil, and many others.
Your choice of carrier oils, just like your choice of essential oils, is definitely not limited. You might need to try several oils out to see which would best suit your particular skin type. It is also important to watch for a possible allergic reaction, especially for carrier oils like peanut oil.
Diffuser Types Guide
Using diffusers or humidifiers is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the effects of essential oils.Depending on what you expect to get from your essential oils, there are various types of diffusers that you could use.
If we’re talking about using the oils’ scents to create ambience in a room, for instance, a simple reed diffuser could do quite well. If you want to receive the full health benefits from your oils, however, investing in the more expensive and high-tech models might be necessary.
To give you a much better idea of the types of diffusers available on the market, we listed the most commonly used types of diffusers and how each one is used.
Heat-Using Electric Diffusers
To use this type of diffuser, the essential oil is applied to the “pads” that typically come with it. Heat is then generated to gently raise the pads’ temperature, which would then slowly release the oil’s aroma.
One pad can be dedicated to a specific oil, or other oils could be served up on top of another oil used previously to create a one-off blend. The pads can be changed after they’ve seen several uses and are beginning to fall apart.
While diffusers like this are generally inexpensive, one drawback is that too much heat application can “cook” essential oils, and a lot of the health benefits you might be after would be lost in the process. Most models also only have a “diffuse” setting, meaning the device must be manually turned on and off. This might also account for why “cooking” accidents happen often.
Ultrasonic or Humidifying Diffusers
There are various makes and models for this type of diffuser, which could simultaneously moisturize and purify the air by using ultrasonic vibrations to send out molecules loaded with water and essential oil particles. That same benefit, however, is also its drawback. Because the oils require dilution with water to be sent out that way, you might need to use more drops at a given time to get the same amount of benefits as some other types of diffusers.
Ultrasonic or humidifying diffusers come with water tanks that vary in size. The smallest ones typically have a 100 ml capacity, while the largest are 500 ml or more. These are often made from plastic materials that make them less ideal for cold-pressed citrus essential oils, which can be corrosive.
Some manufacturers prohibit the use of citrus essential oils with their product outright, and some lower-quality models might have the same problem even with steam-distilled essential oils. These diffusers also need to be cleaned frequently.
If you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for using the diffusers, however, they would serve your aromatherapy needs just fine. After adding the required amount of water as well as the recommended number of essential oil drops, these diffusers can be run automatically in a set time.
Some also have options where they turn on and off intermittently, which is especially useful since most experts would not recommend using a diffuser for more than one hour at a time.
Nebulizing Diffusers
Sometimes called atomizing diffusers, this type of diffuser is the most ideal if you want to get the maximum health benefits out of your essential oils.
This type works two ways. First, it can produce a powerful and continuous burst of air to diffuse microdroplets of pure essential oil. Second, it can also turn the essential oil into mist or vapor that you can inhale or also absorb into your skin.
Another thing that makes this type of diffuser ideal is that it doesn’t need heat or water to operate. It only diffuses essential oil particles, which makes for an even distribution within an enclosed space.
Of course, it isn’t without drawbacks. The first would be the price—even the cheapest model could be more expensive than the most high-end models of other types of diffusers. Another is that it tends to be noisy, which might be irritating if you’re sensitive to low humming sounds.
Last but not least, this type of diffuser tends to use up essential oils pretty quickly.
With all that said, there’s no denying that this type of diffuser is more effective when what you need from your essential oils is treatment and not just therapy. Simply add the undiluted essential oil to the diffuser’s glass reservoir and run it at either low or high diffusion.
Just remember that you should avoid using nebulizing diffusers for more than 15 minutes at a time. Overexposure can cause nausea, headaches, or emotional disturbances, among other things.
Fifteen minutes at a time, however, is often enough to give your body and mental health the boost they need. It’s also best if you give yourself time to adjust to the effects of the essential oils.
Oil Burners
Like the electric diffuser, oil burners also use heat to disperse the essential oil into the air. They can be good for personal use or in small spaces in order to create an ambience while also perfuming the air.
When applying heat to essential oils, however, some of their elements can become weaker or outright lost. This should be fine if you only want to enjoy the delightful play of scents and lights, but not so much if we’re talking about health benefits.
To use, simply mix drops of essential oil with a bit of water on the small reservoir at the top of the diffuser. Light the candle which would ideally use low heat to gently disperse the oil and water mixture, and simply blow it out again after use. Please be careful not to leave the fire unattended.
Other Types
One of the simplest and most efficient ways to use essential oils is with diffusers. Check out our list of DIY essential oil recipes that you can try!
We’ve mentioned reed diffusers, which is an example of a non-electric, evaporative type of diffuser.
Another popular example of this type of diffuser are terracotta pendants. The material would absorb the drops of essential and would let the scent out slowly when exposed to a passive heat source like sunlight or body heat. Their effects have even been known to last for days.
These types of diffusers use little intervention to disperse essential oils and would let them diffuse as they naturally would, but this could mean that lighter components within the oil would easily evaporate. This might leave behind heavier components, which have benefits of their own. Again, terracotta pendants might be more ideal for decorative and scenting purposes and perhaps not so much for health-related uses.
Types of Fragrances
Essential oils have fragrances that are valuable to the creation of perfumes and colognes.
The idea of classifying the fragrances of essential oils according to “notes” came from music. When composing a song, elements must be added so that the end product will produce a pleasing harmony. Some of the more powerful pieces of music can evoke thoughts and emotions in a listener.
When done right, blending fragrances can also do the same.
