Best Practices in Aromatherapy with Aromahead

Aromahead Institute

Science-based aromatherapy you can actually use, from Certified Aromatherapists. Each episode is a recording of one of our live classes — hands-on sessions where we blend in real time, share recipes to nourish your skin, home, and spirit, and answer your questions along the way. Whether you're brand new to essential oils or deepening a practice you love, you'll come away with practical recipes and the confidence to make them your own.

  1. 2d ago

    Tea Time: Blue Tansy - The Oil That Turns Blue in the Still

    Recorded live with our community in September 2026 — the first episode of Tea Time: The Oil Less Traveled, a year of Wednesdays spent with one lesser-known oil at a time. 📝 Heads-up: the perks in this class — free jars, half-price Blue Tansy, gift cards — expired with the broadcast. Every Tea Time has its own deal on that week's oil, so join us live in the Natural Living Club: https://www.skool.com/natural-living Blue Tansy is distilled from a bright yellow flower and comes out of the still deep blue. Jenny opens the series with the chemistry behind that, reads this batch's GC/MS report line by line, and whips a Blue Tansy body butter on air, frozen bowl and all. In this episode: The flower is yellow. The oil is blue because matricine turns into chamazulene in the heat of steam distillation, and German chamomile and yarrow get their blue the same way.On this batch's GC/MS report camphor and sabinene each sit just under 16%, beta-pinene at 7%, and chamazulene at only 5.74%. A small percentage can still define an oil.Blue Tansy has a strong middle note, a little apple and a little dill. Lavender softens it, Frankincense Sacra gives it a resinous base, sweet orange or yuzu brightens it. It tints a butter or lotion a soft blue but does not tint your skinReach for it on hot, itchy, irritated skin, in massage oil for muscles and joints, and where things are congested. Pairing it with German chamomile puts two blue oils to work on the same deep ache.The whipped body butter: 56 grams of shea butter, 28 grams of mango butter, 1 fluid ounce of jojoba, then 6 drops of Blue Tansy, 18 of lavender, 10 of Frankincense Sacra and 6 of sweet orange. Ten minutes in a frozen bowl was enough to whip it.Sweet orange is never phototoxic, and neither is yuzu. Grapefruit takes 25 drops in 1 ounce to become phototoxic, bergamot only 3, so check the guideline before you swap a citrus.Chapters:[0:00] Welcome to Tea Time, and the year ahead[2:18] The gift for watching live, and the jar the recipe goes in[4:15] Inside the Club classroom: building out the Tea Time course[6:57] The recipe PDF, the data sheet and the workbook[10:18] The workshop opens: a yellow flower from Morocco[12:04] "The road not taken", and the working lineup for the year[14:00] Bright Confidence diffuser blend: yuzu, lavender-infused frankincense, Blue Tansy[17:10] Blue on the orifice reducer: matricine becomes chamazulene[19:53] How the weekly gift and the half-price oil work[21:02] Melting the butters: 56 grams of shea, 28 of mango[25:34] The heart, the art and the science of an oil[28:15] Reading the GC/MS report: camphor, sabinene, beta-pinene and 5.74% chamazulene[30:06] Yellow flower, blue oil: the distillation chemistry, and the other two blue oils[31:21] Blending with Blue Tansy: apple, dill, and what to tuck it in with[32:56] When Jenny reaches for Blue Tansy, and does the blue stain?[35:42] Enrollment week: the Blenders Guild and the 12-month study group[38:58] Jojoba goes in, Larry drops by, and the frozen-bowl trick[41:16] Claiming the gift and the half-price Blue Tansy, step by step[46:00] Dropping in the oils, and the phototoxic line for citrus[48:11] Into the frozen bowl, then questions from the chat[50:17] More body butter recipes, the app, and asking Thymely[53:09] The Club classroom, a drop on white, and leaderboard thank-yous[56:36] Whipping the butter: purple foam to peaks[1:00:50] Over-whipped? Add jojoba back[1:02:03] On the skin, and counter or fridge?[1:04:12] Ten minutes in the freezer, the homework thread, and goodbye Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the Natural Living Club — members get our Aromatherapy 101 course free: https://www.skool.com/natural-livingWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/tg_DhT8Vr0sShop GC-MS tested essential oils: https://www.aromatics.com

