Energy classifications of Essential Oils: HEAD, HEART and BASE NOTES
Essential oils can be separated into different categories according to how we intend to use them. One of the most interesting classifications for selecting the most suitable 100% pure essential oil for your needs is one based on the scent notes – the aromas that our olfactory nerves perceive over time.
Essential oils – HEAD notes
Head notes are usually known for having a light, fresh fragrance. Although initially intense, the perfume dissipates over time. Head notes therefore have a faster vibration. These include all the highly volatile citrus essential oils.
(Evaporate in around 2 hours) – Volatile, Refreshing, Stimulating – primarily citrus and conifers
Essential oils – HEART notes
Heart notes last for longer and go straight to our hearts. They represent the real character, the heart of the perfume, which develops and pleasantly wraps itself around our noses and our souls. These are usually floral fragrances, such as 100% pure essential oil of rose, jasmine and ylang-ylang, combined with other fragrances that seduce the nose and heart.
(Evaporate in around 3–4 hours) – Harmonising, Develop their bouquet slowly – primarily essential oils from spices or flowers and flowering herbs
Essential oils – BASE notes
The perfume’s warmth and depth come from its base notes. They bring a sense of long-lasting pleasure. Most of these essential oils have a stabilising effect on our mental state and cleanse the air, like the trees in the forest. These essential oils include those derived from the wood, resin and roots of plants.
(Evaporate in around 5–8 hours) – Much less volatile – Harmonising and Calming – primarily derived from bark, roots and resin
Essential oils – Head-Heart notes
(Evaporate in around 2–3 hours)
Stimulating, Emotional, Calming
Essential oils – Heart-Base notes
(Evaporate in around 4–5 hours)
Harmonising – Strengthening