Hello natural beauties! Following on from the last post about Sal Battaglia’s AROMATREE book, I’d like to share 2 other lovely experiences from that day in Sydney: Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing) and the very powerful yakusugi oil.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, was created in Japan in the 1980’s as a way to invite people into the beautiful forests to simply experience the serenity, power and positive energy they provide. This was spearheaded by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency to help people destress. He had himself been inspired by 17th century haiku poets, and the notion was to simply commune with nature. Not walking or running, not listening to a podcast, just being in the beauty of nature.
In this little guidebook we are invited to dip our hands and fingers in a stream, feel the trunk of an ancient tree, smell the fragrances of the forest and use all our senses to drink in the delights ofnature.
The benefits include, reduced muscle tension and stress in general, improved cognitive function and help with anxiety and other emotional disorders. I walk in the Australian bush all the time and I know it makes me happyas I get a kick from the beautiful eucalyptus oil and smells of the bush.The phytoncides (including essential oils) from trees and shrubs give us the immense connection to the divine while having our entire physical and emotional senses enlivened.
Of course I bought the little collection of Japanese oils and have bathed with them many times. Not only that, I also received a free gift …
And now to the very interesting and extremely limited edition of Yakusugi essential oil which would have already sold out by now.When I realised this oil was in short supply I did buy it and then opened it straight away. I said to the lady sitting next to me that I thought it had a moist fungal-like scent to it. Since then I also get a slight hint of Palo Santo.
Sal describes the scent:“a delicate, woody note with a sweet-resiny woody undertone”, and recommends the oil could be used as an enhancement to spirituality, and a stress reliever. The oil is high in sesquiterpenes but has had little research into its qualities. So if you get a chance to experience the oil, just enjoy!
This oil is also called Japanese cedar, and hails from the island of Yakushima. The oil is steam distilled from ancient fallen trees (deadwood) from Cryptomeria japonica, by a local producer. If you’re interested in this oil I’d sign up to the Perfect Potion email list in the exciting event that Sal is able to buy more of this precious oil.
I feel very fortunate to have this subtle yet powerful oil in my collection.
Hello natural beauties! Its been a while since we’ve seen each other but I am helping my elderly parents navigate their 90’s! I managed to escape the other day to a wonderful masterclass and an introduction to his new book, Aromatree, by the wonderful Sal Battaglia of Perfect Potion.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
It’s not often I actually attend a specific aromatherapy workshop, and couldn’t even tell you the last time I did. I managed to see this event one night and thought “yep”, I’ll do that”. As I arrived at the Swissotel in Sydney I was surprised to see over 100 bubbly excited people jostling for good spots in the lecture room, was given information by lovely Perfect Potion staff, and took a seat. I have never heard Sal speak or present, and as the day wore on I realised I was in the minority.
The gorgeous AROMATREE book with illustration (and original painting) by Japanese artist
My neighbours to my left and right, gave each other knowing looks as Sal burst onto centre stage.
He’s wonderful isn’t he?
“I love his infectious enthusiasm.”
“He’s so knowledgeable.”
“I do all his masterclasses.”
And so it continues all day,, as I too get caught in the wave of his gentility, enthusiasm and brilliance. Where have I been the past 25 years? I suppose just working, and writing.
Aromatree, the book has been in the making for 30 years as Sal has gathered information and created hypotheses about essential oils and how they fall into categories:
roots and rhizomes
wood
resin
fruit
seeds
leaves
flowers
Sal looks at the oils in each category and invites us to experience the oil first, before we try and make judgements about what we think it should do. However the oils within the categories have some common properties.
Sal’s amazing text book – the original which I’ve had for 20 years and the 3rd Edition which is the latest
In each section we are taken on a journey: what oils belong to the section, what are the plant families and aromas, the botany, chemistry and symbolism, the properties of the oils in each category and how they work with our body and mind. There’s so much more but you get the drift. At the end of the book there are some more technical terms explained with loads of great references too.
It really is a gorgeous book, easy to read with lots of colourful illustrations. The cover artwork was created as a beautiful original painting by Japanese artist Tomoko Ichikawa. I highly recommend AROMATREE by Salvatore Battaglia, the true Svengali of aromatherapy.
