CHAPTER 3

Blending by Botanical Family

Now that you know the basics of mixing, let’s begin our exploration into how to choose oils that go together. Most books, including this one, provide lists of intentions and powers along with their corresponding essential oils. However, just because oils are listed together does not mean that they will necessarily mix and smell good together. This is where understanding the fundamental methods of selection and blending can be enormously helpful to avoid hit-or-miss experimentation.

Similarity and compatibility in chemical makeup accounts for oils blending well. As mentioned in the previous chapter, the maturing process of a blend involves the breaking up of some molecules and re-forming of new ones. When this works in harmony, it’s called a synergy. However, chemical compounds can also inhibit each other, which is why some basic knowledge can go a long way.

Blending according to botanical family is an approach used in food preparation for combining herbs or spices that create well-rounded flavors. A simple example of this is the combination of the popular pizza herbs basil, oregano, and thyme, which are all from the Lamiaceae (mint) family. This approach works for fragrances, too, and it is the first one we will explore.

Botanical Families and Names

Botanical families are based on the physiological characteristics of a plant’s development and structure. Originally plants were classified into simple intuitive categories. Later, classifications were based on scientific study, but for several centuries plants were named by different botanists without a logical standard. That began to change when Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, also known as Carl von Linné (1707–1778), developed a system that became the foundation for the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Over time, as new knowledge about plants emerged, their names were changed to reflect the new data. This is one reason why we find synonyms in botanical names, as the antiquated ones were kept to aid in identification. Another reason is scientific disagreement.

In addition to changes due to updated information, the logical rules for naming plants is periodically revised. For example, the ending “aceae” was added to family names, with a few exceptions, to distinguish them from orders, classes, and other levels within the naming structure. And if you’ve wondered why these names are in Latin, it’s because during Linnaeus’s time, Latin was a common language that people doing this work could share.

Table 3.1 The Basic Hierarchy of Plants

Kingdom

Phylum/Division

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

While Table 3.1 illustrates the basic seven-level hierarchy of plant classification, the full modern taxonomy has at least 16 levels, which include superdivisions and superorders, subclasses and subfamilies, and more. For simplicity, we will deal mostly with family, genus, and species for identifying oils. It is important to know a plant’s scientific name because of the confusion, overlap, and regional use of common names. Of course, the Latin names can be confusing, too, but if we break down the information, we can demystify and understand them.

The two-word plant names that we find at garden centers and in books are the genus and species of the plant. As you can see from Table 3.1, these are classifications within botanical families. The first of the two words is the genus name, which is a proper noun and always capitalized. The genus for yarrow is Achillea in honor of the Greek hero Achilles. The second word is the species, and it is an adjective that provides a little description about the plant. For example, in a type of yarrow, Achillea millefolium, the word millefolium indicates a leaf of many parts (mille meaning thousands and folium foliage). Also, an “x” in a name indicates that the plant is a hybrid—as in, for example, Achillea x taygetea.

Occasionally you may see a third word in a name preceded with “var,” indicating that it is a variety of that species. For example, Achillea millefolium var pacifica is a variety that grows on the northwestern coast of North America. Sometimes a variety is called a subspecies; however, this term is often regarded as a gray area. In addition, you may see a third word written in single quotes, such as Achillea millefolium “Red Beauty,” which indicates that it is a cultivar created in the garden and not found in the wild. The more modern cultivar names are written in English instead of Latin. Following the two- or three-word name, you may also see a letter or sometimes a person’s last name, which identifies the individual who named the plant. For example, an L following a plant name means that the plant name was bestowed by Linneaus himself.

As previously mentioned, folk names for plants can often generate a lot of confusion. For this reason, it is important to check the Latin (genus and species) names when purchasing essential oils. This way you will be sure of getting the right oil and working with the correct botanical family. In addition, it’s a good idea to label your bottles of essential oils with their respective family names. Over time, as you accumulate more oils, this will make it easier when you gather them for blending.

As the name implies with the botanical family method, choose all of your oils to make a blend from one family. Table 3.2 is a listing by botanical family of the essential oils covered in this book. Although we are going to explore only a few of these families, this listing provides an overview of how some of the oils are related to each other. Although I stress the need to check and become familiar with botanical names, especially when purchasing oils, I have used the plants’ most widely used common names in the lists and tables throughout this book to make it easier to use. The oils are listed by these common names in the profiles of Section Two, where you will also find their botanical names.

