An ancient branch of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is ubiquitous in its various forms in the modern world. Beyond traditional uses such as nasal decongestants, bug repellents and car fragrances, these days even upscale boutiques are enticing customers to walk through their doors and linger over racks of merchandise with pleasantly scented atmospheres. Airlines too have caught on the trend, with aromatherapy-based amenity kits that are dispensed to first-class passengers so they can arrive at their destination looking and feeling fresh. Even at home, fragrance diffusers give every room a different personality while pillow mists lull you into dreamland.

The growing range of aromatherapy products has not only prompted new brands, established shampoo and body soap brands have introduced aromatherapy-based lines to add an extra dimension to their product experience. Step into any reputable departmental store and you will find that beside the usual bed and bath department or stationery department, there’s an entire section dedicated purely to aromatherapy.

Cheryl Gan, brand founder of Mt Sapola (Singapore) ©Lionel Lai/Acepix

Mt. Sapola is one aromatherapy chain in Singapore that has seen great success since it was introduced here in 2007. Founder Cheryl Gan has grown it from a single store to 12 with locations such as Marina Bay Sands and VivoCity, and she has taken the brand to 13 countries. A certified herbalist with diplomas in anatomy and physiology as well as massage, she tells MELISSA GAIL SING how one can create personalised aromatherapy oils and offers expert tips to reap maximum healing effect from your blend.

What are some of the primary considerations when creating a bespoke blend of aromatherapy oil?

Blending of oils for personal use is always based on the individual’s preference. There is no right or wrong formula to mixing oils. Generally, a well-blended oil should achieve two things: a pleasant, long-lasting scent, and it should deliver the properties of the blend. Consumers can also opt to blend purely based on the scent aspect the oils without consideration of their therapeutic properties, or vice versa.

Tell us briefly about the conception to creation process.

First, find out what essential oils you need. Why do you want to blend these oils together?What will their purpose be? How will you use this blend?Are there any therapeutic effects you are looking for?

Next, blend essential oils according to their scent categories and notes. The floral group (eg. Jasmine, Rose, Geranium) blends well with Citrus (eg. Yuzu, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange), Spicy (eg. Pink Peppercorn) and Woody (eg. Hinoki, Guaiac Wood, Sandalwood) groups.Animallic group (e.g. Cistus) blends well with Woody and Floral groups.

The ‘note’ of an essential oil is determined by how quickly it evaporates. (Top notes comprise of small, light molecules that evaporate easily, thus forming the initial impression of a scent; middle notes emerge just before the top note dissipates; deep, heavy base notes bring roundness to the scent and together with middle notes are a scent’s main theme.) For instance, Yuzu, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Grapefruit are top notes; Geranium, Lavender, Rose and Tea Tree) are middle notes; and Sandalwood, Giant Arborvitae, Guaiac Wood and Ginger are base notes.

Once you have decided on the oil based on their intended use, and you have narrowed down your list based on their categories and notes, begin blending. Slowly combine the oils and try mixing them in different proportions, recording your formulation all the way, until you come up with a scent you are satisfied with.

What are some safety points to bear in mind when working with essential oils?

- Essential oils are flammable. Keep them in a cool, dry place.

- They are strong plant concentrates and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

- Physical contact of essential oils can cause immediate irritation or surface burns with prolonged use on skin directly. Always wash your hands after mixing them. If essential oil gets into your eye, it must be washed out immediately with cold sterile water.

- It is not recommended to ingest essential oils.

- It is not recommended to use undiluted essential oils on children younger than three months old. Keep them out of reach of children; children are vulnerable to the strength of essential oils.

 

Customise Your Own Mood-based Aromatheapy Blends

Essential oils available at Mt. Sapola ©Mt.Sapola

To energise

Elemi: Energises, stimulates, strengthens and clarifies the mind. It also aids in meditation and encourages positivity.

Geranium: A mood uplifter, this helps with stress and muscle tension relief.

Grapefruit: Refreshing and energising properties make this ideal for lifting a gloomy mood and improving mental clarity.

To combat stress

Yuzu: Enhances relaxation and promotes sleep. Also a mood uplifter.

Frangipani Absolute: Calms, warms and relaxes the mind.

Sandalwood: A natural sleep remedy with deep relaxation effects on the nervous system.

For headaches

Chamomile Roman: Soothes and calms the mind, reduces feelings of depression, promotes circulation and relieves pain and headache.

Violet Leaf Absolute: Relieves dizziness, headache and insomnia. Relaxing, soothing and inspiring scent thought to be comforting in times of grief.

Peppermint: Very uplifting scent ideal for combating drowsiness and jetlag.

To boost sensuality

Mimosa Absolute: A well-known aphrodisiac, this helps to relax the mind and promotes feelings of sensuality and romance.

Blue Lotus Absolute: This potent sedative and aphrodisiac calms the nerves and creates feelings of happiness and positivity.

Jasmine Absolute: A powerful relaxant and anti-depressant oil used to encourage sleep and enhance sexual desire.

 

A Guide to Reaping Maximum Benefits From Aromatherapy Oils 

Proper Storage. Always store essential oils in a cool, dry place.Pure, undiluted essential oils should be stored in dark coloured bottles (amber, violet or blue) since this filters out ultra-violet light. Exposing oils to direct sunlight and heat will cause them to oxidise and eventually deteriorate. 

Wood diffusers from Mt.Sapola

Use Diffusers Made of Glass or Wood. Pure essential oils (or undiluted essential oils) corrode plastic and paints on metal. So it is always advisable to use diffusers made of glass or wood as these materials can withstand the corrosive nature of the oils.

Preserve Therapeutic Effects. The nebuliser utilises the latest revolutionary technology to breaking essential oils into the finest particles possible, for optimal absorption through inhalation. This portable machine utilises cold air diffusion, so no heat is generated during the diffusion process, making it safe enough to be left unattended. Some chemical properties of essential oils are altered when they come into contact with heat and fire. So, for the purest, unadulterated therapeutic properties of your selected oil, use the nebuliser or ultrasonic diffusers for diffusion.

Check the Credibility of Oil Providers. Never try to self-medicate by consuming essential oils. Some direct marketers are using consumption to market the “purity” of their essential oils. Many medical journals advise against ingesting essential oils. This has resulted in fatal cases of liver poisoning.  The slow-effect poisoning may take years to present any signs and symptoms. By then, it would be too late. 

Exercise Caution for Direct Application. It is always recommended that essential oils be diluted in a suitable base oil before direct application on skin. Only a handful of pure essential oils can be used neat in very small amounts (1-2 drops) on the skin, namely Lavender, Tea Tree and Roman Chamomile. These may be applied directly to pimples, cuts, burns and cold sores but avoid doing this on a regular basis.