Me and Sal with the colourful Aromatree book, personally signed by Sal with an inspirational message
Hello natural beauties! Are you an aromatherapist at heart? Do you love making lotions and potions? Would you like great tips and knowledge from over 50 international essential oil experts? Woo hoo! This summit is for you! I’ll be speaking on November 19th.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
“Unleash your inner aromatherapist with two whole weeks of free essential oil masterclasses. Learn from therapists, distillers, scientists, essential oil researchers, naturopaths, quality, product formulation, perfumery and environmental and sustainability experts.”
Over 50 audio visual recordings delivered into your inbox from Nov 19th – Dec 2nd 2018. But they’re only available for one week each.
You will have the option to buy the early bird special which will save you 300 USD! If you are an essential oil enthusiast I highly recommend this option as you’ll have a whole year to download to recordings and accompanying notes.
Sign up now to find out more how to get the FREE advice you’ve been looking for to learn new skills and become your own therapist!
The summit is due to start on November 19th and the early bird discount will soon disappear. This fantastic online summit will appeal to all essential oil enthusiasts. Whether you are a dabbler or a seasoned pro I highly recommend you sign up for a full years access so you can listen to all the wonderful talks at your leisure. This summit has a few Australian speakers, and I’m happy to introduce more of them here today …
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
GREG TREVENA Australian essential oil specialist (and grower)
Greg Trevena’s journey with Australian essential oils, started back in 1990 when the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) television channel aired a documentary series called the ‘Bush Tucker Man’. This television series featured a retired Australian soldier who through the shared knowledge of Australian aboriginal people told European Australians about wild Australian plants people could use to survive in the remote and isolated ‘Australian Outback’.
So commenced a journey where Greg learned all he could about Australian native plants and their useful potential.
He started ‘Rainforest Foods’ in 1998, which then introduced him to Lemon Myrtle essential oil (now an approved essential oil in food flavoring). Greg started ‘Refreshed Lemon Myrtle’ in 2000, this brand became established in Australia and then in the USA. Greg sold both brands by late 2009. In 2012 he started ‘Essentially Australia’ a company which has developed the largest range of Australian essential oils in the world.
The most important part of this business, however, is the new Australian essential oil-bearing plants he has rediscovered and which he grows in his own plantation, just out of Byron Bay, an iconic coastal tourist town, which happens to be Australia’s most easterly point.
DEBY ATTERBY Aromatic Medicine Clinician, Clinical Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Iridologist, Remedial Massage Therapist, Beauty Therapist and Lecturer
In 2002 Deby founded the Aromatic Aromathology Therapies business (AAT) with the express view of providing a forum for Aromatherapists, passionate about their profession and designed to give the opportunity for Aromatherapists on the Gold Coast and in the Northern Rivers district to attend designer workshops in order to maintain their CPE levels in the industry.
Deby is also the owner, editor, and publisher of the Aromatherapy Today International Journal. The journal is distributed worldwide 3 times a year in which she edits/researches and writes/publishes articles on aromatherapy and other aromatic modalities. In each journal, Deby prepares an in-depth profile on an Essential Oil.
During the Aromatica 2017 conference, she launched her new book, HEALTH, Vitality, and Wellbeing – Aromatic Detox & Elimination, now in its second edition. As a result of this publication, she travels interstate and abroad delivering workshops relative to the subjects in her book.
Deby is the Director and Principal of the Aminya Natural Therapies Academy. Her College was the first in Australia to submit and have Government approved, the Advanced Diploma of Aromatic Medicine.
KIM MORRISON Aromatherapist, Holistic Therapist, Founder of Twenty8 Essentials
Kim Morrison set a world record as the youngest female to run 100miles in less than 24 hours. Cliff Young was her mentor throughout and still to this day lives by his ethos that success is 90% mental and 10% physical. She has used her running story as a direct metaphor for life – riding the highs, hitting the walls, pushing through the pain barriers, crossing the line and never, ever giving up! She believes combining your inner power and passion, applying your commitment and having truckloads of self-belief is what distinguishes you as an achiever. It’s about visualizing your dream and going for it – regardless of the feedback you receive or the challenges you face.
As a 5 times best-selling author, aromatherapist of nearly three decades, founder of Twenty8 Essentials, podcast show co-host on Up For A Chat, and a multi-tasking mum and wife, Kim shares the essential tools for self-care, discipline, leadership and teamwork and most of all the art of self-love.
ROBBI ZECK Author, Naturopath, Kinesiologist, Counsellor and Trainer
A naturopath for 38 years and with a background in aromatherapy, kinesiology, and counseling, Robbi is the founder/creator of Aromatic Kinesiology® and author of The Blossoming Heart-Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. The Blossoming Heart card deck has recently been published as a companion to this beautiful book.