    Tea Time: Blue Tansy - The Oil That Turns Blue in the Still
  2. Sep 2

    Simple Natural Skincare: Clay Masks, Hydrosol Mists & Salt Scrubs

    From our live class archives — recorded live with our community in March 2026, as Week 2 of our Natural Living Makeover. That six-week pop-up group has since closed, and all of its content now lives inside the Natural Living Club. Heads-up: this class was packed with live-only perks. All of them have expired with the original broadcast. For current deals, browse our Sale Bin: https://www.aromatics.com/collections/on-sale In this episode, Jenny picks up where our Essential Oil Foundations class left off and puts it to work on skin. Natural skincare is where most people start — but it only works once you understand formulation and dilution. We get into what actually makes a formula function, then blend two recipes start to finish on camera. In this episode: Every carrier oil behaves differently — texture, absorption rate and fatty acid profile all change how a blend lands on skin.Hydrosols carry the plant's water-soluble chemistry, not concentrated essential oil — which is why they're gentle enough for a baby's diaper rash or an open scrape when an essential oil isn't.The shelf-life rule: the shortest-lived ingredient sets the shelf life for the whole blend. One citrus oil drops a 20-year jojoba blend to 1–2 years.Preservatives matter for water-based products, not oil-based ones — and small fresh batches usually mean you don't need one at all.Extraction method decides it: steam-distilled Lime is not phototoxic, cold-pressed Lime is.Estimating is fine for a clay mask or a salt scrub — not for a therapeutic blend.Two recipes blended live: a French green clay Glow & Ground Mask, and a Citrus Forest Polish shower scrub.Chapters:[0:00] Welcome — Week 2 of the Natural Living Makeover[1:03] Leaderboard Thank-You Gifts and a Community Tour[6:56] The Natural Living Club Support Circle[12:15] Quiz Round — Five True or False Questions[12:49] Every Carrier Oil Behaves Differently[15:00] Fatty Acid Profiles: Jojoba, Argan and Apricot Seed[17:42] Do Hydrosols Hydrate Because They're Full of Essential Oil?[19:18] A Word on Essential Oils in Food[22:00] What a Hydrosol Actually Is[23:02] Why Hydrosols Are Gentle Where Essential Oils Aren't[25:44] When Preservatives Genuinely Matter[27:54] The Shelf-Life Rule for Oil-Based Blends[28:57] Water-Based Products, Mold and Natural Preservatives[33:16] Linalool and Skin-Soothing Properties[37:04] Substituting an Oil by Chemical Family[41:21] Cooling, Warming and Hot Oils[45:42] The Five Week 2 Skincare Recipes[49:59] Blending Live: Glow & Ground Clay Mask[56:25] Why a Clay Mask Tightens as It Dries[57:29] Blending Live: Citrus Forest Polish Shower Scrub[1:04:58] Wipe Down the Shower — a Real Safety Note[1:09:48] Closing, Winners and Next Steps Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the Natural Living Club — members get our Aromatherapy 101 course free: https://www.skool.com/natural-livingWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/Dm9InQL4O90Shop the oils, hydrosols, carriers and clays from this episode: https://www.aromatics.com

    Simple Natural Skincare: Clay Masks, Hydrosol Mists & Salt Scrubs
  3. Aug 27

    Essential Oils & the Summer Sun: Phototoxic Oils to Know (+ Cooling Mist Recipe)