Table 3.2 Essential Oils by Botanical Family
Annonaceae	cananga, ylang-ylang
Apieceae	angelica, anise, caraway, carrot, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel (bitter & sweet), galbanum, lovage, parsley
Aristolochiaceae	snakeroot
Asteraceae	chamomile (German & Roman), helichrysum, mugwort, tagetes, tarragon, yarrow
Betulaceae	birch
Burseraceae	elemi, frankincense, myrrh, opopanax
Cistaceae	labdanum
Cupressaceae	cedarwood (Virginia), cypress, juniper
Geraniaceae	geranium
Hamamelidaceae	storax
Lamiaceae	basil, catnip, clary sage, hyssop, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), lemon balm, marjoram, oregano, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, sage (common & Spanish), savory (summer & winter), spearmint

Table 3.2 Essential Oils by Botanical Family (continued)
Lauraceae	bay, camphor, cassia, cinnamon, litsea
Magnoliaceae	star anise
Moraceae	hops
Myrtaceae	allspice, cajeput, clove, eucalyptus (blue gum & lemon), myrtle, niaouli, tea tree
Myristicaceae	nutmeg
Oleaceae	jasmine
Pinaceae	cedarwood (Atlas), fir (balsam & silver), pine, spruce
Piperaceae	pepper
Poaceae	citronella, lemongrass (East Indian & West Indian), palmarosa, vetiver
Rosaceae	rose (Damask & Maroc)
Rutaceae	amyris, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, orange (bitter & sweet), petitgrain
Santalaceae	sandalwood
Styracaceae	benzoin
Usneaceae	oakmoss
Valeriananceae	spikenard, valerian
Zingiberaceae	cardamom, galangal, ginger, turmeric

Getting Started with Botanical Family Blending

We are going to explore the botanical families that contain enough members to create various blends. These are the Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, and Rutaceae families. In addition, we will move up the botanical hierarchy to the order Pinales and look at a combination of the Cupressaceae and Pinaceae families.

When working with smaller groups of oils, as we are in this chapter, it is often not possible to select ingredients that all have a direct association with a single intention. However, you will find that it is not always necessary. Using the Apiaceae (parsley) family as an example, let’s say you want to create a blend to aid in dreamwork. You might choose caraway and anise oils, which are associated with dreamwork, and then add coriander, which is associated with stimulation. In this situation, coriander will stimulate your dreamwork, adding a boost to your main intention. If you are using dreamwork for divination, you could use these same three oils, as coriander and anise are also associated with divination.

Using this approach is especially helpful when working with the Myrtaceae (myrtle) family, in which many of the intentions and powers only have one associated oil. For example, if you are working toward a new job, you might consider blending these oils: tea tree for confidence, niaouli for determination, and clove for success. Using indirect associations is also instrumental with other correspondences such as the zodiac if you want to create a sabbat blend. At first this approach may seem less focused, but it can actually boost your purpose by incorporating different vibrational energies related to the primary intention. In the long run, it is your energy and intention that focuses your power and purpose. Also, working this way can help us learn how to strengthen our magical practices.

In addition to learning about the particular physical distinctions of each family, the following sections provide details on which members within a family blend particularly well together. This is provided to help you get started with selecting oils but should not inhibit you from other combinations.

Once you have made your decision and purchased the oils, set up your workspace and follow the steps for mixing and assessing blends as outlined in chapter 2. As with all the methods that follow in this book, it is the selection process that varies. The actual blending and assessing procedures remain the same.

The Apieceae Family

Before plant names were standardized, this family was known as Umbelliferae and informally as the parsley or carrot family. As you can see, many familiar vegetables, herbs, and spices are members of this family. The physical commonality of plants in this family are the canal-like spaces where essential oil is stored. The most important powers that these plants share are cycles and renewal. Of the oils covered in this book, the plants in this family include angelica, anise, caraway, carrot, celery, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, galbanum, lovage, and parsley. While these oils blend nicely with each other, there are some that work particularly well together:

angelica: coriander

anise: caraway, coriander, dill, fennel

caraway: anise, carrot, coriander, dill

carrot: caraway, coriander, cumin

celery: coriander, lovage

coriander: angelica, anise, caraway, carrot, celery, dill, parsley

cumin: carrot, dill, galbanum, parsley

dill: anise, caraway, coriander, cumin

fennel: anise, parsley

galbanum: cumin, lovage

lovage: celery, galbanum

parsley: coriander, cumin, fennel

The Asteraceae Family

In the past this botanical family was called Compositae, and informally it is known as the aster or sunflower family. This is the second-largest family of flowering plants, with members dispersed all over the world and in widely diverse regions. Members of the Asteraceae family are characterized by aster or daisy-like flower heads that are comprised of many tiny florets, giving the appearance of a single flower. This gives these plants the power of attraction. The family members included in this book are the chamomiles, helichrysum, mugwort, tagetes, tarragon, and yarrow. While these oils blend nicely with each other, chamomile tends to blend exceptionally well with all of the others.

chamomile (German): mugwort, tagetes, tarragon

chamomile (Roman): helichrysum, mugwort, tarragon, yarrow

helichrysum: chamomile (Roman)

mugwort: chamomile

tagetes: chamomile (German)

tarragon: chamomile

yarrow: chamomile (Roman)

The Lamiaceae Family

This was once called the Labiatae family and is informally known as the mint or nettle family. Lamiaceae has the highest number of aromatic plants. Their distinguishing physical characteristics include squarish, four-sided stems, and irregular-shaped, two-lipped flowers. These plants love warm places and all have some known healing application. The important powers attributed to this family are the ability to deal with change and to increase vitality.