Robbi’s pioneering work on the psychological benefits of essential oils, using metaphor and the power of smell to integrate emotional experiences is powerfully represented in her beautiful series of workshops.
Established in 1992 Aromatic Kinesiology offers a unique training perspective, exploring aromatherapy from an emotional perspective while focusing on the development of beliefs, skills and emotional openness that lead to a successful, loving and joyful life.
Aromatic Kinesiology® has grown to be nationally and internationally recognized for its emphasis on gentle yet powerful heart-work and personal development. In combining kinesiology and aromatherapy with an inspirational teaching style, this beautiful work has assisted many to step into their dreams and live a life purposefully on track.
atural organic extension of the work Robbi loves was the creation of Aroma Tours with her husband Jim Llewellyn in 1994. Their boutique tour company escorts people to beautiful places where perfumery, aromatic plants, essential oils, wonderful wines, glorious cuisine, fascinating history, and culture can be experienced in exquisite locations. Since its inception, they have shared their journeys with people from all walks of life, from over 30 countries.
As the time for launch comes closer, and the early bird discount will soon disappear, this fantastic online summit will appeal to all essential oil enthusiasts. Whether you are a dabbler or a seasoned pro I highly recommend you sign up for a full years access so you can listen to all the wonderful talks at your leisure. This summit has a few Australian speakers, and I’m happy to introduce them here today …
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
NATALIE MILLER Clinical aromatherapist, Educator and Consultant
Natalie’s aromatic journey began many years ago. During her mid 20’s she’d become interested in holistic healing when she fell into a pit of depression. She looked at aromatherapy, crystals, and meditation, but never took them seriously. Instead, she focussed on her career as an educator, gaining a Bachelor of Education and Training, and a Graduate Diploma of Education. In her early 40’s, after falling into another depression pit, she came across two books which changed her view of the world – “You Sexy Mother” (by Jodie Hedley-Ward) and “Like Chocolate for Women” (by Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan).
Inspired by these books, Natalie decided to write a “Living Life List” aka a bucket list. One of the many things on the list was to learn aromatherapy. Armed with this inspiration, she enrolled in a two-year Diploma of Aromatherapy course (nothing like jumping in the deep end). At the successful completion of her course, she started her business, combining her past experiences in the adult education, training and coaching arena with her aromatherapy knowledge. Aromatic Insights was born.
SALVATORE BATTAGLIA Aromatherapy Educator, Author, Herbalist
Salvatore Battaglia has been passionate about natural therapies for most of his life. He holds qualifications in natural therapies, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Salvatore’s dedication to aromatherapy has seen him hold positions in professional associations within Australia and government committees to ensure that the educational standards of professional aromatherapy are maintained and improved. Salvatore has been teaching aromatherapy since 1988. He is the author of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy which was first published in 1994. This book is an internationally acclaimed textbook for the study of aromatherapy and has been translated into Japanese and Korean.
In 2018, Salvatore completed the third edition of the book. In 2016 he was made an Honorary member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) for long-standing commitment to aromatherapy. He is the founder and co-owner of Perfect Potion whose purpose is to naturally enhance people’s lives. He shares his passion and love of the world, natural therapies and aromatherapy with his wife, Carolyn Stubbin and his beagle, Charlie.
MARK WEBB BSc., Author, Educator, Aromatic Medicine Practitioner, Formulations Chemist, Reiki Master
Mark Webb has a Bachelor’s degree in Science majoring in Biochemistry, Plant Physiology & IT followed up with Diplomas in Massage (Remedial, Lymphatic), Aromatherapy and additional studies in Aromatic and Herbal Medicine.
He is the author of “Bush Sense – Australian Essential Oils & Aromatic Compounds” and is extremely passionate about the aromatic plants of his home – Australia – and how they can be better used within the Aromatic Therapies space. The long awaited 2nd edition of “Bush Sense” will be released in the first quarter of 2019. He’s worked in the biotech industry conducting research and development using aromatics to formulate dose forms and applications for clinical trials for some fairly serious conditions & diseases, including Avian Influenza and Dengue Fever.
Mark is a formulation and cosmetic chemist who consults internationally across a wide variety of industries including aromatics (terpenes, EOs, CO2s), the newly emerging Hemp and Cannabis industries (Endocannabinoids), cosmetics & personal care, food & beverage, nutraceuticals & pharmaceuticals.