Fragrances are roughly divided into three categories of “notes” according to the length of time their aromas typically linger. Notes are either top, middle, or base. Top notes are those whose scents are the first to hit our sense of smell but would also be the first to dissipate, usually within the first couple of hours.
Middle notes last from two to four hours, or even longer if they could also be classified as a “heart” note. A heart note is something in between two note types which, in this case, are middle and base.
A good example of a heart note is the scent of ylang ylang. Middle notes are usually soft and warm, but they can be any type: sweet and floral, piney or woody, herbaceous or camphor-like. They offer balance to the blended scents as well as greatly extend the overall fragrance.
Finally, base notes are scents that tend to be heavy, musky, earthy, and/or woody. Not only can these fragrances last for several hours longer, they’ve also been known to linger for days.
They are typically “masculine” scents, but these darker scents have been gaining popularity among women as well because of their mysterious and longer-lasting appeal.
In Aroma Foundry’s collection, the essential oils that are usually considered as top notes are basil, bergamot, citronella, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, spearmint, tangerine, and mandarin. The middle notes include sage, fir, rosemary, tea tree, and ylang ylang. Lastly, we have the famous base notes cedarwood and patchouli.
It is important to note that the amount of drops to be added for a complete blend doesn’t always depend on which type of note an essential oil happens to be. For instance, even between top notes, one fragrance could be stronger and more overpowering than another, and this is the same across the board.
This is why, in order to come up with a successful blend, some experimentation is often necessary.
The Basics of Fragrance Blending
To get started on making your own blend of scents, all you’ll need are small reusable bottles and a notebook or an electronic note-taking device to record the combinations you’ve tried. You can choose 5-ml bottles in the beginning: there’ll be less waste this way as you’ll only be blending a few drops each of essential oils.
Note that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one essential oil per note. The beauty of blending is in how much room it gives you to simply explore.
As you go along, take careful notes of the number of drops you’ve used for each essential oil per blend and consider if this combination hits the spot or if something needs to be added or subtracted. A simple way to test each fragrance is to add a few drops of the blend to a cotton ball and to let the notes play themselves out. You can then freely adjust from there until you arrive at the scent combination you like best.
Once you’ve arrived at a blend you like, there will then be other things to consider. How would you like to use this blend? You could choose to run it as it is in your diffuser for up to an hour and let the scents linger for hours more, but you could also make a perfume out of your personal blend and carry it around with you wherever you go.
Depending on which form you choose, whether as a mist spray, a roll-on perfume, or a perfume balm, you’ll need to gather other ingredients in order to process the essential oils further. This includes emulsifiers (typically high-proof alcohol), distilled water, and carrier oils.
You will also need specialized containers that would not only store your resulting perfume but also protect the chemical integrity of their contents and extend their shelf-life.
Essential oils are loaded with health benefits not just to the body but also to the mind and spirit. Making a hobby out of blending these essential for their scents could also be therapeutic in and of itself.
Even though professional perfumers have to rely on chemicals other than essential oils and need years of study to master their craft, the basics of perfume-making are easy. All you’ll need is some creativity, an openness to the experience, and some trial-and-error to arrive at something you like.
While there are rules that you can follow, the best thing about playing around with fragrances on your own is that you could make your own rules as you go. You may even end up learning a lot more that way.
Common Precautions
Basic Things You Need to Know
- 100% pure and all-natural essential oils are less likely to cause adverse reactions, while oils with additives in them are more likely to be unsafe.
- Some essential oils may be safe to apply topically in small amounts, while some essential oils should be diluted in carrier oils or other suitable substances before application.
- If your skin is inflamed or damaged in any way, it may be more sensitive to essential oils and may thus be more prone to negative reactions.
- Do not ingest essential oils orally.
- If you have a health condition like diabetes or if you’re taking medication, you should first consult your doctor before using any essential oil. Essential oils can interfere with the effectiveness of your medication.
Pregnancy and Children
The use of essential oils in pregnancy is something of a controversial topic. According to some, if you use essential oils properly, it’s unlikely that it can negatively impact a developing fetus.
However, there is still very little information that details how exactly can essential oils affect pregnancy. Thus, if you’re pregnant, you should consult your doctor before using essential oils.
You should not use essential oils on children under the age of 7, since they may not be capable of withstanding the strong effects of the oils. While essential oils are all-natural and beneficial, they can also have adverse effects if not used properly.
What is Phototoxicity?
Some essential oils can be phototoxic. This means that they can make the skin especially susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Potentially phototoxic essential oils include bergamot, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and other citrus essential oils. If you apply these oils on your skin, make sure that you don’t have to go out into the sun for at least 12 hours after application.
Summary
Essential oils are the distilled and bottled versions of the best that nature has to offer. However, like all things, they should be used properly and carefully so you can fully enjoy their benefits with little to no issues.
Throughout much of the last two millennia, essential oils have proven that they can help manage various mental, emotional, and physical issues. From the first essential oils known to man to the more newly-discovered ones, each one offers a signature aroma and a set of diverse benefits.
With this essential oils guide, you'll be able to explore the ways you can use and take full advantage of various oils.
References
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Author Profile
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes, it takes a team to deliver comprehensive information on the all-natural solutions offered by essential oils.
- Background
- Notes on the Latest Scientific Studies About Essential Oils
- Essential Oils in History
- Brief Profiles of Aroma Foundry Essential Oils
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Citronella
- Eucalyptus
- Fir
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Lime
- Mandarin
- Patchouli
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Spearmint
- Tangerine
- Tea Tree
- Ylang Ylang
- Blending Essential Oils
- About Carrier Oils and Agents
- Diffuser Types Guide
- Types of Fragrances
- Common Precautions
- Summary
- References