Synergistic Essential Oil Blending

The combined action of two or more elements is often greater than the sum of the single elements. This is synergy. In aromatherapy, a blend of oils is much more powerful than a single oil. One example is that sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is a poor antimicrobial oil. However, when blended with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), this blend becomes a powerful treatment for respiratory infections (Aromatherapeutic Blending, Essential Oils in Synergy, Rhind, 2016, pp. 22-23). It also has a very pleasing aroma. The combination is more effective than orange oil or lavender oil by themselves.

Some essential oils have a few of the same chemical constituents and are able to complement each other very well. Also, there are many essential oils that have similar properties and would make a dynamic blend. There are stimulating and calming essential oils. There are antimicrobial oils, digestive supporting oils, oils that support the endocrine system, digestion, relaxation, pain, and many other areas. Synergistic blending may use similar constituents, properties and/or energetics to produce a powerful formulation. It is important to know the purpose of a blend in order to choose the proper essential oils.

A holistic blend might choose one or two essential oils from different areas of concern to address multiple conditions. Example: someone who has indigestion due to stress may benefit from a blend for digestion and calming. It might be a combination of lemon (Citrus limon, which is a digestive aid and a calmative), Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, which is calming), and frankincense (Boswellia ssp. which is also calming but not sedating). Blending these in a carrier oil or without a carrier oil in a nasal inhaler or diffuser could help.

In my practice, I generally look for 3-5 essential oils that complement each other in chemical constituents, health properties and aroma. These blends can address a single issue or multiple health concerns. Additionally, I look for scents that are pleasing to the person which may include oils they prefer.

On the other hand, there are conditions that respond well to a single essential oil. I treat first degree burns with a simple drop of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) with amazing results. The species is important in this since some species of lavender contain higher levels of camphor which can worsen a burn. However, for most other conditions, it is recommended to use a blend. An aromatherapist can help you choose appropriate essential oils with the right amounts for your purpose. Additionally, in my blogs, I offer several recipes blending multiple oils which you can try for yourself.