    From our live class archives — recorded live with our community in July 2026. 📝 Heads-up: this class was packed with live-only perks — free spray bottles for anyone ordering during the broadcast, free hydrosols on $75+ orders, member gift picks, homework giveaway winners, the 7-Day Leaderboard and a Fourth of July sale. All of it expired with the original broadcast. For current deals, browse our Sale Bin: https://www.aromatics.com/collections/on-sale In this episode, we explore how furanocoumarins in cold-pressed citrus oils like Bergamot and Lemon can increase skin sensitivity to UV light, leading to phototoxic reactions. We discuss safe alternatives, such as using Lemon Verbena hydrosol, which offers a citrusy aroma without the phototoxic risk. Listen in for insights on safe summer blending and how to enjoy your favorite citrus scents under the sun. In this episode: Furanocoumarins in cold-pressed citrus oils can be phototoxic — and they don't show up on a GC-MS report, so you work from known safe dilutions.Phototoxic oils are not off-limits, they have a ceiling: roughly 2 drops of Bergamot, 12 drops of Lemon or 24 drops of Grapefruit per ounce of carrier.The extraction method decides it: cold-pressed Lime is strongly phototoxic, steam-distilled Lime is not — and the Lime we carry is distilled.Sweet Orange, Blood Orange, Mandarin, Petitgrain and Bergamot Mint are not phototoxic. Bergamot Mint is a mint, not a citrus.Beyond citrus, watch Angelica Root (max 0.8%) and Cumin (max 0.4%).Lemon Verbena hydrosol gives a bright citrus lift with none of the sun risk — the base of the Sun Smart Cooling Body Mist blended live in this class.Chapters:0:00 Welcome to the Summer Skin Series1:03 Special Offers and Gifts5:07 Natural Living Club Updates13:21 Respecting the Sun16:39 Understanding Phototoxic Reactions23:00 Phototoxic Essential Oils28:08 Angelica Root and Safety Tips35:08 Safe Sun-Friendly Oils40:33 Peppermint Hydrosol Gift48:12 Sun Smart Cooling Body Mist Recipe57:19 Multifaceted Products and Usage1:05:06 Fourth of July Sale and Closing Remarks Want the chemistry behind all of this? The Blend by Chemistry series is here in the feed — linalool, d-limonene, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene and β-caryophyllene, one component per episode. Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the Natural Living Club — weekly live classes and member gift picks: https://www.skool.com/natural-livingWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/imHS368F6xAShop GC-MS tested essential oils: https://www.aromatics.com

    Essential Oils & the Summer Sun: Phototoxic Oils to Know (+ Cooling Mist Recipe)
  4. Aug 20

    β-Caryophyllene: Deep Support and Restoration (Blend by Chemistry, Week 6)

    Recorded live with our community. 📝 Heads-up: mentions of free gifts, gift cards, giveaways, or workshop offers were specific to the original broadcast. For current deals, browse our Sale Bin: https://www.aromatics.com/collections/on-sale This episode dives into beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene with a 15-carbon structure, making it a heavier, slower-evaporating component. Found in oils like Copaiba and Black Pepper, it adds depth and longevity to blends. We explore its chemistry and how it supports more balanced, grounding aromatherapy experiences. In this episode: Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with 15 carbons, making it heavier and a base note.Copaiba Balsam is the richest beta-caryophyllene oil on the shelf, and Black Pepper leads with it too.Understanding chemical components allows for confident oil substitution in blends.A salt inhaler is a simple DIY project that's practical and accessible.Beta-caryophyllene's slow evaporation rate enhances the longevity of essential oil blends.Chapters:0:00 Welcome2:43 Thanking the community6:04 What the six weeks were building toward8:16 Week 6 opens, and the warm-up diffuser blend11:39 Why Jenny built this series21:24 The arnica infusion, and a harvest they had written off28:49 Giveaway winners and the Pinyon Pine workshop33:03 Beta-caryophyllene: fifteen carbons, not ten34:38 Copaiba Balsam, and why it is not for sale yet35:52 How much of a component is actually enough36:18 Hops, and what it really smells like42:08 This week's gifts44:44 Thrive, and the monthly oil workshops46:59 Next Wednesday: the pathways open house50:20 Jenny's Thank-You Blend, made start to finish55:37 Where the lessons live after September 101:05:20 After hours: testing the salt inhaler Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the free Natural Living Lab: https://www.skool.com/natural-living-makeover-nowWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/fCZPErcLVf0Shop GC-MS tested essential oils: https://www.aromatics.com