He’s a passionate educator to thousands of students internationally over the past two decades of many topics including all aspects of the aromatic world including – aromatic chemistry & pharmacology, toxicology, internal & external dose forms & application methods, Australian aromatics, aromatic prescribing techniques, the aromatic toolkit or “materia medica” and CO2 Extracts.
He can be contacted for further information on aromatic sourcing, education opportunities, new product formulation, and development or for a personal consultation at – mark@aromamedix.com.
Suzanne is a botanical perfumer from Australia and author of “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. She has been a qualified Aromatherapist for over 20 years and continues to write her blog “suzannerbanks.blog”, and sometimes even has time to post a video on Youtube too. During her time working with natural essential oils and extracts, Suzanne has had a wide variety of scented experiences: producing aromatic experiences for major Sydney events, corporate events and retreats including an intensive week meditation retreat with Deepak Chopra – “Seduction of Spirit”.
All this has culminated in her unique botanical perfumes, which are a reflection of Suzanne’s love for the divine scents of nature. Suzanne believes we need to simplify our life and reduce the amount of artificial chemicals in our environment. And what a better way to start than to use all natural botanical perfumes? She continues to practice relaxing, healing Aromatherapy treatments and has had the honour to treat a long list of clients including Kylie Minogue, Louise L. Hay, and Doreen Virtue.
Hello dear natural beauties! I hope you’re well and happy and enjoying life. I’m very excited to tell you about a lecture series all about essential oils and aromatherapy. It’s called “Beyond the Essential Oil Recipe” Summit. Read on to find out how you can listen to over 50 specialists in the industry talk about everything to do with essential oils from chemistry to soap making and so much more.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
This exciting summit on essential oils brings experts together from all over the world to talk about their field of expertise in aromatherapy. There will be some very technical lectures right through to very relaxed chats. I guarantee you will get so much out of this series. I’d love to do a little piece on everyone but there are over 50 speakers!
The summit is free for one week but if you get in now for the early bird discount you will save 300 USD. Right now it’s 197 USD and it will increase to 497 USD when the summit starts. This gives you access to the talks for one year plus lots of free things too! Click this link to register.
I talk about perfume and aromatherapy while in Bali
What you can expect to hear during the summit:
Clear concise advice from industry leaders about how they treat people (and animals!) using essential oils.
Ways to take your healing deeper and make it more dynamic
Methods of integrating other philosophies and healing modalities to super charge essential oil practice
How to avoid costly mistakes when purchasing essential oils and formulating products
How the experts integrate essential oils into their every day lives
How body-mind medicine treats physical dis-ease and how we can tap into that learning to speed healing and make it more efficient
Me in Bali preparing for my talk with Elizabeth
When the summit starts you will get an email each night giving you access to 4 or 5 talks. You have access for one week only, so I really encourage you to get in now and take advantage of the early bird offer. I’ve registered and paid because I know how long it will take me to get through all the talks! Each talk also comes with a PDF to download which will give you extra info and contact info for each person too.
Hello natural beauties! I know you love natural scents and the world of plants, but do you know an Aromatherapist who may be interested in sharing their story? Are you an Aromatherapist who would love to participate in keeping the essential oil world alive?
“Interview with an Aromatherapist” was an idea I had years ago and have never had the time to sit down and write the questions. I’ve just been blabbing about my own experiences with aromatherapy and natural perfumery, but I need more interesting people sharing their passion!
In a nutshell:
– a few pics – definitely one of you and then a couple of others in and or around your natural environment. This could be a pic of the flowers in your vase, your dog or kids, your favourite cafe or tree.
– answer the questions
– send it back to me hello@suzannerbanks.com.au
The Specifics:
Submit Your Article Checklist
1. Attach the pics as a file with a name eg me, the park, my dog
2. Answer the questions in the body of an email.
3. Include links to your business web site, facebook page, twitter, and instagram if you like
4. Send to hello@suzannerbanks.com.au with the Subject “Interview with an Aromatherapist”
I will let you know when it is being published so you can share it with your friends, followers and social media sites.
NB
I will edit and compile the article. This may mean omitting a photo that you have sent and/or editing out words or phrases if necessary.
frangipani, Sydney
The Questions – Keep Your Answers Brief Please
Who are you?
What’s your business name?
