An Aromatherapy blends start with adding base notes. They give the blend a foundation, allowing the blend to last longer and acquire maximum strength. Add 6 drops of base notes to begin a blend into 1 ounce of a carrier oil that soothes your skin. Choose 1 base essential oil or create a combination of 2-5 different base essential oils that harmonize like a musical chord. Always add the base notes first in a blend into a 1-ounce dark amber glass bottle with a tight-fitting screw cap.

Base notes were the first aromas used since the most ancient times. Every advanced civilization used these aromas for religious, perfumery, specialty needs and everyday uses. 

The most common base essential oil absolutes are Myrrh, frankincense, Styrax benzoin, Peru Balsam, sandalwood and labdanum. They are dark, viscous liquid resins harvested from trees and bushes. They are calming, beneficial in skincare and blend with floral aromas. 

Myrrh, Commiphora Myrrha, is emotionally balancing. The aroma is warm, slightly sweet and spicy, deeply complex. The earthy scent lifts slowly with hints of many tantalizing aromas. It is a universal base note.

Mysore East Indian, Sandalwood, Santalum album, is a woodsy and slightly mellowing sweet aroma, must be harvested from 30-year-old trees. The long-lasting aroma lifts with woody, slightly sweet scents. It is most complimentary and exotic with rose and rose geranium essential oils. It harmonizes with almost every aroma, lasting for hours. 

Note: West Indian Sandalwood is Amyris Essential oil from a different tree. It is not used in perfumery and by many aromatherapists. However, it is less expensive and more sustainable. Both East and West Sandalwood have a warm comforting aroma.

East Indian sandalwood contains a much higher content of alpha and beta sanatol, exuding a sweet buttery woody aroma desired in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Frankincense, Boswellia, is a classic base note, especially in floral, spicy and exotic blends. The cost is moderate. Carteri is most effective in cancer research using essential oils. (See aromahealthtexas YouTube "Frankincense in cancer care, 2025.) The aroma is a complexity of warm, woody, earthy and slightly sweet, with a touch of citrus and spice. 

Serrata is most useful in Ayurvedic medicine. Sacra is most often used in incense and also aromatherapy. 

Frereana, Somalian frankincense, has a high resin content useful in aromatherapy.

Occulta is less known and less available.

Benzoin, "Styrax" and Peru Balsam, Myroxylon balsamum, are known for their vanilla scent. Peru Balsam is very rich, warming and balsamic. Benzoin has a hint of cinnamon with vanilla undertones. Together they are a delightful, available less expensive source of a vanilla base note. They can be used separately or together. They are used in floral, spicy, woody and "centering" blends.

Base aromas with an earthy aroma are very strong and long lasting. Blend them 1 drop at a time to add depth without overwhelming the blend.

Vetiver, Vetiveria,zizanoides, is a very tall, thick-bladed grass. The distilled roots are very fragrant with a moist earthy scent. It blends well with herbals, patchouli, cedarwood, clary sage and bergamot. It can easily overwhelm a blend. I use a tiny dram dropper instead of a 1- ounce dropper for blending.

Patchouli,Pogostemon calin, is the strongest odorous essential oil, reminiscent of the 1960s hippies. The aroma is spicy, earthy, woodsy and a sticky sweetness. Use aged for 1 year to bring out a richness blending with labdanum, lavender, vetiver, cedarwood, clove and clary sage. Dose lightly and wait at least 7 days to discern the results in your blend. If it is too strong, just start over.

Angelica, Angelica archangelica, is a very strong, grounding, earthy root with a spicy undertone.  It blends well in small amounts to accent other base notes like Patchouli, Vetiver, and clary sage.

Labdanum, Cistus ladaniferus', leaves and twigs have been a favorite for centuries for aromatherapy. When you try it, you will agree. It is sweet, balsamic with a beautiful herbaceous scent. The undertone is amber, which blends well with most scent. In aromatherapy and perfumery, Labdanum is blended with Bergamot for a sensational aroma.

Tarragon, Artemesia dracunculous has a fresh, green scent that is also spicy and sweet. It is one of several aromas that contain estragole, which can mimic estrogen in sensitive people. It is used in small quantities and cautioned for pregnant, nursing mothers, estrogen positive cancers, children and pets. Refrigerate after opening.

Blend with citrus, rosemary, cedarwood, thyme for an enriching blend.

Lavender concrete, Lavandula, angustofolia, is the main source.  It is a waxy, green viscous mixture made from a solvent that is removed by heat after extraction.  The concrete smells like fresh lavender plants and is made from the flowers. It adds depth to a blend with Frankincense, citrus, Chamomile, and layered with Lavender absolute and essential oil.

Many tree essential oils are lovely base notes. Cedarwood contributes 4 essential oil base notes from 4 different trees.

Virginia Cedarwood, Juniperus viginiana,

Atlas Cedarwood, Cedrous atlantia

Texas cedarwood, Juniper ashei

Himalayan cedarwood, Cedrous deodora

Sometimes, they are also used as head notes. However, they are a great fixative for a special blend.

Himalayan has a light, warm woody aroma.

Texas cedarwood is more complicated. it is woody, sweet and resinous.

Virginia is used more often than Atlas. Let your nose make your decision. All 4 are calming and grounding.

Ylang extra, Cananga odorata is one of the most floral and beautiful aromas. The aroma is sweet, floral, balsamic, fruity and very sensual. It has a long- lasting effect, which makes it a great base aroma. It also is used as a heart and head note. it is one of the only aromas that can be used in all 3 places of honor in an aroma blend. It also blends well in any genre: Oriental, spicy, woody, fruity, floral, sensual. Ylang benefits all. The extra is the best Ylang to use, the first and best essential oil distilled. Fortunately, it is also inexpensive.

If you need an essential oil, absolute or concrete you do not see on our site, call or email me. We have many more in stock at various times of the year.

We sell in small bottles because essential oils degrade in oxygen replacing the essential oil used. Refrigeration helps and definitely avoid heat and bright light.

1- ounce and 1/2- ounce bottles of essential oils are available by request and availability. 

Blends can be added to unscented creams and lotions.

If you choose to make a perfume, substitute 200% perfume alcohol for a carrier oil. Please do not use vodka. It is heavy and will drag your scents down rather than building a lasting fragrance that lifts in layers.

Mailing perfumes can be a challenge. Check the regulations from each postal carrier in your area and Hazmat rules.