    β-Caryophyllene: Deep Support and Restoration (Blend by Chemistry, Week 6)
  5. Aug 13

    α-Pinene: Ground, Support, Restore (Blend by Chemistry, Week 5)

    Recorded live with our community. 📝 Heads-up: mentions of free gifts, gift cards, giveaways, or workshop discounts were specific to the original broadcast. For current deals, browse our Sale Bin: https://www.aromatics.com/collections/on-sale Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene found in many conifer oils like Scotch Pine and Juniper Berry. This episode explores its unique structure, which folds into two rings, distinguishing it from other components like limonene. We also discuss how GC/MS data can reveal surprising information about oil composition, such as high alpha-pinene levels in Frankincense. In this episode:- Alpha-pinene is a monoterpene with a two-ring structure, unlike limonene.- GC/MS reports can reveal unexpected alpha-pinene levels in oils like Frankincense.- Recognizing chemical components helps in selecting oils for specific goals.- Simple tools like orifice reducers enhance blending ease.- Understanding chemical structures enriches the aromatherapy experience. Chapters:0:00 Introduction to α-Pinene1:42 Exploring Essential Oils5:04 Community and Offers10:20 Grounding Practices18:12 Trauma Oil Discussion28:04 Understanding Oil Chemistry35:15 Creating a Comfort Blend44:13 Blending Tips for Children48:22 Blending with α-Pinene56:28 Navigating Member Benefits1:03:13 Container Tips and Tricks1:10:18 Q&A and Closing Remarks Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the free Natural Living Lab: https://www.skool.com/natural-living-makeover-nowWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/yRC5SbcPpkwShop GC-MS tested essential oils: https://www.aromatics.com

    α-Pinene: Ground, Support, Restore (Blend by Chemistry, Week 5)
  6. Aug 6

    1,8-Cineole: Breathe, Clear, Focus (Blend by Chemistry, Week 4)

    Recorded live with our community. 📝 Heads-up: mentions of free gifts, gift cards, shipping offers, or workshop discounts were specific to the original broadcast. For current deals, browse our Sale Bin: https://www.aromatics.com/collections/on-sale Dive into the chemistry of 1,8-cineole, a component that feels opening and refreshing. This episode unpacks its presence in oils like Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Rosemary. Discover how to identify oxides on reports and blend for a clear, focused experience. In this episode: 1,8-Cineole is known for its energizing and refreshing aroma.Ravintsara is rich in 1,8-cineole, providing a unique blending experience.Learn to spot oxides like 1,8-cineole in essential oil reports.Spike Lavender is high in 1,8-cineole, unlike other lavenders.Melt and mix oils directly in the container for easy cleanup.Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and Excitement for 1,8-Cineole 0:02:10 Essential Oils with 1,8-Cineole 0:04:18 Community and Offers 0:12:09 Understanding 1,8-Cineole Chemistry 0:16:03 Spike Lavender and Blending 0:20:00 Preparing for Cold Season 0:22:47 Creating a Beeswax Salve 0:28:55 Using Ravintsara in Blends 0:33:23 Aromahead Amazon Store 0:37:22 On-Demand Workshop Details 0:43:30 Weekly Q&A Sessions 0:51:20 Extended Course Access 0:53:30 Live Q&A Session 0:55:08 Shelf Life of Chest Rub 0:59:41 Blending for Children 1:02:21 Course Links and Discounts 1:03:58 Unique Stories from Farms Links: Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.com Join the free Natural Living Lab: https://www.skool.com/natural-living-makeover-now Watch the class replay: https://youtu.be/pyuuBVgnONE Shop GC-MS tested essential oils: https://www.aromatics.com

