Essential Oil Blending by Botanical Family

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Blending essential oils can be as simple as combining 2 or 3 of your favorite oils. Moreover, it can actually be a scientific process of creating the perfect harmony of aromas and chemical make ups. In this article, we’ll address the method of essential oil blending by botanical family.

Understanding Taxonomy

In science, the practice of classifying organisms is called taxonomy. Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, developed this classification system. It focuses on simple physical characteristics of organisms to identify as well as to differentiate between species. When we classify a living organism, we describe Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species.

For example, humans are classified as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Primata

Family: Hominidae

Genus: Homo

Species: Sapiens

Classification of Plants

Plants are also divided in this way, but they weren’t always. Originally they were designated by simple intuitive categories and later based on scientific studies. However, there were dozens of botanists naming the same plants without any logical system.

Then in the mid-1700s, Linnaeus modernized the method of designating botanical families. His system became the basis of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Eventually, this became the system for naming all botanicals.

Major Essential Oil Botanical Families

In general, essential oils from the same botanical family tend to blend well together. Therefore, we can use knowledge about plants’ classification to create perfect DIYs. Below is a list of some essential oils that work particularly well together.

Annonaceae: canaga, ylang-ylang

Apieceae: angelica, anise, caraway, carrot, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, galbanum

Asteraceae: chamomile, helichrysum, tarragon, yarrow

Burseraceae: elemi, frankincense, myrrh

Cupressaceae: cedarwood, cypress, juniper

Lamaiaceae: basil, clary sage, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, oregano, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint

Lauraceae: bay, camphor, cassia, cinnamon

Myrtaceae: clove, eucalyptus, myrtle, niaouli, tea tree

Myristicacea: nutmeg

Oleaceae: jasmine

Pinaceae: fir, pine, spruce

Piperaceae: black pepper

Poaceae: citronella, lemongrass, palmarosa, vetiver

Rosaceae: rose

Rutaceae: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, orange, petitgrain

Santalacae: sandalwood

Styracaceae: onycha

Valeriananceae: spikenard, valerian

Zingiberaceae: cardamom, ginger

Essential Oil Blending by Botanical Family

Here are examples of botanical families you can use to create unique blends.

Apieceae includes many culinary plants, such as various vegetables, herbs, and spices. These plants symbolize cycles and renewal. Some signature combinations include: angelica and coriander; carrot and cumin; dill and coriander.

Asteraceae plants are known for giving the power of attraction. Chamomile blends especially well with all the others.

Lamiaceae plants are particularly good for increasing vitality and helping people accept change. Here are a few examples that work especially well together: basil and spearmint; clary sage and patchouli; lavender and peppermint; marjoram and thyme; rosemary and oregano.

Rutaceae botanicals are great for inspiring confidence and strength, as well as increasing a sense of well-being. Some combinations that work particularly well together: bergamot and petitgrain; grapefruit and lime; lemon and neroli.

Pinaceae and Cupressaceaeils members are for growth, healing, and protection, as well as the ablity to connect with the divine. Here are some great combinations from this group: cedarwood and cypress; balsam fir and juniper; pine and spruce.

Remember to be Creative

Remember that intuition and intention are also important when it comes to blending essential oils. This method certainly has merit and can help you understand why some oils combine well, while others may not. However, it’s encouraged to use your nose and your gut feeling when combining oils. I’ve experienced lots of great blends created through simple trial-and-error.

The point is, the more we understand about plants and their resulting essential oils, then the more we can use them properly and therapeutically. Even if you are just looking for a nice aroma, a little science can help create that perfect blend.

For even more information about creating great essential oil blends, check out this post Creating Perfect DIYs with Essential Oils. How about a roll-on just for men or this one for women?

Want access to all of my oily education?

Mercury Retrograde and Essential Oils

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Friends don’t let friends travel through mercury retrograde without citrine and essential oils.

Mercury retrograde is a time when the planet appears to be moving backward in its orbit. Times of mercury retrograde get a bad rap because it can be a disruptive force. Mercury is known as the planet of day-to-day expression, communication, coding, shipping, and travel, and disruptions in these can throw everything off.

