Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Classification of Aromas in Essential Oils

Essential oils play a major role in the treatment of aromatherapy. They are the key ingredients for each and every blend and recipe in aromatherapy. Not all the oils are used for every treatment. Each oil has its own quality and significance and the major quality of the oil makes it to be used for particular purposes. They have their own smell and properties.

Depending upon the smell and the time of evaporation these oils are categorized in to notes. There are three notes and every essential oil will definitely fall under one particular note.

Let us have a look on the three notes in detail.

Top Notes: The essential oils which evaporate rapidly and have a strong smell are classified as Top Notes. They are volatile in nature and their fragrance lasts for very small time when exposed to air. They are usually derived from the flowers, leaves and flowering herbs of the plant. The aromas of these oils are sharp, fruity and vibrant which are helpful to motivate, stimulate and also in increasing the concentration and creates a sort of alertness. Some of the oils which belong to this group are the lemon, orange, peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary.

Middle Notes: The oils which evaporate at a lesser rate, usually for one hour are termed as middle notes. The aromas of these oils are floral, evergreen, and are more balanced in nature. These oils are usually derived from the spices and herbs of the plant. Middle notes are used to establish connection between mental and physical planes. They are antiseptic and anti inflammatory in nature. Some of the middle notes are jasmine, ginger, chamomile and black pepper.

Base Notes: Aromatherapic oils which take several hours to evaporate are called as Base Notes. Their aroma ranges from sweet, earthy to rich woody. They are usually extracted from the roots of the plants and hence they produce deep relaxation and deliver a sense of peace. These oils are good for nervousness, arrogant behavior, and also works for chronic diseases. These oils totally control the emotions of the body. Some of the base note oils are vanilla, sandalwood, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg.

When mixing the essential oils all these notes are used in the required proportions in order to make a balanced and well defined scent.

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