Where are you located?
What is your first scent memory?
What made you study aromatherapy?
What is your most prominent aspect of being an Aromatherapist ? eg do you do massage, make products, teach? Maybe you don’t practice at all? Do you just use aromatherapy in your everyday life?
Give 3 words to describe essential oils.
What is your favourite botanical ingredient (right now)?
Give 3 words in advice to a newcomer using essential oils.
cinnamon – my own pic
Thanks I look forward to sharing your gifts with the world.
What is your first scent memory? Mum’s Christmas pudding mix and fresh cut grass
What is your favourite botanical ingredient (right now)? Tiare absolute
A gorgeous botanical logo
How do you hope your fragrances will make your customers feel?
To feel beautiful, connected to self and like they can conquer challenges!
Why are botanical ingredients more luxurious than synthetics?
I have worked with botanicals for so long now, for me they capture the essence of ones soul, they are complex and a beautiful scent within themselves.
What is your “go-to” scent in nature to make you smile?
I don’t have one, I have many…I love heady floral scents with spice! Jasmine for its divine feminine essence.
How do you apply fragrance?
Using a spray I like to spray it above me and let it fall over me, on my heart area and back of neck. Anointing perfume on my heart, throat and shoulders.
Julie’s lovely work desk
How is your business (and your perfumes) different?
I am essentially and educator and natural health and wellbeing consultant, using the power of perfume to strengthen the mindset, improve moods and emotions. My focus is signature perfumes which means that a client’s perfume is the essence of their being – in a bottle. It is their personality, their intentions and desires wrapped up in one.
What is your favourite scent to gift to your friends?
I create signature perfumes for them, nothing can compare! I love to give a perfume from one of my collections when I feel that is what they may need at that time
What is an unusual way you scent your home?
I’m not sure about unusual but I use room sprays, fragrant flowers and beautiful Japanese incense.
What inspired you to work with natural botanicals? (WILD QUESTION)
Having my beautiful daughter who was born with two life threatening conditions, she was my driving force in discovering the power of essential oils and botanical extracts and how they can support us on all levels emotionally, psychologically and physiologically.
This is a story of scent, romance, sharing, hope, trust, self empowerment and support, featuring Julie Nelson, an Australian Aromatherapist. This is a story of dreams, stunning visuals, essential oil perfume recipes and scented style. Think water coloured, botanical bliss.
I first met Julie about 15 years ago at one of the colleges she was lecturing at in Sydney. I was in awe of her, as I’d dreamed of being able to teach aromatherapy on a professional level. Fast forward to 2014 and we were reconnected through social media and my friend Portia Turbo of Australian Perfume Junkies.
Julie’s exquisite perfumes are not only a delight to encounter, her romantic style and high fashion styling have been a joint production with her photographer daughter. This is such a beautiful story when you read where Julie’s love of essential oils and Aromatherapy started:
“Having my beautiful daughter was an amazing and life changing gift. She was born with a life threatening illness and at 6 months young was diagnosed with a 2nd life threatening condition. Her precious life and challenges were the driving force behind me discovering the healing power of aromatherapy and beautifully perfumed essential oils. They have played an enormous role in supporting us emotionally, psychologically and physically.”
Julie Nelson
Julie’s daughter is the photographer, with her childhood friend as the make-up artist and stylist on all the photo shoots for Julie’s e-zines, images for her website and social media sites, and the upcoming “My Aromatic Journal”.
Julie’s “My Aromatic Journal”
Julie’s successful company Aromatique, has been established for many years offering amazing natural, botanical perfumes and skincare. She is now on a new venture to crowd fund her “My Aromatic Journal” with Kickstart.
Julie’s “My Aromatic Journal” will help you:
• Discover why you should use the power of scent in your daily life
• Use the beautiful perfume recipes shared in this journal to enhance your emotions and feelings in a helpful and positive way
• Write down your emotions, thoughts, feelings and physical responses to any particular scent to draw on for future use
• Connect with the essence of your being through the power of divine scents. This beautiful journal has been created with my highest of intentions, infused with passion and love to support and help you to discover the power of scent and connect and ground with your true self.
Julie’s gift to a friend
Can you help Julie spread the word of the power of essential oils?
Please click on this link: “My Aromatic Journal” to give as little as $2 or as much as you like. There are great gifts for each level of donation, and the buzz you’ll get from helping someone reach their goal is free.
suzannerbanks 