Essential oils (EOs) are concentrated plant extracts used in aromatherapy for various wellness applications. Many companies create proprietary mixtures, often given names that reflect their intended purpose. The name “Balance” is frequently used for blends marketed specifically to promote emotional stability and a sense of grounding.
Defining the Balance Blend Ingredients
Commercial “Balance” blends feature a combination of woodsy and resinous oils, often including spruce, frankincense, and ho wood. Spruce and ho wood contribute deep, earthy, and sometimes slightly camphorous notes, which aromatherapy traditions associate with connection to the earth and stability.
Frankincense, derived from the resin of Boswellia trees, adds a rich, warm, and slightly sweet undertone to the mixture. Some blends may also incorporate small amounts of blue tansy or German chamomile, recognized by their deep blue color due to the presence of chamazulene. These floral components help to round out the blend, often contributing a slightly herbaceous or sweet note alongside the dominant woody aromas.
Primary Uses for Emotional Grounding
The primary function of “Balance” blends is to support a feeling of emotional anchoring in moments of stress or overwhelm. The combination of earthy and resinous aromas is traditionally used in aromatherapy to foster a subjective sense of tranquility. Users often seek out these blends when they feel scattered or mentally agitated, hoping to re-establish a sense of composure.
The aromatic profile is thought to work through the olfactory system, influencing the limbic system which governs emotions and memory. Inhaling the blend is intended to provide a quick aromatic cue that signals the body to relax. Many individuals report using the blend during practices like meditation, yoga, or before bedtime to transition into a calmer state.
The individual components like frankincense have been researched for their potential to promote feelings of calm. The consistent aroma provides a reliable focal point, helping to interrupt cycles of anxious thought and encouraging a more present state of mind.
Safe Application Methods and Precautions
The two most common methods are aromatic and topical use. Aromatic application involves diffusing the oil into the air using an electronic diffuser, which allows the volatile compounds to be inhaled.
Diffusion should occur in well-ventilated spaces and for short durations, such as 15 to 30 minutes at a time. This method is effective for creating a calming atmosphere in a whole room. Topical application involves mixing the concentrated essential oil with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to the skin.
Proper dilution is necessary to prevent skin irritation or sensitization, especially with potent oils. A general safe dilution rate for adults is between 1% and 2%, meaning one to two drops of the essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Before applying a blend widely, a small patch test on the inner forearm is recommended to check for adverse reactions.
Essential oils should never be ingested unless under the direct guidance of a trained professional, as they are highly concentrated and can be toxic. Certain populations require extra caution; this includes young children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Oils can also be harmful to pets, particularly cats, so diffusion should be used with extreme care in homes with animals.