    1,8-Cineole: Breathe, Clear, Focus (Blend by Chemistry, Week 4)
  7. Jul 30

    Linalyl Acetate: Let the Body Unwind (Blend by Chemistry, Week 3)

    Recorded live with our community. 📝 Heads-up: mentions of giveaways, free gifts, gift cards, or limited-time perks were specific to the original broadcast. For current deals, browse our Sale Bin: https://www.aromatics.com/collections/on-sale Linalyl acetate, a key component in many essential oils, is the focus of this episode. We explore its chemistry, particularly how it's structurally similar to linalool with the addition of an acetate group. This session also highlights how linalyl acetate differs across oils like Lavender and Petitgrain, enhancing our understanding of essential oil reports. Join us for insights on crafting aromatic blends. In this episode: Linalyl acetate combines linalool with acetic acid, forming an ester.Lavender GC/MS reports may show linalyl acetate leading over linalool.Different oils have varying linalyl acetate content, such as Clary Sage.Understanding batch variability in chemotypes enriches blending skills.Using any blender type works for whipping body butter effectively.Chapters:0:00 Introduction and Welcome1:10 Community Diffusion Discussion3:29 7-Day Leaderboards and Member Highlights5:18 Real-Time Learning and Engagement8:06 Essential Oil Expertise and Tips10:19 Measuring Ingredients for Blends13:11 Blending Techniques and Tips17:11 This Week's Gift and Offers21:29 Fun Activities with Aromatherapy28:34 Lesson 3: Linalyl Acetate and Lavender35:30 Properties of Linalyl Acetate41:09 Recipe for Relaxation Blends46:40 Whipping Up Body Butter53:17 Using and Storing Body Butter59:20 Shelf Life and Storage Tips1:03:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Info Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the free Natural Living Lab: https://www.skool.com/natural-living-makeover-nowWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/eKtl1zGCGIEShop GC-MS tested essential oils: https://www.aromatics.com

    Linalyl Acetate: Let the Body Unwind (Blend by Chemistry, Week 3)
  8. Jul 22

    d-Limonene: Uplift, Brighten, and Support (Blend by Chemistry, Week 2)

    This episode dives into the chemistry of d-limonene, a key component in citrus oils like Grapefruit and Sweet Orange, and even in Palo Santo. We explore how these oils can uplift your mood and brighten a room, while also discussing important safety tips for sun exposure. Learn how to create vibrant and balanced blends with these insights. In this episode: Understand phototoxicity and safe use of citrus oils in sunlight.Explore d-limonene's role in uplifting and brightening blends.Learn practical chemistry with real-world applications.Discover the Thymely tool for personalized aromatherapy guidance.Embrace the 'less is more' principle for effective blending.Chapters:0:00 Welcome and Introductions3:24 Giveaways and Leaderboard Prizes10:12 Free Gifts for Live Attendees13:39 Deep Dive into d-Limonene21:27 Course Content and Blending Techniques28:56 Making Aromatherapy Blends46:01 Citrus Oils and Phototoxicity57:16 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview Heads-up: This class was recorded live on July 22, 2026, so the giveaways, live-attendee gifts, and order offers mentioned have ended. You can always find current deals in the Sale Bin at aromatics.com. Links:Recipes from this episode + 2,000 more in the Aromatherapy Recipes app: https://www.aromatherapy-recipes.comJoin the free Natural Living Lab: https://www.skool.com/natural-living-makeover-nowWatch the class replay: https://youtu.be/KHYw9-nBiM4

    d-Limonene: Uplift, Brighten, and Support (Blend by Chemistry, Week 2)

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About

Science-based aromatherapy you can actually use, from Certified Aromatherapists. Each episode is a recording of one of our live classes — hands-on sessions where we blend in real time, share recipes to nourish your skin, home, and spirit, and answer your questions along the way. Whether you're brand new to essential oils or deepening a practice you love, you'll come away with practical recipes and the confidence to make them your own.

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