Essential oils are classified by their "notes" or scent characteristics. This chart shows the typical classification and can be used in combining scents. This is very subjective but generally the top notes are the fastest acting and quickest to evaporate, lasting 3 - 24 hours. These are the most stimulating and uplifting oils. The middle notes are moderately volatile, lasting 2 - 3 days, and affect the metabolism, and body functions. The base notes are slower to evaporate, lasting up to one week, and are the most sedating and relaxing oils.
Top Notes: Essential oils that are classified as top notes normally evaporate very fast and typically have anti-viral properties. They tend to be light, fresh and uplifting in nature and are usually inexpensive. Top notes are highly volatile, fast acting, and give the first impression of the blend. However, they are not very long lasting.
Middle Notes: The bulk of essential oils are considered middle notes and normally give body to the blend and have a balancing effect. The aroma of middle notes are not always immediately evident and may take a couple of minutes to establish their scent. They are normally warm and soft fragrances.
Base Notes: Essential oils that are classified as base notes are normally very heavy and their fragrance is very solid. It will be present for a long time and slows down the evaporation of the other oils. These fragrances are normally intense and heady. They are normally rich and relaxing in nature and are typically the most expensive of all oils.
* Guide: A good blended oil must involve the combination of top, middle and base notes' oil.
香精油可分為高(Top),中(Middle)及低(Base)度揮發性三種。一般上,高揮發性的香精油揮發速度快,只能維持三至二十四小時;通常是屬於振奮及提昇的香精油。中揮發性的香精油揮發速度一般,可維持二至三天,這一類的香精油能加強新陳代謝、對身體的機能產生作用。低揮發性的香精油揮發速度非常緩慢,可維持一星期左右,能達到鎮靜及鬆弛的效果。
1 、高度揮發性的精油(Top)：
因揮發或蒸發速度較快，香氣較刺激，所以其功能只可維持 24 小時左右，但它卻能在最短時間內有效地發揮其功能及特性，如提升情緒及思考力，令人感到振奮。以柑橘或薄荷類的品種居多，如佛手柑、檸檬、歐薄荷、茶樹、尤加利等。
2 、中度揮發性的精油(Middle)：
揮發速度一般，香氣比較均衡，香味能維持二至三日左右，令人感到平衡和諧。以花瓣類或香草類的品種居多，如玫瑰、薰衣草、天竺葵、百里香、杜松籽、馬喬蓮等。
3 、低度揮發性的精油(Base)：
因它揮發或蒸發速度緩慢，有持續性，超過一個星期依然不散，對鬆弛神經及平靜心情最為有效，給人一種大地般沉穩的感覺，適合冥想沉思時使用。以土質類或樹脂類的品種居多，如廣藿香、岩蘭草、安息香、檀香、肉桂等，印度的修行者即偏愛使用檀香。
指南： 最好的混合必須涉及高，中與低度的組合。
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Essential oils 純香精油 |
Essential Notes 香精油的揮發性 |
Stimulating 振奮提神 |
Relaxing 鬆弛神經 |
Romantic 浪漫溫和 |
Antiseptic 消毒殺菌 |
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Basil 羅勒 |
Top/ Middle |
◇ |
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〰 〰 |
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Bergamot 佛手柑 |
Top |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Black Pepper 黑胡椒 |
Base |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Cedarwood 杉木 |
Middle |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Clary Sage 鼠尾草 |
Middle |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Cypress 絲柏 |
Top/ Middle |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Eucalyptus 尤加利樹 |
Top |
◇ |
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〰 〰 |
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Frankincense 乳香 |
Base |
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◎ |
☉ |
〰 |
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Geranium 天竺葵 |
Middle |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Ginger 薑 |
Top |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Grapefruit 葡萄柚 |
Top |
◇ |
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〰 〰 |
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Jasmine 茉莉 |
Base |
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◎ |
☉ |
〰 |
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Juniper 杜松 |
Top |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Lavender 薰衣草 |
Middle |
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◎ |
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〰 〰 |
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Lemon 檸檬 |
Top |
◇ |
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〰 〰 |
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Lemongrass 檸檬草 |
Top/ Middle |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Marjoram 業沃剌那 |
Middle |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Neroli 橙花 |
Base |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Myrrh 沒藥 |
Base |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Orange 香橙 |
Top |
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◎ |
☉ |
〰 |
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Patchouli 薄荷香水 |
Base |
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|
☉ |
〰 〰 |
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Peppermint 薄荷 |
Top/ Middle |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Petitgrain 桔葉 |
Middle |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Pine 松木 |
Middle |
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◎ |
☉ |
〰 |
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Roman Chamomile 羅馬甘菊 |
Middle |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Rose 玫瑰 |
Base |
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◎ |
☉ |
〰 |
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Rosemary 迷迭香 |
Middle |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Sandalwood 檀香木 |
Base |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Sweet Fennel 小茴香 |
Middle |
◇ |
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〰 |
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Tea Tree 茶樹 |
Top |
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〰 |
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Vetivert 香根草 |
Base |
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◎ |
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〰 |
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Ylang Ylang 依蘭 |
Base |
|
◎ |
☉ |
〰 |