Combining essential oils is a great way to create new blends for a variety of reasons. And it seems there are as many ways to go about combining as there are unique combinations! This post is about an uncommon method called As Above, So Below. It is based on the source of the essential oil and the theory that this determines, at least in part, the benefit and uses of the essential oil.
Plant parts may determine their benefits
Medieval herbalists believed different parts of the plant serve different purposes.
- Roots keep our energy grounded and give our work stability.
- Wood and bark represent the middle and center, give us balance, help us grow, and provide protection.
- Resins represent life-giving blood and vitality, and provide control and the power to heal.
- Leaves symbolize growth and expansion and are great for enhancing meditation.
- Flowers represent beauty, fertility, and sexuality.
- Fruits represent completion, culmination, and abundance.
- Seeds and nuts represent the beginnings of things and can encourage growth and change.
As Above, So Below
Think about the parts of the plant that are above ground vs. the parts that are underground. These categories are organized as follows:
From here, there are a few different ways to blend essential oils together. You can simply use oils of the same plant part, use oils of multiple plant parts from either the As Above or So Below group, or balance several oils from both groups.
Carrier oils fit into this method as well.
As Above Carrier Oils:
- Avocado
- Jojoba
- Olive
So Below Carrier Oils:
- Almond
- Apricot
- Flax
- Grapeseed
- Sesame
- Sunflower
Or. . .Just Let Your Nose Decide
You don’t always have to use a method to combine oils. There are times that you may just simply combine a couple oils that you love and achieve great results. However, sometimes a bit of science or other strategy can produce balanced, harmonious blends that you will want to create again and again. Learn more about different blending types here.
