An introduction to how to make an aromatherapy roll-on blend. By Sharon Falsetto.
An aromatherapy roll-on blend is one of my favorite aromatherapy products to make. It can be used for a multitude of purposes: Anxiety, grief, stress, panic attacks, colds, pain, and even as a natural perfume.
The content and dilution rate of each aromatherapy roll-on blend will vary, depending on the purpose of the blend, but in this article, I will give you a quick guide on how to make a simple blend.
Dilution Rates
The following list indicates the general dilution guidelines for making an aromatherapy roll-on blend. However, if in doubt, consult a certified aromatherapist for further information.
- 2% – Normal dilution rate for a healthy adult for a health-related condition.
- 3% – 5% – The dilution rate for a healthy adult for an acute health condition.
- 10% – Dilution rate intended for perfume use (i.e. on pulse points only) for a healthy adult.
Note that this is a general guideline only. An adult with specific health conditions, seniors, and pregnant women are just a few examples of when you would need to assess and adjust the dilution rate and/or choose not to use specific essential oils. In addition, many essential oils have cautions for regular use.
What to Put in an Aromatherapy Roll-on Blend
This article assumes that you will use a carrier oil base such as jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) for your aromatherapy roll-on blend. An experienced aromatherapist may use other carrier oils as a base for health-related conditions and/or a mix of carrier oils as the base.
To the base, you would add an essential oil blend at the recommended dilution rate shown above.
The essential oil blend may comprise of between two and seven essential oils, depending upon the purpose and complexity of the blend.
Instructions for Making an Aromatherapy Roll-on Blend
- You will need a roll-on bottle like this one. They vary in size, but I recommend starting with a 10 mL/0.33 oz. size bottle.
- Add jojoba oil to the bottle, leaving enough room at the top to add the essential oil blend.
- Mix the essential oil blend in a separate glass bleaker like this one. Add the appropriate number of drops of essential oil to the beaker.
- Pour the blended essential oils into the bottle to mix with the jojoba. Cap and shake well.
- Your aromatherapy roll-on blend is now ready to use! Use only as applicable, depending on the purpose of the blend.
My Favorite Aromatherapy Blend Combinations
Here are some of my favorite aromatherapy blend combinations for roll-ons:
- Vetiver, sandalwood and sweet orange – for grief, anxiety, and stress.
- Neroli, sweet orange, and carrot seed – for panic attacks.
- Geranium, lavender, and palmarosa – for balancing.
- Frankincense, lavender, and Roman chamomile – for pain.
If you would like to learn how to make aromatherapy roll-on blends, and how to successfully mix different essential oils for a blend, take a look at one of our on-site workshops or our online Certificate in Holistic Aromatherapy, designed for beginners to aromatherapy.
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About the Author:
The author of this article has a combined 24-year history in the health care and aromatherapy industry. She is UK-certified aromatherapist and a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®. She is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, custom blend formulator and herbal studies student. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. She has taken the online Master Gardener short course series with the University of Oregon. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer homestead property.
