The Language of Aroma - Blends That Dance & Sing!

There are a variety of classifications of base, middle and top note scents used in aromatherapy to describe odor profile. I’ll introduce you to several and give examples of essential oils in each.

Base Note Scents - Lowest notes on the musical scale. These oils give depth and anchor a blend. When you inhale the scent of a base note you can feel it’s grounding influence. You may feel base notes primarily in the lower region of your body and gut area.

Balsamic - Peaceful, grounding aroma that is sweet, soft, and rich. A few inhalations of a balsamic oil can instantly promote a feeling of peace and calm. May bring to mind the feeling of being out for a walk in nature.

Base Note Balsamic Essential Oils
Balsamic essential oils can serve as base or middle notes.

Cedarwood, Atlas - Cedrus atlantica
Cedarwood, Himalayan - Cedrus deodora
Galbanum - Ferula Galbaniflua
Myrrh - Commiphora myrrha
Sandalwood - Santalum album
Ylang Ylang III - Cananga odorata
Vetiver - vetiveria zizanoides

Earthy - Deep, rich, and lasting aromas that are grounding and centering. Earthy scents have the complex richness of soil and dense forests. These aromas last for hours after application and make excellent perfume oils.

Earthy Essential Oils
Earthy oils are mostly used as base notes.

Galbanum - Ferula Galbaniflua
Patchouli - Pogostemon patchouli
Spikenard - Nardostachys jatamansi
Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides
Ylang Ylang III (Canaga odorata)

Exotic and Sensual - Intoxicating aromas that charm the senses. These scents encourage playful, sensual energy. Cultivated around the world these complex oils are sweet, warm, spicy and floral.

Base Note Exotic and Sensual Essential Oils
Many Exotic and Sensual Oils are base notes though they can also serve as middle notes.

Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin
Spikenard - Nardostachys jatamansi
Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides
Ylang Ylang III - Cananga odorata

Resinous - Gorgeous scents that are deep, rich, grounding and supportive, often used as incense.

Base Note Resinous Essential Oils
Resinous oils are usually base notes though they can also serve as middle notes.

Myrrh - Commiphora myrrha
Patchouli - Pogostemom cablin
Sandalwood - Santalum album (E. Indian endangered use Sri Lankan)
Spikenard - Nardostachys jatamansi

Spicy - This aroma family is full of warm, diverse, fiery and passionate scents that uplift the spirits. 

Base Note Spicy Essential Oils
Spicy oils can serve as base or middle notes.

Clove Bud - Eugenia Caryophyllata
Ginger - Zingiber officinale
Myrrh - Commiphora myrrha

Sweet oils - Delicious pleasing scents with mouth-watering depth that soothe and comfort.

Base Note Sweet Essential Oils
Sweet oils have the broadest spectrum of use in aromatherapy and can be base, middle or top notes.

Cedarwood, Atlas - Cedrus atlantica (endangered use Himalayan)
Cedarwood, Himalayan - Cedrus deodora
Clove - Eugenia Caryophyllata
Ginger - Zingiber officinale
Patchouli - Pogostemom cablin
Sandalwood - Santalum album
Spikenard - Nardostachys jatamansi
Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides
Ylang Ylang III - Cananga odorata

Warm and Radiant - Give you the feeling of being wrapped in a warm and cozy blanket, comforting to the senses.

Base Note Warm and Radiant Essential Oils
Warm and Radiant Essential Oils can serve as base or middle notes.

Black Pepper - Piper nigrum
Clove Bud - Eugenia Caryophyllata
Ginger - Zingiber officinale

Woody - The aroma of fresh cut wood and the quiet peace of the forest. These aromas suggest nature and the majesty of tall trees. Woody oils promote a sense of grounded calm.

Base Note Woody Essential Oils
Wood oils can be base or middle notes.

Cedarwood, Atlas - Cedrus atlantica
Cedarwood, Himalayan - Cedrus deodora
Sandalwood - Santalum album

Classic Base Note Calming & Grounding Blend

To a 5ml (100 drops) colored glass euro-dropper bottle add:

• Ylang Ylang III (Sesquiterpene) - 60 drops
• Spikenard (Sesquiterpene) - 10 drops
• Ginger (Sesquiterpene) - 30 drops

Cap your bottle tightly and shake bottle vigorously to blend oils thoroughly. Allow blend to synergize for 8 hours or longer before using. When ready dispense 1-3 drops of your blend onto a perfume smell strip or cotton ball and inhale the scent.

What’s your response to the oil’s scent?

Can you distinguish which of the oils in the blend serves as the base, middle and top note?

Each of the three oils in this blend contain sesquiterpenes.

Actions and effects include:

• Regulator - stabilizing, promotes balance and harmony
• Sedative - calming
• Relaxant - relaxing, soothing effect, relieves strain or tension

Join me next week for more about, How To Create the Perfect Blend Using Your Intuitive Sense of Smell.

READ my next article, Recipe for World Peace +Plus a Classic Harmonizer Blend.

READ First Article in this series, The Secret To Creating The Perfect Blend Let Your Nose Guide You!