The experts’ favorite aromatherapy recipes
The founders of Aromatics have been creating aromatherapy recipes for decades!
Andrea, Cindy, and Karen have over 30 years of experience between them. They’ve made every type of recipe we can think of—including essential oil blends for massage oils, stress reduction diffuser blends, sore muscles, relaxing lotions, and even more recipes for soothing irritated skin, restoring skin after sun damage, supporting healthy breathing . . . and that’s the short list!
Here are 8 of their favorite DIY aromatherapy recipes. These recipes have stood the test of time as top must-haves for these master craftswomen.
Andrea Butje
Andrea Butje was the driving force behind Aromatics International’s founding. She had already created a successful aromatherapy business—the renowned school Aromahead Institute—hand-in-hand with Cindy Black.
When she couldn’t find pure essential oils for her students, she decided to source them herself. Aromatics International was born!
Andrea insists on her DIY aromatherapy recipes being pure, simple to make and use, and (most importantly) effective. Here are her three favorite essential oil recipes!
1. After Sun Butter
Restore your skin after too much sun with this luxurious DIY butter. Lavender essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, neroli essential oil, and coconut oil (and other nourishing carriers) come together to help skin repair itself naturally.
“I love being in nature and in the sun! This butter keeps my skin soft and healthy."
- Andrea Butje
2. Bathroom Grout Scrub
Store-bought grout scrubs are often made with harsh chemicals. This all-natural DIY version is just as effective, using strong essential oils like tea tree essential oil—without exposing you and your family to potential toxins!
“What can I say? This scrub smells great . . . and really works!”
- Andrea Butje
3. Eucalyptus Steam Blend Recipe
Protect your health when cold season sets in! Combine 3 essential oils for clear breathing, then add a drop to a bowl of hot, steamy water. Breathe in the nourishing steam and reap the benefits.
"I steam regularly. This blend clears my head and opens my breath, leaving me feeling healthy."
- Andrea Butje
Cindy Black
Cindy Black worked side by side with Andrea Butje to found both Aromahead Institute (the school of essential oil studies), and Aromatics International.
A backbone of Aromatics, Cindy’s vast experience in massage, anatomy & physiology, and essential oil chemistry makes her a trustworthy authority on effective aromatherapy products and essential oil recipes.
Notice anything about Cindy’s first favorite recipe? It’s the same as Andrea’s! After Sun Butter is a beloved classic here at Aromatics—one our founders, staff, and fans return to season after season.
4. After Sun Butter
Restore your skin after too much sun with this luxurious DIY butter. It’s made with nourishing carriers and a trio of essential oils that help skin repair itself naturally.
“I can get too much sun quickly, so this blend is a constant for me. My skin loves it!”
- Cindy Black
5. Arnica Salve
Care for tender, damaged areas with the power of arnica carrier oil! This DIY salve soothes minor issues like bumps and sore muscles, while supporting your body’s repair process. It also uses lavender essential oil, so it has a gorgeous, relaxing scent.
“This puts the fun back into a long day in the garden. No more achy muscles!”
- Cindy Black
6. Abrasive Scrub
Scrub your kitchen and bathroom clean with this all-natural abrasive scrub recipe. Baking soda, Castile soap, and vinegar provide scrubbing power, while the mix of lemon essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and white pine essential oil reduces microbes and smells wonderful.
“I cannot tolerate chemical cleaners. This recipe is amazing! It cleans the ick off of pots and pans, and supports my health and happiness in the process.”
- Cindy Black
Karen Williams
During her career in healthcare as a registered nurse, Karen wanted more natural ways to support her patients. She decided to learn to use essential oils based on science.
It wasn’t long before she realized aromatherapy was her life’s purpose! Karen met Andrea and Cindy while studying at Aromahead Institute. Today, she’s our president and product sourcer, finding the purest, most sustainable aromatherapy products in the world.
Karen is also our lead aromatherapist. She’s the author of hundreds of essentila oil recipes in our vast library, and brings her understanding of healthcare and essential oil science to each and every one.
7. Lavender Linen Spray
Made with Karen’s favorite lavender artisan hydrosol, this DIY spray freshens your linens with a relaxing, floral aroma. Try it as a room spray, too!
“This sweet, floral linen spray is so amazing! It freshens and purifies the entire area.”
- Karen Williams
8. Autumn Spice Diffuser Blend
Cozy up with this warm, spicy essential oil diffuser blend! The blend of spice oils like ginger essential oil combines with a hint of sweetness and twist of citrus that’s perfect for cool weather.
“All of my favorite spice essential oils warming up my home! I can’t resist this one!”
- Karen Williams
9. Rejuvenating Skin Tonic Recipe
Restore a supple, glowing texture to mature skin with this DIY blend of antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil and skin-nourishing essential oils. Rub in even a small amount to make your body feel fresh and smell great.
“This skin-supportive blend is full of beautiful, aromatic oils. It smells amazing and rejuvenates the skin.”
- Karen Williams
Our founders’ favorite products!
These aromatherapy recipes include some of our founders’ favorite aromatherapy products, like raspberry seed oil, lavender artisan hydrosol, cedarwood essential oil, and sweet orange essential oil.
Check out the full collection of Andrea, Cindy, and Karen’s must-haves . . . and find new favorites of your own!