During times of Mercury retrograde, some people may experience frustrations in day to day life. If the past day has been crazy for you, buckle up; the next three weeks may be crazy as well. Additionally, you may want to hold off on making major life decisions as well as avoid getting sucked into controversy.

Citrine crystals are a great way to increase positive communications and these oils I’ve selected for this DIY roller are positive and grounding. Make and use this to help you conquer mercury retrograde!

Make your own mercury retrograde roller!

To a roller ball containing citrine crystals, add:

9 drops frankincense essential oil

11 drops myrrh essential oil

9 drops ylang ylang essential oil

2 drops lemongrass essential oil

Fill the remainder of the bottle with a neutral carrier oil such as grapeseed oil.

To learn more about emotions and essential oils, go here.

Skin Nourishing Ointment

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Our skin is the largest organ of our body and because its job is to provide protection, sometimes it can use a little TLC. This homemade skin nourishing ointment will sooth and protect your skin from wind, water, sun, and other irritants that can leave skin feeling sore, itchy, or dry. Additionally, apply it to skin sores to promote healing.

Skin Nourishing Ointment

In this recipe coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil provide moisture and nourish the skin. Beeswax forms a moisture resistant barrier, offering further protection. Manuka and frankincense essential oils support the skin and promote healing.

Ingredients

2 oz. organic coconut oil (not fractionated)

1 oz. beeswax pellets

1.5 oz. organic jojoba oil

1 teaspoon vitamin E oil

15 drops manuka essential oil

15 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions

  1. Place beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat. Stir frequently just until melted.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and carefully add jojoba, vitamin E, and essential oils, while stirring gently.
  3. Pour the mixture into small jars with lids. (This recipe should make enough for about three 2 oz. jars.)
  4. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify.

Apply this soothing ointment liberally to dry, sore, sensitive skin.

Love DIYs and want to learn more? Check out this post about Creating Perfect DIYs with Essential Oils. And here’s another great-skin loving recipe for Calming Bath Salts.

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5 Ways to Use Manuka Essential Oil

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Manuka, or Leptospermum scoparium, is a scrub-type tree which grows in coastal areas of New Zealand. Manuka has long been popular with the native Maori for the extensive uses of its wood, bark, flowers, and leaves. The sweet-smelling flowers provide an important source of nectar for honeybees, and the resulting honey is touted for its medicinal and healing properties. In this article, I will share 5 uses for manuka essential oil.

5 Uses for Manuka Essential Oil

Shave Oil

This shave oil will not only give you silky smooth results, but can also help prevent razor burn on tender skin. Combine 1/8 cup grapeseed oil, 1/8 cup fractionated coconut oil, and 10 drops of manuka essential oil.

Hand, Cuticle, & Fingernail Conditioner

Many people love manuka for its skin-nourishing properties. For a nighttime hand treatment, combine a few drops of manuka oil with a carrier oil and massage into your hands. Make sure to pay special attention to your cuticles and fingernails. Put on some cotton gloves and leave overnight. Wake up to luxuriously soft, smooth, and moisturized hands.

Honey Face Mask

Manuka honey has been used for hundreds of years to promote healthy skin and prevent blemishes. One option is to  purchase manuka honey to use as a face mask. However, this honey is expensive, so why not make your own? Just combine 1 tablespoon organic honey with 6 drops of manuka essential oil. Gently apply the mixture on your face with clean fingers. Allow it to penetrate your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Follow with a cool water rinse to close pores.

Sugar Lip Scrub

Use this exfoliating lip scrub recipe for smooth, kissable lips. Substituting manuka essential oil in this recipe adds extra benefits for dry lips.

Skin-Nourishing Ointment

Manuka honey is known for its skin-healing properties. Today, we can use manuka essential oil instead of the honey made from its nectar. Try this ultra-smooth Skin Nourishing Ointment for dry, chapped skin or to sooth sores and other skin ailments.

What are your favorite uses for manuka essential oil? Comment below with your ideas.

For even more education about essential oils, supplements, and wellness, check out my book, Essentials: 75 Answers to Common Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements! Or dig deeper by