Of the oils covered in this book, the plants in this family include basil, catnip, clary sage, hyssop, lavandin, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, peppermint, spearmint, oregano, patchouli, rosemary, sage, savory, and thyme. While the oils in this family blend nicely with each other, there are some that go together particularly well:

basil: hyssop, spearmint

catnip: peppermint

clary sage: hyssop, patchouli, sage

hyssop: basil, clary sage, lavender (true)

lavandin: sage (common), savory (summer), spearmint

lavender (true): hyssop, lemon balm, peppermint, sage (Spanish)

lavender (spike): oregano, patchouli

lemon balm: lavender (true), savory (winter), thyme

marjoram: peppermint, thyme

oregano: lavender (spike), rosemary

patchouli: clary sage, lavender (spike)

peppermint: catnip, lavender (true), marjoram

rosemary: oregano, savory

sage (common): clary sage, lavandin

sage (Spanish): clary sage, lavender (true)

savory (summer): lavandin, rosemary

savory (winter): lemon balm, rosemary

spearmint: basil, lavandin

thyme: lemon balm, marjoram

The Myrtaceae Family

Commonly known as the myrtle family, Myrtaceae does not have an older scientific name. Members of this family grow in the tropical zones of every continent. Although these plants are diverse, their common physical characteristics include hard wood and thick, evergreen leaves dotted with oil glands. In addition, these plants produce sugary fruit and/or pungent spices. The Myrtaceae family is comprised of strong plants that have learned to survive and flourish under challenging conditions. As a result, their most important powers include determination and strength.

Of the oils covered in this book, the plants in this family include allspice, cajeput, clove, eucalyptus, myrtle, niaouli, and tea tree. While these oils blend nicely with each other, there are some that go together particularly well:

allspice: clove

cajeput: eucalyptus (blue gum), niaouli

clove: allspice, myrtle, tea tree

eucalyptus (blue gum): cajeput, niaouli

eucalyptus (lemon): niaouli

myrtle: clove, niaouli

niaouli: cajeput, eucalyptus, myrtle, tea tree

tea tree: clove, niaouli

The Rutaceae Family

Rutaceae is commonly known as the rue or orange/citrus family. The plants in this family grow in mild tropical regions and have compound leaves with oil cell reservoirs that appear as dots in certain light. A distinguishing characteristic is their white flowers that grow in a symmetrical star shape. These plants produce delicious, succulent fruit. The most important powers of this botanical family are confidence, strength, and well-being.

Of the oils covered in this book, the plants in this family include amyris, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, orange, and petitgrain. While these oils blend nicely with each other, there are some that go together particularly well:

amyris: petitgrain

bergamot: grapefruit, neroli, petitgrain

grapefruit: bergamot, lemon, lime

lemon: grapefruit, lime, neroli

lime: lemon, grapefruit, orange (sweet)

mandarin: neroli, orange

neroli: bergamot, lemon, mandarin, orange (sweet)

orange (bitter): mandarin

orange (sweet): lime, mandarin, neroli

petitgrain: amyris, bergamot

The Pinales Order

Going up the hierarchy of botanical nomenclature, we can use the order Pinales, which contains the Cupressaceae (cypress) and Pinaceae (pine) families, for a botanical blending group. The physical distinction for members of the Pinales order is that they are conifers, or cone-bearing plants. The most important powers of these woody trees and shrubs are growth, healing, protection, and the ability to connect with spirits, especially woodland spirits.

Of the oils covered in this book, the plants in this group from the Cupressaceae family are cedarwood (Virginia), cypress, and juniper; and from the Pinaceae family: cedarwood (Atlas), fir, pine, and spruce. Although you can’t go wrong with almost any combination of these oils, some are particularly good together:

cedarwood (Atlas): cypress, fir (balsam), juniper, spruce

cedarwood (Virginia): cypress, juniper

cypress: cedarwood, pine

fir (balsam): cedarwood (Atlas), juniper, pine

fir (silver): juniper, pine

juniper: cedarwood, fir, pine

pine: cypress, fir, juniper, spruce

spruce: cedarwood (Atlas), pine

While this chapter detailed a few botanical families, you may consider exploring a smaller one on your own if you are drawn to particular group of oils. This method is a good way to learn about the individual oils as well as their family characteristics.

Sample Blend

This recipe comes from the Lamiaceae family and contains lavender, marjoram, and rosemary. These are all associated with psychic abilities and focusing the mind as well as balance, which is helpful when engaging in this work. I have also found that this is good for clearing away negativity in general.

Psychic Purification Blend

Lavender (true): 4 drops

Rosemary: 3 drops

Marjoram: 3 drops

As you expand your collection of oils, you may find it rewarding to come back to this method, especially if members of a particular family appeal to you. Now we’re ready to move on to the more complex method of blending by scent groups, which will include all of the oils represented in this book.

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