To an experienced aromatherapist, essential oils are grouped in a number of different ways. Essential oils can be grouped according to botanical classification, believed therapeutic properties, active chemical components or distillation method. But to a serious aromatherapist, essential oils are also grouped according to what essential oil experts refer to as their "notes". Essential oils are, by definition, volatile oils. How quickly those volatile molecules enter the air and become discernible to the human nose determines their "note" value. This measurement is especially important when essential oils are blended together to form synergistic blends. For example, a "top note" is the scent which is smelled right away while a middle note takes a little longer to discern. Base notes are the longest lasting scents and often serve to "anchor" or "ground" an essential oil blend.
Top Notes or Head Notes
Top notes, which are often called "head notes", are the lightest scents and they're usually the essential oils with the most volatile chemicals. Examples of essential oils which act as top notes include:
- Citrus oils like orange, lemon and bergamot
- Mint oils like peppermint, wintergreen and spearmint
- Conifer oils like cedar and pine
Middle Notes or Heart Notes
Middle notes, which are sometimes called "heart notes", are the essential oils that evaporate a bit slower than the head notes. They tend to last a little longer and give the blend a feeling of fullness. Examples of essential oils which act as middle notes include:
- Herbaceous oils like lavender and geranium
- Spicy oils like cinnamon and clove
- Floral oils like ylang ylang and violet
Base Notes or Foot Notes
Base notes, which are sometimes referred to as the "foot notes", are the deep, heady oils that serve mainly to deepen and anchor a blend. They're the scents that give a blend "staying power" and include:
- Resins like frankincense and myrrh
- Sacred wood oils like sandalwood and patchouli
- Exotic absolutes like jasmine and oakmoss
Like most things in aromatherapy, an essential oil's note value is subjective. What one person considers a top note might be classified as a middle note by someone else. Adding to the confusion is the fact that some essential oils have volatile components that straddle two categories. Rose, for example, can act as both a top and a middle note. If this sounds terribly confusing, relax. Aromatherapy isn't about strict rules. It's about bringing beauty into your life. Enjoy it.
