Why Create a Custom Relaxation Blend?
I find that having a personalized relaxation blend helps me unwind after a stressful day. Commercial blends are lovely, but crafting my own allows me to choose my favorite scents and really tailor it to my needs. There’s something soothing about blending the oils myself and knowing exactly what’s going into the bottle.
A custom relaxation blend also makes a thoughtful gift for friends. It shows them that I cared enough to create something just for them to help them de-stress.
Choosing Your Scents
When making a relaxation blend, I look for essential oils that are known to have calming properties. Some of my favorites include:
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Lavender – Floral, herbaceous, known for promoting calm and easing stress.
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Bergamot – Citrusy and slightly spicy. Has an uplifting effect.
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Ylang ylang – Intensely floral with a hint of spice. Eases anxiety and nervous tension.
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Marjoram – Woodsy, slightly spicy. Good for relieving anxiety.
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Roman chamomile – Sweet, floral herb. Soothes both mind and body. Helps quiet a restless mind.
I also consider which scents I personally find relaxing. For example:
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Sandalwood – Earthy, rich fragrance reminds me of yoga class. Instantly calming.
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Neroli – Intoxicating citrus blossom scent evokes carefree days by the ocean for me.
By blending oils I find relaxing with ones known for their calming properties, I create a custom formula tailored for my needs. The options are truly endless with essential oils at your disposal.
Blending Your Oils
When working with essential oils there are a few standard recommended dilutions to follow based on use:
| Use | Dilution |
|---|---|
| Diffusing | Up to 50% essential oils |
| Topical use (body massage) | 3-5% essential oils |
| Facial use | 1% or less |
For a relaxation body oil for massages, I use a 3-5% dilution which is about:
- 15 drops essential oils per 1 ounce carrier oil
- 30 drops essential oils per 2 ounces carrier oil
Great carrier oils for relaxation blends are:
- Jojoba oil
- Coconut oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Grapeseed oil
My favorite base blend contains oils I find deeply calming like ylang ylang, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, and lavender. From there I might add in neroli for its softly floral scent, or spicy bergamot to create my custom relaxation formula.
I like to add the essential oils to the carrier oil in a dark bottle, close it securely, and gently swirl or turn the bottle upside down a few times to mix thoroughly before use. Then I just rub a small amount between my palms and inhale deeply before massaging into skin for a soothing aromatherapy experience.
Storing and Handling
Essential oils are quite potent so it’s important to follow proper safety precautions when storing and handling them. Always keep out of reach from children and pets as consumption could be toxic in some cases.
I store my custom relaxation blends in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and intense heat to preserve the fragrance and integrity of the essential oils. Glass dropper tops help prevent accidental spills or contamination too.
Be sure to label your custom blend clearly with the name of the formula as well as all essential oils it contains in case future reference is needed.
With the right mix of calming scents in a custom dilution, crafting my own relaxation blend is a wonderfully soothing ritual that I can turn to any time life has me feeling anxious or overwhelmed. A little tranquility in a bottle goes a long way.
